Taste of Home
No doubt about it: Grilling is one of our favorite ways to get cooking in the warmer months—and for some die-hards, even on cold days. There’s nothing that can replace that char-grilled flavor of a great burger, barbecued ribs or even some veggies done up right. But let’s be real: If you’re grilling with charcoal, starting the grill can be tedious and using lighter fluid can leave your go-to recipes tasting less than their best. That’s where a good charcoal starter comes in.
But what starter is best? Hardware stores and online shops are full of options. It can be hard to choose! That’s why our Test Kitchen and team of expert grillers put six common grill starter options to the test. We had to find which were worthy of your next cookout.
What We Looked for in a Charcoal Starter
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When you’re grilling, you want a gadget you can count on, one that will last for cookouts to come and one that’s easy to use—especially when there are lawn games and a cooler of beer to distract you. Here’s what our Test Kitchen kept in mind as they fired up grill after grill:
- Ease of use:Â Was the gadget easy to use? Do you need any additional gear or power to use the charcoal starter? Is it suitable for even amateur grillers?
- Speed: How long did it take to get the grill going?
- Durability: Is this product durable? Can it be used year after year?
- Price: How much was the charcoal starter? Was it worth the investment?
Our Test Kitchen-Preferred Grill Starters
With those criteria in mind, our Test Kitchen pulled out their grills for many nights of barbecue. Find out which starters will be making an appearance at grill-outs going forward.
Best for Serious Grillmasters: Looftlighter Original Electric Fire Starter
Via amazon.com
If you’d rather fire up the grill than switch on the oven, this is the gadget for you. The Looftlighter Original Electric Fire Starter is quick, versatile and a cinch to use.
Not familiar with the Looftlighter? To use it, you just touch this supercharged gadget to your charcoal. Within a minute, this super hot (we mean it—1,000ºF or more!) gadget lights the fire. But don’t fret—the safety casing cools down in just seconds. Yep, you read that right: In two minutes you can fill your grill with charcoal, light it and have your Looftlighter cooled and stashed away. That’s why this gadget is a favorite in the Test Kitchen.
And if you need any more reasons to check out this fancy gadget, know that it does more than start up your grill: You can also use it to start your smoker, outdoor pizza oven and even a bonfire.
- Time to start coals: 1 minute
- Power source:Â Standard outlet
- Price: $80
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Best Cord-Free Charcoal Starter: Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter
Via homedepot.com
Electric grill starters are darn handy, but you don’t need to be near an outlet to light your coals. With the Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter, you can start your grill out on the patio, at the campsite or down by the lake with ease.
To use this chimney-style starter, you stuff the bottom of the cylinder with a sheet or two of newspaper and fill the rest with charcoal. Light the paper in 20 minutes, our Test Kitchen found that the coals were ready for grilling. Just pour them out into your grill kettle and start cooking!
This gadget was affordable, easy to use, requires no electricity, cords or charging. Plus, the aluminized steel will last for years to come (just stash it in the garage or shed when not in use).
- Time to start coals: About 20 minutes
- Power source:Â None needed
- Price: $20
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Best for Beginner Barbecuers: Grill Mark Electric Charcoal Fire Starter
Via acehardware.com
If you’re new to the grilling game but still want to ditch the flavor and scent of lighter fluid, invest in a Grill Mark Electric Charcoal Fire Starter. This foolproof gadget can light your fire without any fuss.
To use this tool, plug in the charcoal fire starter for eight minutes, unplug and set it among the coals and let it sit for 20 to 25 minutes. In that time, our Test Kitchen found that the charcoal was white-hot and ready for grilling. No lighter fluid, no matches, no double-checking the coals. In a half-hour, you’re ready to grill with this gadget.
- Time to start coals: About 25 minutes
- Power source: Standard outlet
- Price: $15
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Best for Grilling On-the-Go: Diamond Strike-A-Fire
Via homedepot.com
Headed to the campsite? Off to tailgate? Chances are you don’t want to be lugging around any more equipment than you have to. That’s where Diamond Strike-A-Fire Fire Starters come in.
