The Best Charcoal Starters for Your Grill

No doubt about it: Grilling is one of our favorite ways to get cooking in the warmer months—and for some die-hards, even on cold days. There’s nothing that can replace that char-grilled flavor of a great burger, barbecued ribs or even some veggies done up right. But let’s be real: If you’re grilling with charcoal, starting the grill can be tedious and using lighter fluid can leave your go-to recipes tasting less than their best. That’s where a good charcoal starter comes in.

But what starter is best? Hardware stores and online shops are full of options. It can be hard to choose! That’s why our Test Kitchen and team of expert grillers put six common grill starter options to the test. We had to find which were worthy of your next cookout.

What We Looked for in a Charcoal Starter

When you’re grilling, you want a gadget you can count on, one that will last for cookouts to come and one that’s easy to use—especially when there are lawn games and a cooler of beer to distract you. Here’s what our Test Kitchen kept in mind as they fired up grill after grill:

  • Ease of use: Was the gadget easy to use? Do you need any additional gear or power to use the charcoal starter? Is it suitable for even amateur grillers?

  • Speed: How long did it take to get the grill going?

  • Durability: Is this product durable? Can it be used year after year?

  • Price: How much was the charcoal starter? Was it worth the investment?

Our Test Kitchen-Preferred Grill Starters

With those criteria in mind, our Test Kitchen pulled out their grills for many nights of barbecue. Find out which starters will be making an appearance at grill-outs going forward.

Best for Serious Grillmasters: Looftlighter Original Electric Fire Starter

Looft Lighter Original Electric Fire Starter - 60 Second Charcoal Lighter
Looft Lighter Original Electric Fire Starter - 60 Second Charcoal Lighter

If you’d rather fire up the grill than switch on the oven, this is the gadget for you. The Looftlighter Original Electric Fire Starter is quick, versatile and a cinch to use.

Not familiar with the Looftlighter? To use it, you just touch this supercharged gadget to your charcoal. Within a minute, this super hot (we mean it—1,000ºF or more!) gadget lights the fire. But don’t fret—the safety casing cools down in just seconds. Yep, you read that right: In two minutes you can fill your grill with charcoal, light it and have your Looftlighter cooled and stashed away. That’s why this gadget is a favorite in the Test Kitchen.

And if you need any more reasons to check out this fancy gadget, know that it does more than start up your grill: You can also use it to start your smoker, outdoor pizza oven and even a bonfire.

  • Time to start coals: 1 minute

  • Power source: Standard outlet

  • Price: $80

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Best Cord-Free Charcoal Starter: Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter

Rapidfire Chimney Charcoal Starter
Rapidfire Chimney Charcoal Starter

Electric grill starters are darn handy, but you don’t need to be near an outlet to light your coals. With the Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter, you can start your grill out on the patio, at the campsite or down by the lake with ease.

To use this chimney-style starter, you stuff the bottom of the cylinder with a sheet or two of newspaper and fill the rest with charcoal. Light the paper in 20 minutes, our Test Kitchen found that the coals were ready for grilling. Just pour them out into your grill kettle and start cooking!

This gadget was affordable, easy to use, requires no electricity, cords or charging. Plus, the aluminized steel will last for years to come (just stash it in the garage or shed when not in use).

  • Time to start coals: About 20 minutes

  • Power source: None needed

  • Price: $20

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Best for Beginner Barbecuers: Grill Mark Electric Charcoal Fire Starter

Grill Mark Electric Charcoal Fire Starter 500 watts
Grill Mark Electric Charcoal Fire Starter 500 watts

If you’re new to the grilling game but still want to ditch the flavor and scent of lighter fluid, invest in a Grill Mark Electric Charcoal Fire Starter. This foolproof gadget can light your fire without any fuss.

To use this tool, plug in the charcoal fire starter for eight minutes, unplug and set it among the coals and let it sit for 20 to 25 minutes. In that time, our Test Kitchen found that the charcoal was white-hot and ready for grilling. No lighter fluid, no matches, no double-checking the coals. In a half-hour, you’re ready to grill with this gadget. Oh, and the biggest bonus: It fits perfectly in our Test Kitchen’s favorite Weber grill—a great option for beginner grillmasters.

