Charcoal Chimney Starter

Ditch the Lighter Fluid: Use a Charcoal Chimney Starter

On warm summer nights walking the dogs, the air can be full of wonderful smells—smoldering mesquite, oak, and hickory. But every so often, another odor cuts through: the harsh, chemical reek of charcoal lighting fluid. It lingers in the air, clings to your clothes, and worst of all, leaves a faint petroleum taste on your food. It’s also not the safest way to light a grill.

Why You Need a Chimney Starter

If you—or someone you know—still uses lighter fluid, a charcoal chimney starter is a simple upgrade that makes a huge difference. It’s:

• Inexpensive – usually around $12.
• Safer – no flammable liquids to splash or flare up.
• Cleaner – no chemical smell or off-flavors on your food.
• Efficient – uses plain paper as fuel.

You can even make a DIY version from an empty coffee can with both ends removed and holes punched around the sides, though a store-bought chimney is sturdier and easier to handle.

How to Use a Charcoal Chimney

Using a charcoal chimney starter is straightforward and fast:

1. Gather your materials

• Charcoal chimney starter
• A couple of pages of newspaper or other plain paper
• Charcoal
• Matches or a lighter

1. Load the paper

Crumple the newspaper loosely and stuff it into the bottom section of the chimney. Don’t pack it too tightly—airflow is important.

1. Add the charcoal

Fill the top section of the chimney with charcoal.

1. Set it on a safe surface

Place the chimney on a non-flammable surface, such as the grate of your grill or a fireproof pad.

1. Light the paper

Ignite the paper through the holes at the bottom. The flames will rise and ignite the charcoal above.

1. Wait for the coals to be ready

In about 20 minutes, the charcoal will be ashed over and glowing—ready to pour into your grill.

With a chimney starter, you get hot, clean-burning coals without the toxic fumes, lingering smell, or chemical taste. It’s one of the simplest upgrades you can make to your grilling routine.