Chimney Starters

[cpaysonc]

Any charcoal chimney starter recommendations, or do they all pretty much last a few years prior to rusting out, or handle failure as I just experienced. I keep it in a covered pavilion so I'm not rough on them. Would pay more for one that would last, but is that feasible considering the intense heat?

 

[sandyut]

I had a Weber one for a few years, seemed like it would go a long time. I dont recall it rusting but its been a while.

 

[sandyut]

This one, but I bought the smaller version for my 14" WSM

 

[civilsmoker]

This one, but I bought the smaller version for my 14" WSM

This is the same one I've been using for a while now. It has held up well.

 

[cpaysonc]

Seems like a great consensus! Thanks much to all, delivery placed for the Weber Rapid fire!

 

[JckDanls 07]

ok.. I'm late but all is good...

There is one out there that is a POS... It has a solid bottom with holes cut in it... Not sure of the brand, but that's the one to stay away from... Takes forever for charcoal to lite as it doesn't get much air flow...

The Weber is good .. It has a wire grate, cone shaped and lets air flow freely which in turn lites faster...

 

[normanaj]

I too have the compact Weber that I use with my 14" WSM. I've had it for many years.

 

[chopsaw]

Seems like a great consensus!

I have the Weber as well . I think it's going on 20 years . Been patched up several times . Handle finally came off . I priced a new one , $45.00 . So I rebuilt the old one . That was 2022 . Still going strong after the rebuild .
Point of failure is the rivots and holes that hold the handle on , and the body together .
You can see the holes in the body failed ,

I cut out the cone , but reused the ring , and replaced the bottom with security mesh .

Used stainless bolts with cap nuts to put it back together .

You'll get long use out of that one you bought . I see the price has come down too .

 

[JIMSMOKES]

This is what I use mainly. Time wise it's about the same to me.
Plus my grandkids like to help Pa light the grill!

 

[pc farmer]

I have had the Weber one for years. No rust or anything.

 

[Brokenhandle]

If you happen to have a gas grill with side burner... it's the easiest way to light a chimney full of charcoal... only time I use that side burner !

 

[homebeerbrewer]

I’ll add my vote to the Weber. Mine is close to 20 years old and still going strong.

 

[philpom]

I found a used large Weber on the curb about 15 years ago, going strong. Works great for an ultra hot steak sear too.

 

[Fueling Around]

Another user of both the large & small Weber's. Large one is rusting out as it sits outside all summer in the rain. Used to get buried in a snow drift during the winter, but I do not grill in the snow anymore.

ok.. I'm late but all is good...

There is one out there that is a POS... It has a solid bottom with holes cut in it... Not sure of the brand, but that's the one to stay away from... Takes forever for charcoal to lite as it doesn't get much air flow...

The Weber is good .. It has a wire grate, cone shaped and lets air flow freely which in turn lites faster...

That unit with the solid bottom is the second worst at the h-store and yes I had it too.
The worst is the units that have a trip to open the bottom for spreading coals. After I dropped a full load of coals on my feet it got stomped flat (after it cooled) and tossed in the scrap metal bin.

I have the Weber as well . I think it's going on 20 years . Been patched up several times . Handle finally came off . I priced a new one , $45.00 . So I rebuilt the old one . That was 2022 . Still going strong after the rebuild .
Point of failure is the rivots and holes that hold the handle on , and the body together .
You can see the holes in the body failed ,
...
I cut out the cone , but reused the ring , and replaced the bottom with security mesh .
...
Used stainless bolts with cap nuts to put it back together .
...
You'll get long use out of that one you bought . I see the price has come down too .

Thanks for re-posting.
I bought a new one this summer and planned to replace the cone with expanded metal as you did on your rebuild. I did modify my cone by tacking in some wire to hold the lump chips from falling through.
Remembered your post, but couldn't find it