Charcoal Chimney Starter with Long BBQ Lighter for Charcoal and Briquettes

Prepare your charcoal barbecue with this charcoal chimney starter and long BBQ lighter from Discountershop. The metal chimney starter measures approximately 17 x 27.5 cm and uses airflow to help charcoal or briquettes heat evenly. The included 27 cm BBQ lighter lets you reach the firelighters underneath without holding a short lighter close to the charcoal.

Use this combination with a charcoal barbecue, kettle BBQ, kamado, grill or smoker. Fill the charcoal starter, position suitable firelighting material underneath and ignite it with the long BBQ lighter. Once the charcoal is glowing sufficiently, carefully pour it into the barbecue and arrange it for direct or indirect grilling.

Why use a charcoal chimney starter?

Lighting a BBQ requires sufficient heat and oxygen. Charcoal spread loosely across a barbecue may not ignite evenly. A cylindrical charcoal chimney starter keeps charcoal or briquettes together and supports vertical airflow.

Hot air rises through the cylinder while fresh air enters through the ventilation holes at the bottom. The lower coals heat first and transfer energy to the layers above. This process is known as the chimney effect.

Key benefits:

• Suitable for charcoal and BBQ briquettes
• Metal starter measuring approximately 17 x 27.5 cm
• Includes a 27 cm long BBQ lighter
• Ventilation holes support natural airflow
• Wooden handle provides distance from the metal cylinder
• Helps prepare a more even bed of hot coals
• Suitable for barbecues, kamados, grills and smokers
• Useful for direct and indirect grilling
• Reduces the need to fan the coals manually
• Two practical BBQ accessories in one set

Briquette starter for an even charcoal base

This metal briquette starter is suitable for standard charcoal, briquettes and barbecue coals. Your choice of fuel depends on the barbecue and cooking method. Charcoal generally reacts quickly to airflow, while briquettes are often selected for a more consistent bed of heat.

Use the charcoal starter for:

• Direct grilling of burgers, kebabs or sausages
• Indirect cooking of larger pieces of food
• Preheating charcoal for a kamado
• Lighting a kettle barbecue
• Preparing hot coals for a smoker
• Starting a charcoal grill in the garden
• Barbecuing at a campsite where open fires are permitted

The required heating time varies depending on the fuel type, quantity, weather and ignition method. Check the charcoal visually instead of relying on one fixed heating time.

Long 27 cm BBQ lighter

The included long BBQ lighter helps you reach the firelighting material underneath the filled chimney. Its 27 cm length keeps your hand farther from the ignition point than a short pocket lighter.

First place the starter securely on a flat, heat-resistant surface. Position suitable firelighters or natural firelighting wood wool underneath the cylinder and ignite them carefully from the side. Keep your face, hair and loose clothing away from the ignition area.

The lighter is intended for igniting suitable barbecue firelighters. Never attempt to light charcoal or briquettes using petrol, methylated spirits or other flammable liquids.

How to use the charcoal starter

1. Choose a safe outdoor location

Position the BBQ starter outdoors on a flat, stable and non-combustible surface. Keep it away from walls, fences, dry grass, garden furniture and overhanging branches.

2. Fill the metal cylinder

Add the required amount of charcoal or briquettes. Do not pack the chimney so tightly that air can no longer circulate between the pieces of fuel.

3. Position suitable firelighting material

Place BBQ firelighters or firelighting wood wool beneath the starter according to their instructions. Use only products intended for lighting a barbecue.

4. Ignite the firelighters

Use the long lighter to ignite the firelighting material carefully from the side. Withdraw your hand immediately afterwards and keep the ventilation openings unobstructed.

5. Check the charcoal

Wait until a large proportion of the charcoal or briquettes is glowing. A light grey layer of ash on the outside can indicate that the coals are heating through.

6. Transfer the hot coals

Put on heat-resistant barbecue gloves. Hold the handle securely and slowly pour the hot coals into the barbecue. Arrange them according to your chosen cooking zone.

For kamados, grills, smokers and kettle barbecues

This chimney starter is not limited to one type of BBQ. With a kamado, you can add prepared coals to help ignite the remaining fuel inside the ceramic barbecue. In a kettle BBQ, place the coals on one side for indirect cooking or distribute them across the charcoal grate for direct heat.

For a smoker, the starter can prepare a separate batch of hot coals before they are added. Always consult your barbecue instructions because airflow settings, charcoal distribution and recommended quantities differ by model.

Important safety information

The metal cylinder and charcoal become extremely hot during use. Only use this set outdoors. Burning charcoal produces carbon monoxide, so never operate a charcoal starter or charcoal barbecue indoors or inside a tent, caravan, garage or other enclosed space.

Always follow these safety precautions:

• Keep children and pets well away
• Wear heat-resistant barbecue gloves
• Never touch the metal cylinder during or after use
• Keep your face away from smoke, rising heat and sparks
• Never use petrol, methylated spirits or other flammable liquids
• Never add lighter fluid to warm or burning charcoal
• Do not place the starter on wood, plastic, dry grass or garden furniture
• Do not move the starter while its contents are burning unstably
• Keep suitable fire-control equipment nearby
• Let the starter, charcoal and ash cool completely before disposal
• Check that charcoal barbecues are permitted at your chosen location

The wooden handle helps provide distance from the metal cylinder, but it is not a substitute for heat-resistant gloves.

Cleaning and storage

Allow the charcoal starter to cool completely after use. Remove loose ash only when no heat or glowing material remains. Wipe the metal cylinder clean and never apply water while the metal is still hot.

Store the chimney starter and lighter in a dry location. If the metal becomes wet, dry it thoroughly before storage. Check the cylinder, ventilation holes, handle and lighter for visible damage before every use.

Product specifications

• Product type: charcoal and briquette starter set
• Chimney starter dimensions: approximately 17 x 27.5 cm
• BBQ lighter length: approximately 27 cm
• Starter material: metal
• Starter handle: wood
• Ventilation holes: yes
• Suitable fuels: charcoal, briquettes and barbecue coals
• Applications: BBQ, kamado, grill, smoker and kettle barbecue
• Location of use: outdoors only

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Frequently asked questions

When are briquettes ready to pour out of the chimney starter?

Transfer the briquettes when most are glowing and the upper layer is visibly hot. Timing varies according to quantity, fuel and weather. Always wear heat-resistant barbecue gloves while handling the starter.

Can you add newly lit charcoal to a burning barbecue?

Yes, provided your barbecue instructions permit it. Prepare additional charcoal separately in the chimney and add it carefully. This prevents cold fuel from unnecessarily disrupting the temperature of the existing cooking zone.

What is the difference between direct and indirect grilling?

With direct grilling, food sits above the hot charcoal. For indirect cooking, place the coals on one or both sides and position the food away from the direct heat, usually with the lid closed.

Why is there so much smoke coming from a briquette starter?

Smoke can be caused by firelighters, damp fuel or restricted airflow. Keep the ventilation holes clear and use dry charcoal or briquettes. Stop if the smoke appears unusual and inspect the setup safely.