8 best charcoal chimneys
A charcoal chimney, also known as a charcoal starter or chimney starter, is a device used to quickly and efficiently ignite charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal for grilling and outdoor cooking. It is a popular tool among barbecue enthusiasts for its simplicity and effectiveness.
Here are some key points about charcoal chimneys:
Design: A charcoal chimney typically consists of a metal cylinder with a handle and ventilation holes at the bottom. It has a wire or metal grate at the bottom to hold the charcoal, and a larger opening at the top.
How it Works: To use a charcoal chimney, you place a few sheets of newspaper or firestarter cubes in the bottom compartment. Then, you fill the top compartment with charcoal. When you light the newspaper or firestarter cubes at the bottom, the flames and heat rise through the chimney, igniting the charcoal above.
Efficiency: Charcoal chimneys are known for their efficiency in getting charcoal ready for grilling. They can have charcoal ready in as little as 15-20 minutes, making them faster than traditional methods like lighter fluid.
No Chemicals: One of the advantages of using a charcoal chimney is that it eliminates the need for lighter fluid, which can impart a chemical taste to your food if not properly burned off. With a chimney starter, you only use newspaper or firestarter cubes, which don't affect the flavor of your food.
Safety: Using a chimney starter is considered a safer method for lighting charcoal because it reduces the risk of flare-ups and accidents associated with lighter fluid.
Versatility: Charcoal chimneys are compatible with both charcoal briquettes and lump charcoal, giving you flexibility in your choice of fuel.
Cost-Effective: Charcoal chimneys are relatively inexpensive and can last for many grilling seasons if properly cared for.
Maintenance: It's essential to clean your charcoal chimney after each use to remove ash buildup.Regular maintenance ensures efficient airflow and faster charcoal ignition.
Usage: To use a charcoal chimney, you'll want to place it on a heat-resistant surface, light the newspaper or firestarter cubes, and wait for the charcoal to become hot and covered in gray ash. Then, carefully pour the hot charcoal into your grill or barbecue pit.
Charcoal chimneys are a valuable tool for anyone who enjoys grilling with charcoal, as they provide a quick, efficient, and chemical-free way to get your grill ready for cooking.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best charcoal chimneys on the market
Kingsford Quick Start Charcoal Chimney Starter (BBP0466)
Kingsford
Product description
Kingsford charcoal chimney starter will help you light up your charcoal faster, easier, and more evenly. This chimney starter is crafted with you in mind, & features durable, rust-resistant zinc steel. The vented charcoal base & circular air vents help light your charcoal as quickly as possible, while your hands stay protected from extreme temperatures with the heat shield & stay-cool handle. Directions: Things you'll need: long reach lighter or matches, charcoal briquettes, heat resistant cooking mitts or gloves. Step 1: Place the charcoal chimney starter on top of a cold, clean grill. Step 2: fill the space under the vented base inside the charcoal chimney starter with a few sheets of crumpled-up newspaper or a few fire starter rolls. Step 3: fill the space above the vented base with briquettes. Step 4: with the long reach lighter or matches, light the newspaper & watch as the charcoal chimney starter evenly lights The charcoal briquettes inside. Step 5: Remove the upper grill grate. While wearing heat resistant mitts or gloves, grab the handle of your charcoal chimney starter when the briquettes are lightly covered with white ash & pour the coals into your grill. Step 6: Put upper grill grate back onto grill. Cautions: windy weather can disperse lit embers which can cause unintended fires. For outdoor use only. Kingsford & logo are registered trademarks of the Clorox company & are used under license by Brand Buzz LLC. All rights reserved.YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR PRIORITY- If you have any questions or feedback, please reach out to us directly at [email protected]
- Charcoal chimney starter works fast — this easy to use charcoal chimney starter works fast. With the Kingsford chimney starter, your coals light up quickly and evenly
