Charcoal Firestarters (34 items found)

With a large selection of fire starters at Ace Hardware, you’ll be grilling like a pro in no time. From electric fire starters to lighter fluid and more, learn about the different types of fire starters to find the best option for you.

Greater Convenience with an Electric Fire Starter

An electric charcoal fire starter is a great choice as it doesn't require the use of chemicals or lighter fluid. Electric charcoal starters get charcoal fired up quickly, so you can get to grilling faster. The best part? They're also relatively inexpensive and reusable.

Unlike charcoal chimney starters, electric charcoal grill fire-starters don't require the use of matches or kindling like lighters cubes or crumpled newspaper. However, make sure you have ready access to a power outlet, as your electric fire starter will need it.

Benefits of Charcoal Chimney Starters

With so many charcoal lighting options available, it may be difficult to know which is right for you. Chimney starters are oversized metal tubes with grills at the bottom designed to distribute heat upwards. 

Although more involved than an electric charcoal starter, a charcoal chimney lights relatively fast and provides better heat distribution for coals without the need for chemicals or lighter fluid. The advantageous heat distribution helps you cook meats and veggies more evenly.

Using Charcoal Chimneys

The process of using a grill chimney may seem confusing but is relatively straightforward even with different models available. Before you begin, make sure to remove the cooking grate from your grill.

• Depending on the amount of food you are cooking, you will fill your chimney starter accordingly. More food may require your charcoal chimney to be filled to the brim.
• Place crumpled up newspaper, lighter cubes or kindling in the lower section of the chimney starter underneath the charcoal.
• Set the charcoal chimney on top of the charcoal grate.
• Using a long fireplace match or lighter, light the fuel source in multiple places to ensure the charcoal is ignited.  

You'll see flames rising to the top of the chimney not long after. Once the coals begin to glow, tip the grill chimney over onto the charcoal grate. At this point, you're ready to begin grilling. 

Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for best use instructions as not all chimney starters are the same.

Charcoal Grill Lighter Fluid for Increased Versatility

Charcoal lighter fluid presents yet another option for lighting charcoal. Portable and easy to use, lighter fluid can be a useful charcoal grill fire starter as it tends to light quickly.

When shopping for charcoal lighter fluid, look for natural, eco-safe products made from agriculturally derived ingredients that eliminate the risk of unpleasant aftertastes.

Shop Charcoal Grill Lighters, Grills and More at Ace

Get ready for this grilling season with the right equipment from Ace. Up your grilling game by shopping our impressive selection of fire starters and other useful grilling products.

Available from leading brands like Weber, Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, Oklahoma Joe’s, Grill Mark and many more, find charcoal grills, charcoal, grilling accessories and more to get the most out of every grilling session.