For outdoor use only, this Charcoal Starter uses a chimney effect that concentrates heat to light the charcoal.Made from aluminized steel with a cool-touch handle (although, grill gloves are recommended when hot) for long-lasting use. Have charcoal hot and ready to use in minutes, the Charcoal Starter holds enough charcoal to fill most charcoal barbecue grills.
The chimney charcoal starter is widely considered the best method for lighting charcoal—faster, safer, and more environmentally friendly than lighter fluid or electric starters. The chimney design creates powerful updraft that concentrates heat from burning newspaper at the bottom, rapidly igniting the charcoal above through convection. This simple but ingenious design has been the standard for serious charcoal grillers for decades.
To use, fill the underside of the Charcoal Starter with loosely crumpled newspaper or paper towel. Don't pack it tightly—loose crumpling allows airflow which is essential for combustion. Two or three sheets of newspaper is usually sufficient. Turn the Charcoal Starter over and fill the main chamber with as much charcoal as needed for your cook. For low-and-slow smoking, add just a few large chunks of hardwood lump charcoal. For medium-heat grilling, fill halfway. For high heat searing, fill to the top—a full load provides intense heat perfect for steaks.
Once filled, place the chimney on a fireproof surface (concrete, brick, or the charcoal grill's lower grate works well) and light the paper on fire through the bottom vents of the starter. The paper ignites easily and begins heating the air inside the chimney. Allow the paper to burn off completely, which ignites the bottom layer of coals. The heat from the bottom coals rises through the chimney, igniting the rest of the charcoal layer by layer. The chimney effect creates strong updraft that pulls oxygen through the bottom vents, accelerating combustion.
Within 15-20 minutes, your charcoal will be ready—glowing red with a light coating of white ash. This is significantly faster than traditional methods and requires no chemicals. Using heat-resistant gloves (essential—the chimney gets extremely hot), lift the Charcoal Starter by the handle and pour the lit charcoal into your barbecue grill. Arrange the coals for your cooking method—pile them on one side for two-zone cooking, spread evenly for direct grilling, or arrange in a ring for indirect cooking.
The aluminized steel construction provides durability and heat resistance that outlasts cheaper galvanized steel starters. Aluminized steel resists rust and corrosion better than plain steel while withstanding the extreme temperatures generated by burning charcoal. The material won't warp or deteriorate even with frequent use. The cool-touch handle is designed to stay cooler than the chimney body, though heat-resistant gloves are still strongly recommended when the starter is in use or recently used—safety first.
The capacity holds enough charcoal to fill most charcoal barbecue grills, making it suitable for everything from small 18-inch kettles to larger 26-inch grills. For smaller grills, simply don't fill the chimney all the way. For very large grills or extended cooks, you might need to light two chimney loads, but one load is typically sufficient for most applications.
Quick, safe, and efficient operation makes this the preferred method for lighting charcoal. No lighter fluid means no chemical taste on your food, no petroleum fumes while lighting, and no risk of dangerous flare-ups from too much accelerant. The process is also reliable—it works every time regardless of wind conditions or charcoal type. For Edmonton grillers and charcoal enthusiasts everywhere, a chimney starter is an essential tool.
For all charcoal grills, this starter eliminates the hassles and hazards of chemical accelerants while providing faster, more consistent results. Once you use a chimney starter, you'll never go back to lighter fluid.
KEY FEATURES:
- Aluminized Steel construction for durability and heat resistance
- Cool Touch Handle (grill gloves still recommended)
- For ALL Charcoal Grills - universal compatibility
- Quick, Safe and Efficient - charcoal ready in 15-20 minutes
- Chimney effect concentrates heat for rapid ignition
- No lighter fluid or chemicals needed
- Holds enough charcoal for most grills
- For outdoor use only