- Heavy duty construction — This BBQ chimney charcoal starter is made with durable, rust-resistant zinc steel. Kingsford Coal chimney starter will be by your side, barbecue after barbecue
- Built with Heat shield and a stay-cool handle — thanks to the heat shield and stay-cool handle, your hands will stay protected from extreme temperatures
- Large capacity chimney starter for grill — Charcoal chimney starter measures 10.74” x 6.8” x 11.25”
- No assembly required — your Kingsford chimney starter arrives assembled and ready to use at your next barbecue, tailgate, or camping trip
User questions & answers
| Question: | what is the quantity of coal it can burn at one time |
| Answer: | Typically 6 steaks (1 lb each). 6-10 hamburgers. Mostly depends on the size of your grill. For larger needs or some that might require longer cooking, I pour the burning coals on to of unlit coals and let them transfer the heat. |
| Question: | What exactly do the dimensions refer to? I am assuming that the shortest measurement is the diameter, but of the other two, which is the height |
| Answer: | Just buy it,you will not regret it! No more fluid to light the coal or ruin the taste of the food. |
| Question: | Do people like this |
| Answer: | I have a Weber brand chimney; just a little bit of newspaper and my coals were hot in less than 30 min! No lighter fluid needed. |
| Question: | Is this galvanized steel |
| Answer: | I don’t know what’s it’s made out of. But I go through them. They don’t last forever. The high heat eventually ruins them. They distort in shape. Also if you leave them in the rain they rust. |
Product features
Easy Way To Great Grilling
Charcoal Chimney Starter lights up charcoal faster and more evenly.
Durable and Non-stick
Grill Topper will let you enjoy the fresh open-flame taste on foods that usually fall apart or slip through the grill racks.
Heat Resistant Gloves
Make it easier to flip without worry! They can also be used while baking, frying, and other high heat uses.
Heavy Duty BBQ Tools
Make grilling and entertaining a breeze with a Kingsford BBQ tool set.
Beer-Basted Pork Sliders
Baste your pork with beer for the ultimate savory flavor.
Grilled Corn
Caramelize and char corn on the cob for an irresistibly smoky taste.
Chili Stuffed Burgers
Take your burgers to the next level by stuffing the patties with chili.
Pepper Hickory Wings
Grilling tools will help you add a heavenly BBQ flavor to anything you grill.
Weber 7429 Rapidfire Chimney Starter, Silver
Product description
Get your charcoal glowing and ready to go in just minutes with the Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter. Tackle high-volume cooking with the extra-large capacity bin. It's made from aluminized steel
- Designed to quickly produce hot coals for cooking
- 7.5 in. In diameter, 13 in. High
- Specialized cone-shaped grate
- Durable construction for longevity
- Ergonomic handle for comfortable use
User questions & answers
| Question: | We have the weber performance with propane ignitor. will this work for it? do i still need newspaper |
| Answer: | Yes I know! When drinking cold refreshments it’s supper cold on your lips. To your question yes it is reusable, they have a little tool to clean the inside of it too. |
| Question: | What kind of box will it be delivered in? I need it as gift to my buddy |
| Answer: | I do not know. I can say I have to cook everything on the lowest setting or it burns. |
| Question: | Is this adequate for a oklahoma smokey joe highland smoker |
| Answer: | Mine measures 8 3/4" high with the feet on. |
| Question: | What is it made of? Any Zinc in the material? Zinc fume is toxic |
| Answer: | You can clean the inside bottom by removing the IR burner assy, pull up on the left side of the burner, it just snaps in be carefull of the ignoter probes when removing. I wash mine out with dawn and hot water and ise easy off oven spray for the grate. Love my solaire!! Best grill i have ever owned |
Weber 7447 Compact Rapidfire Chimney Starter
Weber
Product description
This smaller version of original Rapidfire Chimney Starter lights coals in under 15 minutes without using lighter fluid. Place canister with coals on top of Weber Lighter Cubes or crumpled newspaper and light. It's that easy. Fits perfectly on Smokey Joe and Jumbo Joe charcoal grills.
