• Environmentally safe method of lighting charcoal
• Chimney starter doesn't require use of lighter fluid
• Easy to use
• Heats coals quickly and efficiently in 15 to 20 minutes
• 1-year satisfaction guarantee

This environmentally safe chimney starter lights a charcoal grill quickly and easily without lighter fluid. Food tastes better and the charcoal lighter fluid odor doesn’t permeate your picnic--or the environment. To use the chimney starter, stuff two half sheets of newspaper in its bottom chamber and fill the top chamber with coals. After lighting the paper through one of the perforated holes in the starter’s bottom, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes for the coals to heat up to the proper temperature. Simply pour them into the basin of your charcoal grill and you’re ready to barbecue. Charcoal Companion guarantees your satisfaction with this chimney starter for up to one year from the date of purchase. --Cristina Vaamonde

Customer Rating:
Summary: Beats charcoal lighter fluid-no aftertaste
Comment: The secret to making this product work well is to keep your old news papers inside, away from the humidity. Takes only one full sheet and about 20 to 25 minutes to get your fire going. And for me, charcoal grilling beats propane grilling by a long shot. Now, the chimney is going to ware out. I grill two or three times a week and mine is still going.

---

Customer Rating:
Summary: Durable and big
Comment: This is durable. Don't just buy one of these in the grocery store. The quality doesn't compare. The heat shield also protects the handle from getting too hot. You can use this item without lighter fluid. Just crinkle a sheet of newspaper in the bottom and voila! I have also seen some place this right on the camp stove to give the coals a quick start. If you do, be careful as they get VERY hot!

---

Customer Rating:
Summary: Look for another one
Comment: I have had no problems with getting my charcoal lit, but the metal holding the handle isn't screwd in and it comes when lifted. I have to make sure I hold the handle at the very bottom so I don't drop the chimney.

The design is fine, the construction is lacking...

---

Customer Rating:
Summary: Ya'll need to learn to use it!
Comment: For everyone out there that complains that this doesn't work well: learn to use it!! The key with all chimney starters is to put a bit of vegetable oil on the paper... this is the trick that Alton Brown taught me on Good Eats... I wouldn't spend twice the money for a fancy one when a tablespoon of vegie oil or a spray of Pam will do!

---

Customer Rating:
Summary: Not so great
Comment: The idea is good, it just needs a little more work. The chimney doesn't have enough air vents to draw oxygen, so loading it to the top just doesn't work. It is also very difficult to keep the fire going. It usually takes several re-lights just to start a few briquettes. It does work decently for about 5 briquettes or so. If you're roasting marshmellows, this is the way to go, but if you actually want someting that works, keep looking.

---