Best Charcoal Starters of 2025

Toby Butcher Avatar
Toby Butcher
Last Updated: 2 Feb 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

Weber Rapidfire Barbecue Chimney Starter Set Cover #TOP 1
Weber Rapidfire Barbecue Chimney Starter Set
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Weber 7416 Rapidfire Chimney Starter for Kettle Grills Cover #TOP 2
Weber 7416 Rapidfire Chimney Starter for Kettle Grills
ftb score rating icon 9.8
BEAU JARDIN Charcoal Chimney Starter Basket Cover #TOP 3
BEAU JARDIN Charcoal Chimney Starter Basket
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Charcoal Starters

#TOP 1

Weber Rapidfire Barbecue Chimney Starter Set

17631
Mulitple
One Size
Weber Rapidfire Barbecue Chimney Starter Set Cover
Weber Rapidfire? Barbecue Chimney Starter Set | Aluminium BBQ Fire Starter Set | Charcoal Briquettes and Firelighters Included | Weber Barbecue Accessories (17631)

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.

What We Like
Fast BBQ preparation
Even coal burning
Two-handle control
No lighter fluid needed
#TOP 2

Weber 7416 Rapidfire Chimney Starter for Kettle Grills

7416
Metal
Weber 7416 Rapidfire Chimney Starter for Kettle Grills Cover
Weber 7416 Rapidfire Chimney Starter - Quantity 4

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.

What We Like
Easy to control pouring
Holds ample charcoal
Quick lighting feature
Ideal for kettle grills

BEAU JARDIN Charcoal Chimney Starter Basket

Fireplace
17.7 x 28cm/7x 11in
BEAU JARDIN Charcoal Chimney Starter Basket Cover
BEAU JARDIN Charcoal Chimney Starter Grill Can Barbecue BBQ Galvanized Steel Chimney Lighter Basket Outdoor Cooking Quick Rapid Fire Briquette for Grilling Camping Accessories 17.7 x 28cm/7x 11in

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.

What We Like
Easy to use with paper
Quick lighting in 15-20 minutes
Large capacity for gatherings
Durable and rust-resistant
#TOP 4

200 Eco-Friendly Natural Firelighters for BBQs

Box 200
200 Eco-Friendly Natural Firelighters for BBQs Cover
200 Natural Firelighters for Wood Burners, Fire Lighters, Firelighter for Stove, BBQ cooking, Wood Wool Fire Starters for Stoves and Wood Burner - Barbecue, Fire Pit, Pizza Oven. Large Box, 2.2KG

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.

What We Like
Handmade and odourless
Eco-friendly packaging
Long burn time
Quick and easy to use
Suitable for various fires
#TOP 5

Rammento Extra Large BBQ Chimney Starter

bf2837
Silver
Extra Large
Rammento Extra Large BBQ Chimney Starter Cover
Rammento Extra Large BBQ Chimney Starter - Fast Charcoal Burner for Grills - Durable Fire Starter Tool – BBQ Starter, Perfect for Outdoor Cooking, Garden Parties, Camping

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.

What We Like
Fast charcoal ignition
Durable and long-lasting
Portable and easy to store
Ergonomic handle for comfort
Safety guard for protection
#TOP 6

Albert Austin Charcoal BBQ Chimney Starter

MEDIUM
Albert Austin Charcoal BBQ Chimney Starter Cover
Albert Austin Charcoal BBQ Fire Starter BBQ Chimney Starter with Plastic Handles for Charcoal Barbecues Smoker Weber BBQ Grill Ideal for Camping Grilling Travelling Outdoor Barbecue (MEDIUM)

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.

What We Like
Quick ignition of charcoal
Safe, no lighter fluid needed
Durable steel construction
Versatile for various uses
Lightweight and portable
#TOP 7

ADEPTNA Heavy Duty BBQ Chimney Starter

ADEPTNA Heavy Duty BBQ Chimney Starter Cover
ADEPTNA Heavy Duty Barbecue BBQ Chimney Starter Charcoal Coal Starter Quick Start Barbecue Lighter Burning – Safe and easy to Use

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.

What We Like
Durable steel construction
Quick charcoal lighting
Heat-insulated handle
Tastier and healthier meals
#TOP 8

BLOSTM Extra Large Charcoal Chimney Starter

BL2087
Silver
BLOSTM Extra Large Charcoal Chimney Starter Cover
BLOSTM Charcoal Chimney Starter - Quick Start, Galvanised Steel BBQ Chimney Starter Extra Large with Heat-Insulated Safety Handles, Vent Holes BBQ Coal Starter for Charcoal, Lump Wood, Briquettes

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.

What We Like
Quick ignition in 20 minutes
Safe heat-insulated handles
Compatible with lump wood and briquettes
Minimal fuss with lighting
#TOP 9

Q4U 1500W Slim Electric Charcoal Starter

Q4U
AC-102
Black
Slim
Q4U 1500W Slim Electric Charcoal Starter Cover
Q4U 1500W Burner Electric Charcoal Starter Coals Coconut Shells, Black, Slim

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.

What We Like
Fast heating time
Compact and slim design
Standard British plug
High-quality construction
Easy to use
#TOP 10

Looft Air Lighter - Electric Charcoal Starter

Looftlighter
lom-uk
Black, Silver
One Size
Looft Air Lighter - Electric Charcoal Starter Cover
Looft Air Lighter - Electric Charcoal Starter for Grills, Firepits & Smokers

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.

What We Like
Quick ignition in 60 seconds
Clean and safe operation
All-electric design
Eco-friendly fire starter
Buying Guide Image

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.

Editor's Notes

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.

Written by
Toby Butcher Avatar

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.