Best Charcoal Starters of 2025

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Charcoal starters are a convenient and efficient way to ignite charcoal for grilling and barbecuing. These products are designed to make the process of starting charcoal easier and quicker than traditional methods such as using lighter fluid or newspaper. Charcoal starters come in various forms, including cubes, sticks, and electric starters. They are made from materials such as paraffin wax, sawdust, and vegetable oil. Charcoal starters are recommended for those who want to avoid the unpleasant smell and taste associated with lighter fluid and are looking for a safer and more eco-friendly option.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Charcoal Starters
Weber Rapidfire Barbecue Chimney Starter Set
The Weber Rapidfire Starter Set is the perfect companion for your barbecuing needs. This quick BBQ fire starter set includes a durable aluminised steel canister designed to hold enough charcoal for grills 47cm or larger. Its spacious, cone-shaped canister ensures your coal burns evenly, giving you a consistent heat source. With a unique two-handle design, you can easily control the direction of your burning coal, making it safe and efficient for you. Plus, you can skip the lighter fluid and enjoy an authentic BBQ flavour by simply using the included briquettes and firelighters.
Weber 7416 Rapidfire Chimney Starter for Kettle Grills
The Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter is designed for all kettle charcoal grill owners, making it easier than ever to light your briquettes. With its two handles, you can pour hot charcoal with optimal control, reducing the risk of spills or burns. The cylindrical canister holds enough charcoal to fill your kettle barbecue, ensuring you have plenty for your grilling session. Plus, the cone-shaped bottom helps briquettes ignite quickly, meaning you can start cooking sooner and enjoy those delicious meals without long waiting times.
BEAU JARDIN Charcoal Chimney Starter Basket
The BEAU JARDIN Chimney Starter is designed for easy use, requiring only some newspapers or paper to ignite your charcoal. This means no more hassle with flammable liquids. With its chimney principle, it can get your barbecue going in just 15-20 minutes, ensuring you spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your meal. Its large capacity can hold up to 4 pounds of coal, making it ideal for larger gatherings. Additionally, the durable zinc plating ensures a long life, perfect for all your outdoor cooking needs.
200 Eco-Friendly Natural Firelighters for BBQs
Ecolighters Natural Firelighters are an excellent choice for anyone looking to ignite a fire quickly and effectively. These handmade firelighters are odourless, ensuring a pleasant experience when starting your BBQ or wood burner. With eco-friendly packaging, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you're making a choice that aligns with your environmental values. Each fire lighter burns for an impressive 10-12 minutes, providing you with ample time to get your fire going without the need for kindling, making your outdoor cooking effortless.
Rammento Extra Large BBQ Chimney Starter
The Rammento BBQ Chimney Starter allows you to ignite charcoal quickly and effortlessly. Simply place your coals inside and use a newspaper or cube underneath to create a steady heat that lights the charcoal evenly. Its durable construction ensures it can withstand outdoor cooking demands, making it a reliable tool for your grilling adventures. This starter is also lightweight and portable, allowing you to easily transport it for barbecues, garden parties, or camping trips, enhancing your outdoor cooking experience.
Albert Austin Charcoal BBQ Chimney Starter
The Albert Austin BBQ Starter is an essential tool for any grilling enthusiast. This charcoal chimney starter ignites charcoal and wood chips quickly, ensuring your grill is ready in no time. It simplifies the process by eliminating the need for lighter fluid, making it safer and easier to use. With its heavy-duty galvanized steel construction, you can rely on its durability and resistance to rust. Additionally, the versatile design makes it perfect for grilling, smoking, or enjoying a fire pit while camping or at home.
ADEPTNA Heavy Duty BBQ Chimney Starter
The ADEPTNA BBQ Chimney Starter is designed for quick and efficient charcoal lighting. Its heavy-duty steel construction ensures durable performance, making it a reliable choice for your barbecuing needs. The eco-friendly design allows you to start cooking in approximately 20 minutes, eliminating the hassle of waiting. With a heat-insulated thermoplastic handle, you can safely handle the starter without the risk of burns. This product also helps you create tastier and healthier meals by removing the need for toxic fire lighters or lighter fluid.
BLOSTM Extra Large Charcoal Chimney Starter
The BLOSTM Charcoal Starter makes barbecuing effortless and enjoyable. It ignites your coals in as little as 20 minutes, allowing you to focus on other tasks while you wait. The safe double handles ensure easy pouring of charcoal, keeping your hands protected from heat. With larger vent holes, lighting is quicker, letting you spend less time fussing with the fire and more time enjoying meals with loved ones. Its versatile design works with lump wood and briquettes, eliminating the need for lighter fluid and making your grilling experience more convenient.
Q4U 1500W Slim Electric Charcoal Starter
The Q4U Electric Charcoal Starter is a practical solution for quickly igniting your charcoal. This slim device can get your coal discs glowing in just 5 to 10 minutes, making barbecue preparation swift and effortless. With a power supply of 220-240V and a British Standard 3 pin plug, it is compatible with standard sockets. Its ease of use and high-quality construction ensure that you can enjoy a hassle-free grilling experience, perfect for family gatherings or outdoor parties.
Looft Air Lighter - Electric Charcoal Starter
The Looftlighter Electric Starter is a revolutionary tool for fire enthusiasts. It uses superheated air that reaches an impressive 650°C in just 60 seconds, allowing you to ignite your charcoal or logs swiftly. This product is clean and safe, eliminating the need for flames or harmful chemicals, making your fire-starting experience worry-free. Additionally, it is all-electric, meaning you won’t have to rely on matches or lighter fluid. This eco-friendly option also helps reduce your carbon footprint, so you can enjoy your time outdoors with peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are charcoal starters worth it?
The biggest advantage to using a chimney starter is that you don't have to use the self-igniting fluid that contains hazardous and unhealthy additives. Although it might seem easier to squirt on some lighter-fluid, you don't want the residual taste of these toxins present in your meal.
2. What does a charcoal starter do?
A chimney starter or charcoal chimney is a device for igniting charcoal lumps or briquettes. It consists of a metal tube with a grate to hold charcoal.
During our charcoal starter research, we found 298 charcoal starter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 163,133 customer reviews through our big data system to write the charcoal starters list. We found that most customers choose charcoal starters with an average price of £17.26.
The charcoal starters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of charcoal starters, including Weber, BEAU JARDIN, Ecolighters, Rammento, Albert Austin.

Toby Butcher is a Horticulturist, and he earned his title as a Master Gardener in 2016. Toby has acquired a 25-year experience as a home gardener planting, designing, grooming vegetables and flowers. He is the leader of a plant group in Durham. Toby owns a blog where he publishes articles on growing and growing your flowers at home, in a vase, or in a garden.