Best Charcoal Starters of 2026

Toby Butcher Avatar
Toby Butcher
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2026

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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 7416 Rapidfire Chimney Starter for Kettle Grills Cover #TOP 1
Weber 7416 Rapidfire Chimney Starter for Kettle Grills
ftb score rating icon 9.9
BLOSTM Extra Large Charcoal Chimney Starter Cover #TOP 2
BLOSTM Extra Large Charcoal Chimney Starter
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Q4U 1500W Slim Electric Charcoal Starter Cover #TOP 3
Q4U 1500W Slim Electric Charcoal Starter
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 9 Charcoal Starters

Weber 7416 Rapidfire Chimney Starter for Kettle Grills

7416
Metal
Weber 7416 Rapidfire Chimney Starter for Kettle Grills Cover
Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter, Large Capacity (32cm Height), Dual Handles for Safe Pouring, Fast and Even Charcoal Ignition for BBQ Grills 47cm and Larger – Silver (7416)

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

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 3

Q4U 1500W Slim Electric Charcoal Starter

Q4U
AD-C151
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 4

Weber 7447 Compact Chimney Starter

7447
Mixed
Compact
Weber 7447 Compact Chimney Starter Cover
Weber Rapidfire Starter - Small (20cm Height), compact grill lighter with two handles, ideal for all charcoal grills from Ø 47cm, ignition aid for charcoal, briquettes - (7447)

The Weber 7447 Chimney Starter is an essential tool for any barbecue enthusiast. With its quick BBQ coal starter feature, you can spend less time lighting your barbecue and more time enjoying delicious food with your guests. The two-handle design allows you to easily control the flow of burning coal onto your charcoal grate, ensuring safety and precision. Its compact steel canister is perfect for smaller barbecues, while the cone shape promotes even burning of your charcoal, making your cooking experience smoother and more efficient.

What We Like
Quick lighting for barbecues
Easy coal control
Compact for smaller grills
Even charcoal burning
#TOP 5

Weber Rapidfire Barbecue Chimney Starter Set

3400375
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 (3400375)

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 6

Ecoblaze Natural Firelighters for BBQ and Wood Burners

ecoblaze
EBFL
Natural
Ecoblaze Natural Firelighters for BBQ and Wood Burners Cover
200 Firelighters - Ecoblaze Natural Firelighters | Fast lighting & Odourless, Fire Lighters For Wood Burners & BBQ Ovens, Stoves & Fireplaces

The Ecoblaze Natural Firelighters make lighting fires quick and easy, allowing you to start a fire instantly with just one match. They are perfect for outdoor fire pits, BBQ ovens, and camping, ensuring hassle-free fire lighting wherever you go. If you love spending time outside, these firelighters are a great companion for your countryside trips, making your camping experience more enjoyable. They also help you enjoy garden gatherings by speeding up the BBQ preparation, giving you more time to relax with family and friends.

What We Like
Quick and easy to light
Ideal for outdoor use
Great for camping trips
Speeds up BBQ setup
#TOP 7

LIVIVO Deluxe Charcoal Chimney Starter Kit

Silver
LIVIVO Deluxe Charcoal Chimney Starter Kit Cover
LIVIVO Deluxe Charcoal Chimney Starter with Safety Handle – Heavy Duty BBQ Lighting Kit for Barbecue, Fire Pit & Camping – Galvanised Steel, Quick Start, No Lighter Fluid Needed

The LIVIVO Charcoal Starter is an efficient tool for lighting charcoal quickly and easily. Made from heavy-duty galvanised iron, it ensures durability for years of use. You will appreciate the stay-cool thermoplastic wooden handle, which keeps your hands safe while lifting and tipping the starter. With hot charcoals ready in just 10 to 20 minutes, you can skip the wait and avoid using lighter fluid, eliminating any unwanted flavours in your food.

What We Like
Quick charcoal lighting
Durable construction
Safe wooden handle
No lighter fluid needed
Even cooking
#TOP 8

Flamers Natural Firelighters 50 Pack for BBQ and Fireplace

Flamers Natural Firelighters
Brown
50 Pcs
Flamers Natural Firelighters 50 Pack for BBQ and Fireplace Cover
Flamers Firelighters - 50 Units Natural Fire Lighters for Wood Burner Firepit Bbq Pizza Oven Fireplace Chimenea Barbecue Fire Starter - Firestarter for Kiln Dried Kindling Log Coal Charcoal Briquette

The Flamers Natural Firelighters are designed to help you start a fire quickly and easily every time. Made from wood wool dipped in paraffin wax, they ignite instantly and burn longer, making fire-building fast and hassle-free. These firelighters are eco-friendly, crafted from sustainable untreated wood shavings, and can even be lit with flint and steel, offering a greener alternative to traditional lighters. Plus, they burn cleanly without unpleasant odours, making them ideal for cooking or using in small, enclosed spaces where you want to keep the air fresh and safe for your family.

What We Like
Quick and easy ignition
Eco-friendly materials
Burns cleanly without odour
Versatile for multiple fire types
Longer burn time
#TOP 9

Woodside Charcoal Chimney Starter Quick BBQ Lighter

W602
Woodside Charcoal Chimney Starter Quick BBQ Lighter Cover
Woodside Outdoor Charcoal Chimney Starter BBQ Grill Quick Start Lighter Burner

The Woodside Chimney Starter is the quickest and easiest way to light your barbecue charcoal. It takes about 20 minutes for the coals to reach the perfect cooking temperature, saving you time and hassle. Thanks to its superior ventilation, the coals heat evenly, helping you cook your food consistently every time. The protective handle keeps your hand cool and safe while handling the starter, though it’s still best to use gloves for extra safety. This handy accessory is a must-have for any barbecue enthusiast.

What We Like
Quick and easy lighting
Even charcoal heating
Protective cool handle
Compact size
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 140 charcoal starter products and shortlisted 9 quality products. We collected and analyzed 344,959 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 £18.51.

The charcoal starters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of charcoal starters, including Weber, BLOSTM, Q4U, ecoblaze, LIVIVO.

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.