One fire starter is perfect for getting the coals in your portable grill going. Just build a pile of charcoal, make a well in the center, strike a fire starter on the side of the box and pop it into the center of the well. In about 20 minutes your grill is ready to go. And unlike a traditional lighter fluid, these fire-starters don’t give off any tastes to taint your signature burger recipe.
When the day is done and you’re ready to go, you don’t have any extras to pack up. The fire starter burns up with the coal and can be disposed of along with any ashes.
- Time to start coals: About 20 minutes
- Power source:Â None needed; strike on the box
- Price: $15 for a box of 48 starters
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A Good Charcoal Starter Means More Reasons to Grill
Each of these charcoal starters makes grilling easier. If it’s easier to grill, you’ll be more likely to roll your grill out of the garage for night after night of delicious recipes. Whether you’re an experienced barbecuer or just getting started with your kettle grill, give our grilling guide a look for must-have recipes and techniques. Pretty soon, you’ll be grilling up anything and everything—even dessert.
Margarita Chicken
You're going to be drinking margaritas this summer anyway, so why not take it a step further? By marinating your chicken in margarita mix, you get a really nice lime flavor that's enhanced with garlic.
Go to Recipe
Kentucky Grilled ChickenKentucky Fried Chicken? What about Kentucky grilled chicken! The basting sauce is a simple combination of Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce that's the perfect complement to any outdoor meal.
Gourmet Burgers with Sun-Dried TomatoGuests will never see this coming! The goat cheese filling in these burgers is a pleasant and refreshing surprise. In comparison to American cheeseburgers, these really do feel gourmet!
Grilled Corn in HusksYou know it's summer when you can finally enjoy a nice corn on the cob. No need for anything crazy; some butter and parmesan are enough to make this side dish a masterpiece.
Feta Salmon SaladThis simple
grilled salmon salad is a whole meal. The light but effective spice blend brings out a garlic and ginger flavor. It all comes together beautifully on a bed of spring mix salad!
Steak Sandwiches with Crispy OnionsSteak with a chimichurri-inspired mayo sauce and a side of onion crisps sounds like a delightful meal. But all of that combined in a sandwich with a side of fries sounds even better! This mouth watering sandwich is a grill master's dream lunch.
Grilled Caesar Chicken BreastsMarinated overnight in creamy Caesar dressing, this chicken is tender and full of flavor. This easy grilled recipe is as good as it gets!
The Best Grilled Sirloin Tip RoastThis lean but flavorful meat is going to be the star of your next cookout! You won't regret trying it with the optional horseradish-thyme butter.
Salmon Grilled in FoilTin foil grilling isn't exactly a new technique, but this curry salmon will make you feel like you've been doing it wrong this whole time! The flaky fish is best served with potatoes or a nice salad.
Grilled Elote FlatbreadHere's a topping you haven't thought of! This fun twist on a classic Mexican dish will be your go-to snack of the summer.
Grilled Romaine SaladYou can grill a steak so why shouldn't you be able to grill a salad? The simple dressing really sends it over the top.
Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak TacosThinking about a steak taco is enough to make your mouth water. But thinking about these beer marinated tacos is enough to get you up and on your way to the store! Use leftover meat for quesadillas the next day.
Grilled Chicken SaladNever underestimate the power of a good salad. This perfect picnic meal will be your summer showstopper!
Halibut Soft TacosThese halibut tacos are almost too pretty to eat! The sweet and spicy mango salsa will have you looking up what else you can put it on. Spoiler alert: it doubles as a nice salad dressing.
Grilled Flank SteakThis sweet and tangy marinade is used for both the veggies and meat. You'll find yourself coming back to this recipe, especially when you have company coming over.
Brined Grilled Turkey BreastThis sweet and spicy turkey is super moist. The flavors are subtle, but present enough where you'll think of this recipe even around Thanksgiving.
Grilled Mahi MahiWant a change of pace at your next cookout? Grill up this mahi mahi with tropical fruit salsa and watch as everyone asks for the recipe. It's sweet, tangy and delicious!
Beef ‘n’ Pork BurgersAdding pork to your burgers is a grill master's best kept secret. The bacon really drives home the smokiness.