- Imported
- Lights coals in under 15 minutes. Dimensions : 8 H x 5.8 W x 10.4 D inches
- Place with coals on Weber Lighter Cubes or crumpled newspaper and light
- Compact design makes it ideal for smaller grills or shorter grilling sessions
- Fits perfectly on Smokey Joe and Jumbo Joe charcoal grills
- Individual Carton Dimensions 8 H x 5.8 W x 10.4 D (Inches)
User questions & answers
| Question: | What is handle made from |
| Answer: | I can put a 12 inch crust in and don’t see why you couldn’t replace the stone with steel |
| Question: | does this work well with lump charcoal |
| Answer: | Wooden |
| Question: | Anyone feel like this is too small, or wish they bought the larger sized one instead |
| Answer: | It is some kind of stained wood |
| Question: | how many pieces of charcoal does it hold |
| Answer: | Best part is that it includes EVERYTHING you need... plus a few things you could do without (bit make you look cool having all that stuff)! |
Product features
Weber 7447 Compact Rapidfire Chimney Starter
The quickest way to crackling briquettes and the nostalgia of charcoal grilling starts with one simple, yet amazing, tool. Every griller's essential sidekick, the Rapidfire Chimney Starter, is the fastest and easiest way to get grilling and start eating.
Features:
- Convenient and quick way to light charcoal
- Compact design makes it ideal for smaller grills or shorter grilling sessions
- Works best with lighter cubes (7417)
Char-Griller Charcoal Grill Chimney Starter with Quick Release Trigger, 12-Inch
Char-Griller
Product description
Char-Griller charcoal chimney starter with quick-release makes starting your charcoal grill fast & easy. Fill the E-Z starter with charcoal & light it. Once your coals are hot, squeeze the patented trigger to drop the charcoal into your grill. No more messy pouring of hot coals - just release them right where you want them. The hottest coals even stay on the bottom for better heat distribution & more efficient grilling. The ABS handle with heat shield protects your hands from the heat. Large size: 7. 75" Diameter x 12" Height for fast & efficient starting. The Char-Griller charcoal chimney starter holds plenty of coals for any grill or occasion & is designed for maximum airflow for the fastest charcoal starting.
- E-Z Starter w/Patented Trigger release for easy charcoal placement.
- Quick release drops hot coals onto your fire grate with no messy pouring
- Built in release keeps the hottest coals on the bottom for better heat distribution and a more efficient grilling
- Large size makes starting your charcoal grill fast and easy
- ABS handle w/heat shield for handling safety
- Zinc coated galvanized .6 mm steel.
- Size: 7.75" diameter X 12" height
User questions & answers
| Question: | What’s the difference between the “original” and the more expensive “retail” option |
| Answer: | No. Thinking of returning. |
| Question: | still USA made |
| Answer: | I've cooked a 14 inch pizza in it before, but one side was burned and one side was raw, so I wouldn't cook anything over 11 inches if you want evenly cooked crust |
| Question: | Is this supposed to ship in two pieces? I received the bottom completely separate from the container |
| Answer: | Lump charcoal and pellets |
| Question: | How many pounds of charcoal will it hold |
| Answer: | We returned it because it did not work. |
Product features
Char-Griller Charcoal Chimney Starter with Trigger Release
The Char-Griller Charcoal Chimney Starter makes starting your grill fast and easy. Simply fill the E-Z starter with charcoal and light it. Once the coals are ready pull the trigger to release the burning charcoal into your grill.
The ABS handle with heat shield protects you from the heat. Made from sturdy .6 millimeter zinc coated galvanized steel.
Patented Trigger Release Handle
Charcoal starters contain heat for a faster start to your charcoal or wood chips. This large size charcoal starter heats more charcoal faster to get you grillin' sooner.
Durable Construction
Zinc coated galvanized .6 millimeter steel. Large size heats charcoal faster so you can be grilling sooner.
(7.75 inch diameter X 11.5 inch height).
No Gloves Needed
ABS coated E-Z Starter charcoal release handle and heat shield to keep your hands safe. No gloves are needed.
No More Pouring Hot Coals
E-Z Starter w/patented trigger release handle drops hot coals out the bottom of the chimney starter, right where you want them. No more pouring hot coals.
