WeberRapidfire Chimney Starter, Standard, Silver

My gas broiler isn't hot enough for many things I like to do, so I'm migrating back to charcoal. I used kindling to build a small fire to light the coals a couple of times and that's a pain in the neck.My son has one of these and recommended the Weber brand - it's definitely more expensive than the next one down (which might work just as well), but this one works really great. Two sheets of newspaper wadded up in the bottom, charcoal in the top (I'm using chunk style - charred pieces of wood, not compressed briquettes). The charcoal is glowing red in just a few minutes. I was really surprised at how quickly and thoroughly it got the charcoal going.

This was my first charcoal chimney starter, and I absolutely love it, super impressed all around. I opted for the larger version to give myself more versatility, and it's been perfect. The overall design is clever and efficient, with a durable coil base that allows for excellent airflow while keeping the coals securely contained. It draws air from the bottom and funnels it through the chamber for an even, consistent burn, aided by well-placed side vents. The handle setup is great, there's a main handle and a secondary grip for safe, controlled pouring, and while it can warm up a bit depending on how much charcoal you're using and how long it's been burning, it generally stays comfortable enough to handle. The base is wide and stable, and tall enough that it works well with different fuel starters like newspaper, fuel cubes, or tumbleweed bundles, and it's sturdy enough to set directly on a grill. It's held up really well so far with no warping or wear. All in all, this gets the coals hot fast, works every time, and makes lighting charcoal way easier. Great design for the money, and no assembly required! Absolute game changer, highly recommended!

Three sheets of newspaper, one match and this chimney gets a chimney full of lump into a bed of coals ready to cook in 20-30 minutes. The “lump” you buy will determine the cook time, along with coal to grill distance, of course. 5 Star Product.I will NEVER return to charcoal briquettes and lighter fluid. This full Weber chimney will easily do 4 large hamburgers or three large steaks over direct heat.Optionally: It can still do some great offset ribs at the same "burn" if you think it through, and have the floor space. I like to go slow with the ribs and start just AFTER the burgers or steaks come off and the lump coals are not so hot. Perhaps 20 minutes? 1 after dinner dessert rib and next day ribs are excellent. 😋 It would be a waste to not take advantage of the leftover heat!Tip: The lump charcoal bag on it’s way to you can't be tossed around, because the contents are fragile like eggs. Bag tossing makes the pieces turn into gravel! Ideally, few pieces should as small as your old whole briquettes. So shipping is not recommended. Some brick and mortar stores treat the bags right, and others toss them around like bags of rice. Ideally you find a store that still has the bags on the pallet as they come from the manufacturer, insuring the bags have not been abused.Tip2: There are web pages that rate lump for flavor. Many are biased for certain brands. It is suggested that you go to the biggest BBQ equipment stores and ask what is good in your area. B&B Oak has been my favorite, but went through a "sparking" and mondo size logs phase, that I hope has past. Academy Sports has been known to have them on original pallets. RockWood is another good lump, usually if carefully stocked, or may be ordered from Ace Hardware stores. Ask around, and you might find lump the right size and flavor for you. Then you may find steak and burger heaven! (That never contacted lighter fluid.)TPinSwUSA rating scale:★ Well below expectations. And/or Listing is false.★★ Below expectations and/or Significant listing errors or Significant problems.★★★ Neutral - some good, some bad. Or highly priced for no known reason.★★★★ Meets expectations. Price seemed competitive when review was written.★★★★★ Exceeds expectations and/or the competition with Value. Unique.

This chimney starter works great. I like to use natural firestarters (straw with paraffin) with it. It doesn't take long for the charcoal to light. Natural lump charcoal can sometimes take a little longer to light if the lumps are huge. Chimneys or propane lighters are definitely the way to go and don't make your food taste like fuel.

Came damaged and bent, I don't know if it was a packing issue or a manufacturing issue.Is shorter than most chimneys which is great since I wanted it for Yakitori and thus fewer coals than a traditional kettle grill.The handle and heat shield are fantastic.The metal didn't scorch and discolor after the first use like some others had.

Great charcoal chimney, lets you get away from using fluids to start charcoal this is my second on first would’ve lasted a lot longer if son didn’t run it over with his truck

Replacement for my 19 year old Weber chimney that finally died last week. I used it weekly for all that time. Did everything I could to extend its life - kept it protected from weather, drilled out handle rivets when they rusted out at 14 years and replaced with small stainless steel screws & nuts. It ultimately rusted out a week ago and I just couldn’t repair it anymore. I thanked it for its service and buried it in the back yard with full military honors and a 21 gun salute. Received my new Weber chimney today and welcomed it into the family and broke it in by cooking a mess of chicken this evening. Life is good again.

This got my coals started quick, my grill was ready to go in no time. It was my first time using a chimney, and this was super easy to use