  • Time to start coals: About 25 minutes

  • Power source: Standard outlet

  • Price: $15

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Best for Grilling On-the-Go: Diamond Strike-A-Fire

Strike A Fire (48-Count)
Strike A Fire (48-Count)

Headed to the campsite? Off to tailgate? Chances are you don’t want to be lugging around any more equipment than you have to. That’s where Diamond Strike-A-Fire Fire Starters come in.

One fire starter is perfect for getting the coals in your portable grill going. Just build a pile of charcoal, make a well in the center, strike a fire starter on the side of the box and pop it into the center of the well. In about 20 minutes your grill is ready to go. And unlike a traditional lighter fluid, these fire-starters don’t give off any tastes to taint your signature burger recipe.

When the day is done and you’re ready to go, you don’t have any extras to pack up. The fire starter burns up with the coal and can be disposed of along with any ashes.

  • Time to start coals: About 20 minutes

  • Power source: None needed; strike on the box

  • Price: $11 for a box of 48 starters

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A Good Charcoal Starter Means More Reasons to Grill

Each of these charcoal starters makes grilling easier. If it’s easier to grill, you’ll be more likely to roll your grill out of the garage for night after night of delicious recipes. Whether you’re an experienced barbecuer or just getting started with your kettle grill, give our grilling guide a look for must-have recipes and techniques. Pretty soon, you’ll be grilling up anything and everything—even dessert.

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Santa Maria Roast Beef
Santa Maria Roast Beef

Santa Maria Roast Beef

Easy Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime Butter
Easy Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime Butter

Easy Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime Butter

Grilled Steak Tacos
Grilled Steak Tacos

Grilled Steak Tacos

Grilled Fruit Phyllo Tart
Grilled Fruit Phyllo Tart

Grilled Fruit Phyllo Tart

California Burger Wraps
California Burger Wraps

California Burger Wraps

Bratwurst and Chicken Kabobs
Bratwurst and Chicken Kabobs

Bratwurst and Chicken Kabobs

Grilled Bruschetta
Grilled Bruschetta

Grilled Bruschetta

Big John's Chili-Rubbed Ribs
Big John's Chili-Rubbed Ribs

Big John's Chili-Rubbed Ribs

Cajun Grilled Shrimp
Cajun Grilled Shrimp

Cajun Grilled Shrimp

Grilled Chicken Ranch Burgers
Grilled Chicken Ranch Burgers

Grilled Chicken Ranch Burgers

Grilled Pork and Poblano Peppers
Grilled Pork and Poblano Peppers

Grilled Pork and Poblano Peppers

Grilled Lobster Tails
Grilled Lobster Tails

Grilled Lobster Tails

Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic Syrup
Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic Syrup

Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic Syrup

Grilled Pattypans
Grilled Pattypans

Grilled Pattypans

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Salsa Mole
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Salsa Mole

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Salsa Mole

Grilled Veggie Pizza
Grilled Veggie Pizza

Grilled Veggie Pizza

Lime and Dill Chimichurri Shrimp
Lime and Dill Chimichurri Shrimp

Lime and Dill Chimichurri Shrimp

Grilled Italian Sausage Sandwiches
Grilled Italian Sausage Sandwiches

Grilled Italian Sausage Sandwiches

Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Butter
Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Butter

Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Butter

Easy Grilled Squash
Easy Grilled Squash

Easy Grilled Squash

Steak Sandwich Kabobs
Steak Sandwich Kabobs

Steak Sandwich Kabobs

Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes
Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes

Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes

Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries
Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries

Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries

Lemony Shrimp & Tomatoes
Lemony Shrimp & Tomatoes

Lemony Shrimp & Tomatoes

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Grilled Huli Huli Chicken

Tacos on a Stick
Tacos on a Stick

Tacos on a Stick

Mango & Grilled Chicken Salad
Mango & Grilled Chicken Salad

Mango & Grilled Chicken Salad

Beef Suya
Beef Suya

Beef Suya

Grilled Vegetable Platter
Grilled Vegetable Platter

Grilled Vegetable Platter

Corn on the Cob with Lemon-Pepper Butter
Corn on the Cob with Lemon-Pepper Butter