HOMENOTE Rapid Charcoal Chimney Starter Set Fireplace Accessories Lighter Cubes BBQ Heat Resistant Gloves Blower BBQ Tools
- ★ HOMENOTE fireplace accessories include Charcoal Chimney Starter, Lighter Cubes, Portable Air Blower and heat resistant mitts, quickly produce hot coals, make your fireplace, BBQ to quickly produce hot coals for cooking
- ★ Charcoal starter measures 11.5" x 7" x 7", Steel of chimney starter is zinc plated for rusting resistance and long life, wooden handle design, effectively prevent scald. BBQ Lighter Cubes Dimension is 20*20*50mm, Each one can burn approximately 8-10 minutes
- ★ Great for fireplace, BBQ, wood stoves, fire pits, barbecues, chimineas, campfires, pizza ovens
- ★ 100% All Natural - Non toxic wood shavings - odorless and tasteless, will not flavor food, HOMENOTE fireplace tool set lights 3 times faster than commonly used flat square starters
- ★ Safe and Efficient, Heat resistant wooden handle of charcoal chimney starter plus heat shield for protection against heat transfer.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Where is the Charcoal Chimney made at |
| Answer: | Aluminized steel is steel that has been hot-dip coated on both sides with aluminium-silicon alloy. This process assures a tight metallurgical bond between the steel sheet and its aluminium coating, producing a material with a unique combination of properties possessed neither by steel nor by aluminium alone. Aluminized steel shows a better behavior against corrosion[1] and keeps the properties of the base material steel for temperature lower than 800 °C (1,470 °F). For example, it is commonly used for heat exchangers in residential furnaces, commercial rooftop HVAC units, automotive mufflers, ovens, kitchen ranges, water heaters, fireplaces, barbecue burners, and baking pans. This steel is very useful for heating things up because it transfers heat faster than most other steels. |
| Question: | How does it hold up against rust |
| Answer: | It will depend on the outside temperature, but It has been around 15-20 minutes |
| Question: | What size and how many batteries does the blower take |
| Answer: | Yes |
| Question: | The heat resistant gloves, how resistant are they? Smart remarks are not needed, serious answer only please, thank you |
| Answer: | China |
Product features
HOMENOTE Chimney Starter
1.Lights coals in three minutes
2. No need for lighter fluid
3. Thick gauge galvanized steel
4. Heat resistant wooden handle
5. Light faster burn consistently
Step One:
Put carbon in your fire bucket
Step Two:
Place two firestarters under Chimney Starter and light them
Step Three:
Turn on your air blower and make your carbon burn even hotter
Step Four:
Put on your hot heat insulation gloves and pour the glowing carbon into your oven
Oregon Trail - Fastlight Chimney Fire Starter - Charcoal Starter
Oregon Trail
Product description
Fastlight Charcoal Chimney Fire starter preps your charcoal to white hot fast and even so you can start your BBQ fast and cook evenly. A must have for backyard or camping BBQ chiefs. Fastlight is made of Galvanized Steel to last years of use.
- Get your Charcoals hot fast!
- Saves time prepping your Charcoals for your BBQ
User questions & answers
| Question: | What does the inside consist of? is it a wire or a plate |
| Answer: | It should |
BEAU JARDIN Charcoal Chimney Starter 11"X7" Grill Barbecue BBQ Galvanized Steel Chimney Lighter Basket Outdoor Cooking Quick Rapid Fire Briquette Starters Can Canister for Grilling Camping Accessories
BEAU JARDIN
- LARGE CAPACITY & RUST-RESISTANCE: Charcoal starter measures 11" x 7" x 7", the canister holding up to 4 pounds of coal, larger capacity than other charcoal chimney starters. Steel of chimney starter is zinc plated for rusting resistance and long life.
- EASY TO USE AND PORTABLE: The large size of the chimney charcoal starter base and air vents shortens the amount of time it takes to heat up the charcoal. a nylon handle plus heat shield of charcoal starter for protection against heat transfer. charcoal chimney lighter fits perfectly all kinds of briquette charcoal BBQ, grill, outdoor cooking, quick backyard BBQ, barbecues, tailgate parties, and car camping, fish trips and garden grilling, traveling.
