The 4 best charcoal chimney starters in 2023, according to grill experts

When we asked our BBQ specialists to recommend their top choice for chimney starters, the Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter easily surpassed any other in their estimation. "They let more air in, so the charcoal burns faster and they are heavy duty, so the home griller won't have to replace it very often," says Evan Carter. The Weber Rapidfire is well-known for its durability; Carter says that the Weber Rapidfires used at Lady Jaye last 10 months of heavy, everyday use. 

The Weber Rapidfire also includes useful safety features, as explained by Rodney Scott: "I like the Weber Rapidfire because it has two handles for extra grip, which makes sure that the pour is more accurate. It also has [quality] protection on the handle, which provides an extra shield to keep the heat off your hand."

The design of the chimney involves a conical bottom grate with enough vents to speed up the charcoal lighting process.  All of these features, combined with the Weber Rapidfire Chimney's price, makes it the superior charcoal chimney starter choice for both quality and value.

Bargain hunters in need of a reliable, well-reviewed charcoal chimney starter will find a lot to love about the Kingsford Heavy Duty Charcoal Chimney Starter. Sakari Smithwick trusts the Kingsford brand for charcoal and ended up loving this starter: "As I started to use it, the charcoal lit up super quickly. The metal is also rust-resistant, so as long as you take care of it, it will take care of you." 

For just $15, this model offers a large capacity (it stands about a foot tall and wide) and sturdy zinc steel construction. " Its handle doesn't get too hot, so it's safe and easy to use," says Smithwick. 

Robbie Shoults agrees that both the handle and "the heat shield [of the Kingsford] prevent burns, which is essential for safety."

The Kingsford starter doesn't require any assembly to use, says Shoults, which means that BBQ newbies won't have to worry about setting up any additional equipment. Charcoal briquettes, newspaper, and a long match are all you'll need to light your charcoal grill with the help of this user-friendly starter.

If you want to do some charcoal grilling on a camping trip or at a tailgating party, then you'll want a charcoal chimney starter that can easily fold into a flat package. The Royal Gourmet Foldable Charcoal Chimney Fire Starter weighs less than five pounds and includes a sturdy handle with a heat shield. According to the product description, it can be folded in just 15 seconds.

Another perk of this model involves the fact that the Royal Gourmet Foldable Starter isn't just a charcoal chimney — it also comes with a grate that can be placed over the chimney, turning it into a makeshift mini charcoal grill. If you don't have a travel-friendly grill, you can make-do with this foldable starter, and all for under $30.

Jess Pryles tells us that, when it comes to choosing the size of a charcoal chimney starter, "the bigger the chimney, the better." Especially when barbecuing meat, a larger chimney starter gives grillers a distinct advantage, as Pryles explains: "Bigger chimneys mean you can light more coals, and that means more heat. Higher heat gives you a better sear, [along with] more flexibility and control over grill temperatures."

Its sizable capacity is the main reason why the Outdoor Gourmet XL Charcoal Chimney Starter is Pryles' favorite chimney starter on the market. This model features dimensions of 11.81" x 12.6" x 7.48", which gives it the ability to accommodate up to 6 pounds of charcoal. Even with large-scale grills and smokers, the Outdoor Gourmet XL can quickly light the necessary amount of charcoal, therefore streamlining the process of cooking delicious barbecue for a party or any other big gathering.

Ease of use: Charcoal chimney starters are relatively simple, but clear instructions can make it easier for a first time user. Look for information on how to position the starter on the grill, how much charcoal it can hold, and what quantity of firestarter (like newspaper) is best suited for that model. 

Capacity: The amount of charcoal that a chimney starter can hold will tell you whether the starter can provide enough heat to power your specific grill. If you're working with a large charcoal grill, look for a chimney starter with a capacity of 5 pounds. 

On the other hand, a small charcoal grill that doesn't require as much charcoal can be lit with a smaller (and cheaper) chimney starter. If you're waffling between two chimney starters of different sizes, Jess Pryles says to always opt for the larger choice, as more lit coals result in higher overall heat for the grill, which gives you a better char. 

Safety: When shopping for a charcoal chimney starter, focus on models that include handles with heat guards designed to protect your skin. Most charcoal chimney starters include just one handle, but we (and our expert sources) find that models with two handles allow for more control and reduce the chance of coal spillage and potential fire sparks. This is especially relevant when working with larger-capacity chimney starters; the more charcoal you put in the starter, the heavier (and more unwieldy) it will be. 

Durability: Our experts agree that a well-built charcoal chimney starter should be usable for years, and the lasting strength of these items relies on its base material. Most charcoal chimney starters are made of galvanized (zinc-coated) or aluminized (aluminum-coated) steel, both of which provide impressive heat conductivity and durability. Aluminized steel tends to be easier to clean than galvanized steel. 

Do I need a charcoal chimney starter?

A chimney starter will get you grilling quicker and with less stress. You can light charcoal briquettes with lighter fluid and a long match, but a windy day can blow out the sparks and using too much lighter fluid can cause dangerous flare-ups. Most starters "are made to be used without lighter fluid, which is better for the flavor of the food and better for the environment as well," says Smithwick. The charcoal chimney starter uses newspapers instead of lighter fluid, keeps the charcoal briquettes consolidated and quicker to light, and has high walls to shield the briquettes from wind interference. 

How can I keep my chimney starter in good condition?

In order to keep your charcoal chimney starter for as long as possible, be sure to clean it after every use and store it in a dry area where it's shielded from the elements and protected from rusting. 

Do I need other tools to use a charcoal chimney starter?

While heat shields are unquestionably helpful features, Pryles still advises home grillers to purchase a pair of heat-proof gloves to use when working with their charcoal grills. "Use a high-heat glove to handle a fully lit chimney. In my experience, the built-in handles of any chimney are never quite 'cool touch' enough," Pryles says.

How many briquettes can fit in a chimney starter?

The average charcoal chimney starter holds 80-100 briquettes. Large capacity charcoal chimney starters (like the Weber Rapidfire and the Outdoor Gourmet XL) can accommodate up to 100 charcoal briquettes.

What's the best charcoal to use in a chimney starter?

You can use either charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal in a chimney starter. Most chimney starters were designed with briquettes in mind, and because briquettes are uniformly sized, it can be easier to fit them into the chimney starter. Lump charcoal isn't all the same size, but it does light faster and burns hotter, making it a favorite among BBQ professionals.

Briquettes include bits of wood and sawdust, which helps them burn longer than their lump equivalents. Play around with both and decide which suits your purposes better!

Check out our guide to the best grilling charcoal.