Corn on the Cob with Lemon-Pepper Butter

Cola Burgers
Cola Burgers

Cola Burgers

Grilled Honey Balsamic-Glazed Fruit
Grilled Honey Balsamic-Glazed Fruit

Grilled Honey Balsamic-Glazed Fruit

Easy Marinated Grilled Flank Steak
Easy Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Easy Marinated Grilled Flank Steak

Barbecued Chicken Pizzas
Barbecued Chicken Pizzas

Barbecued Chicken Pizzas

Grilled Chicken and Mango Skewers
Grilled Chicken and Mango Skewers

Grilled Chicken and Mango Skewers

Fresh Artichokes with Lemon-Yogurt Dip
Fresh Artichokes with Lemon-Yogurt Dip

Fresh Artichokes with Lemon-Yogurt Dip

Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad
Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad

Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad

Hawaiian Beef Sliders
Hawaiian Beef Sliders

Hawaiian Beef Sliders

Ginger Salmon with Cucumber Lime Sauce
Ginger Salmon with Cucumber Lime Sauce

Ginger Salmon with Cucumber Lime Sauce

Beef and Blue Cheese Penne with Pesto
Beef and Blue Cheese Penne with Pesto

Beef and Blue Cheese Penne with Pesto

Grilled Figgy Pies
Grilled Figgy Pies

Grilled Figgy Pies

Key West Flank Steak
Key West Flank Steak

Key West Flank Steak

Bacon & Swiss Chicken Sandwiches
Bacon & Swiss Chicken Sandwiches

Bacon & Swiss Chicken Sandwiches

Cola Hot Wings
Cola Hot Wings

Cola Hot Wings

Grilled Brussels Sprouts
Grilled Brussels Sprouts

Grilled Brussels Sprouts

Cake & Berry Campfire Cobbler
Cake & Berry Campfire Cobbler

Cake & Berry Campfire Cobbler

Chicken Skewers with Cool Avocado Sauce
Chicken Skewers with Cool Avocado Sauce

Chicken Skewers with Cool Avocado Sauce

California Burger Bowls
California Burger Bowls

California Burger Bowls

Grilled Sausage-Basil Pizzas
Grilled Sausage-Basil Pizzas

Grilled Sausage-Basil Pizzas

Grilled Jerk Shrimp Orzo Salad
Grilled Jerk Shrimp Orzo Salad

Grilled Jerk Shrimp Orzo Salad

Tarragon Asparagus
Tarragon Asparagus

Tarragon Asparagus

Grilled Spinach Feta Burgers
Grilled Spinach Feta Burgers

Grilled Spinach Feta Burgers

Honey Chipotle Ribs
Honey Chipotle Ribs

Honey Chipotle Ribs

Stuffed Grilled Zucchini
Stuffed Grilled Zucchini

Stuffed Grilled Zucchini

Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad
Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad

Grilled Vegetable Orzo Salad

Herbed Butternut Squash
Herbed Butternut Squash

Herbed Butternut Squash

Tomato, Avocado and Grilled Corn Salad
Tomato, Avocado and Grilled Corn Salad

Tomato, Avocado and Grilled Corn Salad

Sweet Sriracha Wings
Sweet Sriracha Wings

Sweet Sriracha Wings

Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Cilantro Lime Shrimp

Beef ‘n’ Pork Burgers
Beef ‘n’ Pork Burgers

Beef 'n' Pork Burgers

Honey-Mustard Brats
Honey-Mustard Brats

Honey-Mustard Brats

Bruschetta from the Grill
Bruschetta from the Grill

Bruschetta from the Grill

Lemon Garlic Mushrooms
Lemon Garlic Mushrooms

Lemon Garlic Mushrooms

Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn
Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn

Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn

Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Sole
Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Sole

Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Sole

Flank Steak with Cilantro Salsa Verde
Flank Steak with Cilantro Salsa Verde

Flank Steak with Cilantro Salsa Verde

Grilled Pork with Pear Salsa
Grilled Pork with Pear Salsa

Grilled Pork with Pear Salsa

Grilled Sweet Onions
Grilled Sweet Onions

Grilled Sweet Onions

Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette
Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette

Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette

Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip
Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip

Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip

Swiss Ham Kabobs
Swiss Ham Kabobs

Swiss Ham Kabobs

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs

Salmon Burgers with Tangy Slaw
Salmon Burgers with Tangy Slaw

Salmon Burgers with Tangy Slaw

Chiles Rellenos Grilled Chicken Tacos
Chiles Rellenos Grilled Chicken Tacos

Chiles Rellenos Grilled Chicken Tacos

Dr Pepper Drumsticks
Dr Pepper Drumsticks

Dr Pepper Drumsticks

Grilled Cabbage
Grilled Cabbage

Grilled Cabbage

Grilled Southwestern Potato Salad
Grilled Southwestern Potato Salad

Grilled Southwestern Potato Salad

Chili-Rubbed Steak & Bread Salad
Chili-Rubbed Steak & Bread Salad

Chili-Rubbed Steak & Bread Salad

Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Burgers
Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Burgers

Sun-Dried Tomato Turkey Burgers

Spicy Grilled Eggplant
Spicy Grilled Eggplant

Spicy Grilled Eggplant

Appetizer Pizzas
Appetizer Pizzas

Appetizer Pizzas

Buttery Horseradish Corn on the Cob
Buttery Horseradish Corn on the Cob

Buttery Horseradish Corn on the Cob

Banana Butter Pecan Kabobs
Banana Butter Pecan Kabobs

Banana Butter Pecan Kabobs

Chipotle-Raspberry Pork Chops
Chipotle-Raspberry Pork Chops

Chipotle-Raspberry Pork Chops

Grilled Romaine with Chive-Buttermilk Dressing
Grilled Romaine with Chive-Buttermilk Dressing

Grilled Romaine with Chive-Buttermilk Dressing

Chicken Alfredo with Grilled Apples
Chicken Alfredo with Grilled Apples

Chicken Alfredo with Grilled Apples

Grilled Pistachio-Lemon Pesto Shrimp
Grilled Pistachio-Lemon Pesto Shrimp

Grilled Pistachio-Lemon Pesto Shrimp

Grilled Lemon-Garlic Salmon
Grilled Lemon-Garlic Salmon

Grilled Lemon-Garlic Salmon

Grilled Apple Tossed Salad
Grilled Apple Tossed Salad

Grilled Apple Tossed Salad

Chili-Cheese Burgers
Chili-Cheese Burgers

Chili-Cheese Burgers

Grilled Steak and Mushroom Salad
Grilled Steak and Mushroom Salad

Grilled Steak and Mushroom Salad

Dilly Barbecued Turkey
Dilly Barbecued Turkey

Dilly Barbecued Turkey

Cheese-Topped Potatoes in Foil
Cheese-Topped Potatoes in Foil

Cheese-Topped Potatoes in Foil

Bratwurst Supper
Bratwurst Supper

Bratwurst Supper

Grilled Cajun Green Beans
Grilled Cajun Green Beans

Grilled Cajun Green Beans

Fruit 'n' Cake Kabobs
Fruit 'n' Cake Kabobs

Fruit 'n' Cake Kabobs

Burger Americana
Burger Americana

Burger Americana

Grilled Salmon Packets
Grilled Salmon Packets

Grilled Salmon Packets

Grilled Veggies with Mustard Vinaigrette
Grilled Veggies with Mustard Vinaigrette

Grilled Veggies with Mustard Vinaigrette

Grilled Loaded Potato Rounds
Grilled Loaded Potato Rounds

Grilled Loaded Potato Rounds

The post The Best Charcoal Starters for Your Grill appeared first on Taste of Home.

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