- QUICKER AND SAFER: Galvanized Steel charcoal starter for grills used of chimney principle and start your barbecue BBQ in the shortest possible time. Fire grill starter subvert the traditional point. About 15-20 minutes the coals will be red hot. It is not need to use any lighter fluid such as lump cubes, squares, very save time and effort!
- CHEAPER AND EASIER: Charcoal chimney starter grill just use some abandon newspapers or other papers at the bottom of steel canister. light up crinkled up newspapers or papers with fire starter, and set the can cannister of coal starter over the flame. Please note: no more buying flammable bottles of liquid to squirt over your charcoal briquettes before lighting them.
- CUSTOMER CARE: We are dedicated to provide premium products for you and offer impeccable customer care to you. Don’t wait any longer and just enjoy your ideal products today!
User questions & answers
| Question: | Made in usa |
| Answer: | I love this item so much that I purchased another for my granddaughter. |
| Question: | How many pounds of Kingsford charcoal will this thing to hold |
| Answer: | No, bought this and ran into this exact issue |
| Question: | Do you need the bbq dragon fan for this to work properly |
| Answer: | Hi there, I am not sure what the md788ll/a is. I use mine for the iPad Air and it fits. Hope this helps. |
| Question: | Can you use newspaper as a fuel to light the charcoal with this chimney |
| Answer: | I don’t have an Apple Pencil, but the cover has an elastic tab that I assume is for the instrument. |
Product features
FIRE STARTS BURNING IN MINUTES
This is the fastest charcoal chimney starter on the market. While some chimneys have you waiting for 20 minutes before the coals finally light, our innovative design allows coals to be lit in as little as three minutes. That means that you’ll already be grilling by the time another charcoal chimney would have been ready.
INNOVATIVE DESIGN DRAWS IN AIR
Our charcoal chimney starter implements an innovative 90-degree elbow that opens at the side of the chimney and draws in more air than other chimneys. This increased airflow creates a turbo effect and allows charcoal and briquettes to light faster and burn more consistently; also designed to fit the BBQ Dragon Fan. This side hole can also be used to insert more fuel like newspapers or fire starters.
NO NEED FOR LIGHTER FLUID
The unique side hole allows you to light your coals without lifting the chimney or using lighter fluid. Instead, all you need to do is insert your fuel or your preferred fire starters into the side hole, and you’ll have hot, burning coals in no time. Fire starters like wax sticks, packets, squares, and cubes work great with this chimney.
SPOTLIGHTS
BBQ Dragon makes the most innovative grill tools available today. We won the TV show, “All American Makers,” on the Science Channel! We’ve also won awards like “Best New Barbecue Accessory,” “Best in Show,” and the “Best New Outdoor Tech” award presented at the National Hardware Show.
INNOVATION
We’ve created a variety of innovative barbecue accessories, including a multifunction grill tool set, a rotating grate, a clip-on side table for kettle charcoal grills, a 3-minute charcoal chimney starter, a heat-deflecting grill stone for kettle grills, and more. But all of this started with one invention: the BBQ Dragon Fan.
FASTER & EASIER
We all know that charcoal cooks better; it’s hotter, it imparts better flavor to food, and it’s more ecologically sustainable than gas. Unfortunately, for many people charcoal just wasn’t as convenient as propane. It can be frustrating to wait for charcoal to light and get hot enough for grilling. That’s why we created the BBQ Dragon Fan—to make it faster and easier to get your charcoal grill burning hot.
CHECK US OUT
With these invention, there’s no longer a reason to use a gas grill. That’s the BBQ Dragon revolution, and the spirit of that revolution has carried on into our other products. Our entire line of products will provide you with the best barbecue experience imaginable.