The Best Baby Back RibsThey're the best for a reason! The zesty ribs are always what you need them to be: tender, flavorful and great for a party.
Chicken Strawberry Spinach SaladThis sweet poppy seed dressing is everything you want in a salad and more. The grilled chicken, strawberries and almonds are the perfect combination of savory, sweet and crunchy!
Grilled AsparagusGrilled asparagus makes a perfect side dish for grilled meats. It's ready in just 20 minutes and has a nice barbecue sauce taste.
Grilled Chorizo and Shrimp PaellaThis easy shrimp and chorizo paella is a must have this summer. The mango and lime give it a tangy flavor that goes along perfectly with the grilled chicken sausage. You won't want to miss out on this colorful meal.
Artichoke Steak WrapsReady in just 30 minutes, these artichoke steak wraps are a must have! Artichokes are rarely the main event in a meal, but these wraps will have you second guessing that notion.
Lemon-Dijon Grilled Salmon Foil PacketThis tin foil salmon is a winner! With almost no clean up, you can just focus on stocking up your pantry for the next time you make this lemony dish.
Easy Grilled Corn with Chipotle-Lime ButterYou had us at easy! This Memorial Day corn has a wonderful flavor with only five ingredients! If you're not a fan of cilantro, parsley is the perfect replacement.
Grilled Steak TacosSummer goes hand in hand with steak tacos. But this recipe ranks amongst the best. With a spicy aioli and ribeye meat, you can't ask for better!
Grilled Fruit Phyllo TartFruit salad on a flaky crust? Don't mind if we do! The sweet cream cheese and lemon flavor on such a colorful spread makes it the perfect addition to any summer table.
California Burger WrapsBurgers can sometimes seem heavy, but these wraps are completely void of that feeling. With fresh ingredients and a lettuce wrapping, you won't miss the bread at all!
Bratwurst and Chicken KabobsYou can get the best of both worlds with these double meat kabobs! The chutney packs a bit of heat with the pepper jelly.
Aloha BurgersBurgers and fruit might just be your new go-to debate topic. As for us, we can't get enough of it! These Hawaiian-inspired burgers are smoky from the bacon but fresh from the pineapple. See for yourself!
Grilled BruschettaThis appetizer is perfect at any party. It's the right amount of sophistication while still remaining simple. It'll really dress up a table!
Martha’s Fish TacosAll hail Martha! These tacos are light but filling. The best part is you can serve them hot or cold.
Big John’s Chili-Rubbed RibsYou can't go a whole summer without ribs. It's impossible! So why not just have the best of the best? Now we don't know Big John personally, but we'd love to thank him for this Asian-inspired recipe.
Cajun Grilled ShrimpThis Cajun marinade is made spicy with cayenne pepper. That heat is cut through with the lemons for an explosion of flavor. You'll find yourself coming back to this recipe for sure.
Grilled Pork and Poblano PeppersThis spice-rubbed pork is not for the faint of heart. It's a party in your mouth and a party at your table! Guests will request you make it every cookout.
Grilled Lobster TailsLobster tails aren't reserved for restaurants. And they're easier to make than you think! If you find yourself ordering lobster out a lot, give this recipe a spin.
Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic SyrupA balsamic glaze can turn any dish from good to great. Well, maybe not any but a case can be written for salads and toast and fruit and huh, maybe that is everything. The grilled fruit practically melts in your mouth. So what are you waiting for!
Grilled PattypansIf you've never tried pattypan squash, now is the time! This side dish will change the way you think about fruits and veggies and how they can come together.
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Salsa MoleChocolate, cherries and pork? Say no more! The hint of spice in this dish is drool inducing.
Grilled Veggie PizzaIf you have any leftover veggies on hand, toss them together on a veggie pizza. It's a fun lunch—or even dinner—for the whole family!
Lime and Dill Chimichurri ShrimpThis lime and dill chimichurri shrimp has a brighter flavor than other chimichurri dishes. This makes it all the more enticing for summer cookouts.
Grilled Italian Sausage SandwichesIf you're in the mood for Italian, you've come to the right sandwich. This meal might seem more laid back but that's exactly what makes it perfect for a hot summer day.
Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro ButterOnce you've had cilantro lime butter, you'll immediately start wondering what other amazing butter flavors you might've missed out on. The spiced chicken is nothing short of a crowd pleaser.
Easy Grilled SquashThis recipe is as simple as it gets. With produce, it's best to just bask in the natural flavors and that's exactly what this side dish highlights.
Shrimp ‘n’ Scallops Tropical SaladThis zippy fruit salad is cut through with smoky shrimp and scallops. If you love seafood, you'll love this salad!
Steak Sandwich KabobsThere's nothing more fun than putting food on a stick. With bread, steak, peppers, onion and cheese, you can enjoy a whole meal on the go!
Cedar Plank Salmon with Blackberry SauceThis salmon is a nice balance of sweet, smoky and spicy. Maybe you've never thought about salmon and fruits before this moment, but now you'll only wish you'd thought of it sooner.
Grilled Basil Chicken and TomatoesThis quick basil chicken comes together with tomatoes to make a dish reminiscent of a deconstructed salad. The recipe is simple, easy and perfect for a busy weeknight.
Grilled Angel Food Cake with StrawberriesThis patriotic dessert introduces our favorite summer ingredient, balsamic vinegar, to the world of desserts. After trying this cake you'll really believe an angel made it.
Lemony Shrimp & TomatoesLemon and shrimp go together like peanut butter and jelly. This quick marinade makes for a great lunch on the go!
Grilled Huli Huli ChickenThis overnight marinated Hawaiian chicken is well worth the wait. With brown sugar, ginger and soy sauce, you can use this marinade for anything!
Tacos on a StickThese taco kabobs are as fun to assemble as they are to eat! A sour cream dipping sauce is must.
Mango & Grilled Chicken SaladWhen it's hot out, you want nothing more than to bite into a juicy piece of fruit. This mango chicken salad gives all of that and more with added crunch from the snap peas.
Beef SuyaSuya is a spiced skewer dish from West Africa, namely Nigeria. This more mild, but still spicy, version pays homage to the peanut and ginger present in a more traditional beef suya.
Grilled Vegetable PlatterYou really can't go wrong with grilled veggies. This simple honey and balsamic vinegar marinade proves once again that balsamic vinegar is the secret to a great cookout.
Cola BurgersPeople soak their meat in sodas all the time so why not just put it in a sauce? French salad dressing and cola meet to make a smash hit!
Grilled Honey-Balsamic Glazed FruitSweet and salty lovers unite! We might have just found your new favorite dessert. Peaches with honey and balsamic vinegar is the best way to end a barbecue.
Easy Marinated Grilled Flank SteakThis three-ingredient marinade will be your new go-to for steak. You probably already have the ingredients in your pantry!
Grilled Chicken and Mango SkewersThese skewers bring all the best flavors of summer together. This colorful plate is as Instagram-worthy as it is tasty.
Fresh Artichokes with Lemon-Yogurt DipArtichokes are made to be enjoyed simply and with this tangy lemon-yogurt dip you can do just that. The perfect appetizer for an epic cookout, you won't want to underestimate the veggie again.
Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula SaladOne reviewer wrote that she'd give the recipe 10 stars if she could, and we couldn't agree more! This summer salad is not a want but a need. The grilled peaches are an impeccable touch.
Hawaiian Beef SlidersYou wear a jacket when it's cold just like you eat pineapple when it's hot. And what better way to enjoy it than in one of these dynamite burgers? They're sweet and savory with a nice kick from the jalapeños.
Ginger Salmon with Cucumber Lime SauceWe're always looking for more ways to dress up salmon. And you can't disappoint with lime and ginger! This winning combination is well seasoned and colorful.
Grilled Figgy PiesA figgy pie is exactly as it sounds: a combination of figs, maple, walnuts and creamy mascarpone. These hand held pies will go fast!
Key West Flank SteakAnyone from Florida knows you can't have a steak without onions and lime. Even better if it's served with a side of rice and fried plantains.
Bacon & Swiss Chicken SandwichesThis chicken sandwich is restaurant quality! And just when you thought it couldn't get any better, you can make extra honey mustard on the side for dipping.
