Overview
PROS
CONS
SPECS
Design
Lighting time
Size
Capacity
Material
Our Top Choice
Charcoal Companion Black Chimney Starter
Charcoal Companion has a wide range of grilling products. Its goal isn’t just profit but to enhance the grilling experience of its customers with safe and affordable products.
Hardwood handle makes for a good grip. Fast kindling. Easy to assemble and use. Safe and friendly to the environment.
Upper part of the handle isn’t firmly attached.
Round
15 minutes
6.7 x 6.7 x 10.8”; 2.3 pounds
5 pounds
Brushed stainless steel/hardwood
Best Value
GrillPro Charcoal Starter
GrillPro has built a reputation with its top quality grilling products, which are functional, innovative and always offer great value to ensure customer satisfaction.
Charcoal gets hot and red in ten minutes, faster than many other starters. Preserves a healthy environment. Made in the USA and Canada.
Handle could be longer.
Round
10 minutes
6.5 x 11 x 10.6”; 2 pounds
2 pounds
Galvanized steel
Outset Collapsible Camping Grill and Chimney Starter
Outset offers quality chill waree and grillware that are useful for outdoor entertaining. It endeavors to make products affordable without compromising quality.
Easy to assemble and use. Portable and easy to store. Eco-friendly and fast. Large capacity. Made of carbon steel that’s coated with aluminum. Has double handles.
The handle gets very hot.
Square; collapsible
15 seconds
8.8 x 11.1 x 4”; 4.5 pounds
7 pounds
Aluminum plated steel/nylon
Char-Broil Half-Time Chimney Starter
Char-Broil was founded close to 70 years ago. Through the years it’s continued to make products that make grilling enjoyable for its customers at affordable prices.
Innovative and advanced design. Comfortable and protective handle. Eco-friendly and safe to use. Charcoal gets hot fast. Perfect for lump charcoal.
Design makes it complicated to assemble.
Round; large diameter
2 -3 minutes
8 x 8 x 8”; 1.3 pounds
5 pounds
Heavy-duty aluminized steel
Weber Rapidfire Compact Chimney Starter
Weber has built a reputation as an expert in its industry with products that are innovative, affordable and are all guaranteed to provide a great grilling experience.
Compact design. Charcoal gets hot fast. Easy to use. Made with lightweight but long lasting material. Ideal for grills such as the Smokey Joe and Jumbo Joe.
It’s really small and the handle gets quite hot.
Round
15 minutes
8 x 5.8 x 17.3”; 1.6 pounds
10 briquettes
Galvanized steel/hard plastic