BBQ DRAGON FOUNDERS
Bruce and George Prior are brothers. They’re also inventors. Bruce is a mechanical engineer, and George is a product designer. But most importantly, they are grilling and barbecuing FANATICS! They love being next to a hot fire, grilling steaks for family barbecues, and they love the challenge of smoking the perfect brisket or ribs. They’ve been able to apply their expertise in mechanics and electronics to create the BBQ Dragon Fan and other products that revolutionize the barbecuing experience. They’re making grilling easier, faster, and more fun. Their inventions are enhancing the great tradition of barbecuing for millions of families around the world. They love to barbecue and want to help other people share this great joy of food, family, and fire.
A MESSAGE FROM GEORGE:
“Grilling is our passion and we absolutely love sharing it with you! BBQ Dragon is not just a business, it is a natural extension of our love for barbecue and outdoor cooking. For us, it's about really good food, shared with family and friends. Cooking over a fire has been part of so many important times in our family, it's more than just a way to make a good steak, it's a way to live life to the fullest.”
Quicker and Safer
Galvanized Steel charcoal starter for grills used of chimney principle and start your barbecue BBQ in the shortest possible time. Fire grill starter subvert the traditional point.
Large Capacity
Charcoal starter measures 11" x 7" x 7",larger capacity than other charcoal chimney starters. Steel of chimney starter is zinc plated for rusting resistance and long life.
Easy to Use and Portable
The large size of the chimney charcoal starter base and air vents shortens the amount of time it takes to heat up the charcoal. a nylon handle plus heat shield of charcoal starter for protection against heat transfer.
Temperature Resistant Handle
Our charcoal starter handle is temperature resistant,anti-scalding and anti-slip,while most the others do not resistant to high temperature and easy to melt.Ours is thickened and durable and the others thin and easy to bend.
Holds enough charcoal for up to a 22"grill
Our chimney holds enough charcoal for up to a 22" grilling surface while the others too small and not for your normal sized grill.
Cheaper and Easier
Charcoal chimney starter grill just use some abandon newspapers or other papers at the bottom of steel canister. light up crinkled up newspapers or papers with fire starter, and set the can cannister of coal starter over the flame.
MixRBBQ Chimney Starter Charcoal Lighter Chimney with Heat Resistant Silicone Glove, Stainless Steel Barbecue Charcoal Clip
Product description
Universal Chimney starter, Charcoal starter
Perfect for All kind of BBQ Kettle charcoal grills and Weber 7416
Package:
1 x Charcoal Starter
1 x Silicone Glove
1 x Stainless Steel Tong
Dimensions: 7-1/2 by 7-1/2 by 12 inches
★ Perfect for All kind of BBQ Kettle charcoal grills
★ Grill replacement parts number: Weber 7416
★ Quick to light up all kinds of charcoals, coal
★ Heavy-duty aluminum steel for durable usage
★ Huge capacity for charcoal/ briquettes
★ Heat-resistant silicone glove, efficiently protect your hand
★ Premium stainless steel tong clip for carrying the coals
★ Professional After-Sale Service
How to use Chimney Starter?
① Pouring the amount of charcoal into the Chimney starter
② Lighting newspapers/ lighter cubes on the grate and then poisition the filled Chimney starter over them. Wait until flames appear at the top of the Charcoal Starter(About 15-20Mins)
③ Shake the glowing coals into the grill, then place your cooking grate on top and that is it!
- Universal Chimney starter for All kettle charcoal grill and weber 7416
- Very easy and quick way to light charcoal or briquettes sufficiently in 15-20 minutes, cone bottom ensures a fast start
- Made from heavy-duty aluminum with a stay-cool thermoplastic handle and a folding handle for safe control while pouring hot briquettes
- Heat-resistant Silicone Glove, with a high quality stainless steel Tong, make your fireplace, BBQ to quickly produce hot coals for cooking
- Measures 7-1/2 by 7-1/2 by 12 inches, holds enough briquettes for a 22-1/2-inch kettle grill
User questions & answers
| Question: | How big is the top cooking surface ? are accessories like cooking grill and griddle top included |
| Answer: | 6 inches tall with base |
| Question: | Last photo shows 2 items: a grilling grate and flat top griddle are both included |
| Answer: | Ohio |
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