There is no easier, more hassle-free way to start a charcoal fire than by using one of these. As long as you have access to an electric outlet somewhere in the vicinity of your grill, you'd be foolish to use any other method.
You place the heating element on the grate, with the plastic handle resting on the barbecue's edge. Cover the element with your briquettes, plug it in, wait 12 minutes, and then remove it. By that time, any charcoals that were in contact with the red-hot element will have started. Mound up the coals, wait a few more minutes, and you're good to go. No smelly, dangerous lighter fluids, no chimneys, no newspapers. What could be more simple?
The electric cord is quite short, so if your outlet isn't close by you'll have to use an extension cord. Just make sure it is a heavy duty one like the kind used for power tools.
It's quite durable if used correctly. I bought the one I have now 6 or 7 years ago and I use it at least 30 or so times a year. The heating element is beginning to crack now, so it will fail soon, but 200+ uses for this inexpensive item is pretty respectable, I think.
I can't understand why everyone doesn't use one of these. If you like to barbecue in your backyard or on your patio or deck, this is indispensable equipment.
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This starter is wonderful. But don't get lazy and leave it under the charcoal, like I did. You need to remove it after the fire starts. The plastic near the cord melts and the thing is ruined. I am ordering another one because I find I don't want to start charcoal without one.
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I have a Big Green Egg. And these are recommended to start the charcoal in them.
It does the job, flat out. I have only had it a few weeks, but it does indeed start the charcoal.
Quickly too! About 5-10 mins get the coals read hot!
I gave it 5 stars because this thing does exactly what it's supposed to do, start coal.
Now, for my commentary.
This thing makes me NERVOUS AS HELL.
I have kids, and they are goofy. This is basically every toaster/counter-top oven heating element in the world, with a plastic handle. Haha
So when you take this thing out of the coals, it is this red hot heating element. Where do you put it? It has to cool off for a few mins. On the table? Patio? Where out of the way, that someone isnt going to touch it?
I am not knocking the product, it is what it is, but think about this stuff before you buy it. I wouldnt want to see someone get hurt from this thing.
Honest reviews on Char-Broil SureFire Electric Charcoal Starter
this is the best charcoal starter we have ever used. the last one purchased is still working but is over ten years old and is used regularly every summer. I just purchased a new one as a back-up, but may not need it for a long time. Very reliable and very easy and safe to use.
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In my area this is alot of wind(since i live close to the windy city chi) so everytime i get some kind of fire going the charcoal wont light. I tried the charcoal chimney and paid 15 bucks for it and it did nothing for me. So after trying for 2 hours to light using that dumb chimney I borrowed one of these wands from my mother and in 5 minutes the charcoal started smoking. This the best starter for a barbeque hands down.