Grilled Brussels SproutsI don't know about you, but I'm feeling like I could eat all four servings of these kabobs myself! The Brussels sprouts and peppers are light with a bit of a kick.
Cake & Berry Campfire CobblerYou know what cookouts need more of? Desserts! This cobbler is the best way to close out the night.
Chicken Skewers with Cool Avocado SauceThe slightly hot chipotle-lime chicken skewers cool down immediately with the avocado sauce. The sauce is creamy and addictive!
California Burger BowlsLike Chipotle, you can choose whether to have your burgers as is or in a bowl. The difference is that in a bowl you can really load them up! Veggies and even fruit can adorn your hamburger bowl.
Grilled Sausage-Basil PizzasThese little pizzas will change the way you plan a cookout. Made on flatbreads or naan, they're fun for the whole family. So go as crazy as you want with toppings!
Grilled Jerk Shrimp Orzo SaladStarting with the orzo and ending with the shrimp, this salad has everything we love! It's easy, delicious and made with any veggies and meats that you have on hand.
Tarragon AsparagusAsparagus is an underrated veggie that rarely sees new ways to eat it. Until now! This tarragon-honey marinade is exactly the change of pace we were looking for.
Honey Chipotle RibsThese honey chipotle ribs are lip-smacking good! The sauce can be made up to a week in advance for the perfect grilling experience.
Stuffed Grilled ZucchiniThese zucchini boats are stuffed with cheese, garlic, onion and breadcrumbs. They're the perfect accompaniment to your favorite grilled meat!
Tomato, Avocado and Grilled Corn SaladSomething about this salad feels like laying on the beach. It's refreshing, it's warm and it feels like summer!
Chicken Alfredo with Grilled ApplesYou wouldn't normally think that Alfredo and apples go together but once you try it you won't go back.
Sweet Sriracha WingsThese sweet and hot wings are going to make a splash at your next outdoor party. They're made sweet with orange juice and honey. It sounds unlikely but somehow makes perfect sense!
Cilantro Lime ShrimpThis garlic and lime marinade will wow at your next cookout. The flavor is spot on and the preparation is easy enough to add it into your meal rotation.
Chicken and Zucchini Foil PacksYou can make this foil wrapped dinner with any vegetables you have on hand. But over the summer, we can't resist a zucchini dinner! It's nice and simple with the tomato paste giving it a spaghetti sauce flavor.
Honey-Mustard BratsThis honey mustard is given an extra bite with mayo and steak sauce. The quickly assembled brats make for a simple but unforgettable meal.
Grilled BruschettaThis is my go-to appetizer in the summer when tomatoes and basil are fresh from the garden. The balsamic glaze takes this bruschetta recipe over the top. I like to use a Tuscan herb- or basil-infused olive oil for this. But, it's great with just plain olive oil, too. —Brittany Allyn, Mesa, Arizona
Lemon Garlic MushroomsThese lemony grilled mushrooms might take some of the spotlight off the main course. They're just that good! Skewers ensure that they're grilled to perfection.
Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street CornCombine your two favorite summer snacks in one with this jalapeño popper corn! It's the BOGO you've been waiting for with all the crunch and spice you could ask for.
Crab & Shrimp Stuffed SoleTurn your cookout into a five-star restaurant with this seafood stuffed sole. Just add a salad and baguette, and you're all set.
Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry VinaigretteYou've seen peaches on burgers and mangoes in salsas, get ready for the best of the best. This contest-winning blueberry vinaigrette will change the way you view fruit in salads.
Grilled CabbageYou'll be surprised by how good this is. Gone are the days of begging your kids to eat their veggies. With this on the side, their plates will be cleared!
Grilled Southwestern Potato SaladThis potato salad is the best side dish for some classic steak tacos. With sour cream, corn and lime, it has a nice pop to go with your Tex-Mex dinner.
Spicy Grilled EggplantThis Cajun grilled eggplant is the most versatile dish of the season. It pairs well with any meat and takes up way more space than your average veggies.
Grilled Apple Tossed SaladApples and bleu cheese? Yes please! This salad is a beautiful storm of crunchy, sweet and savory toppings. The balsamic dressing is the glue that ties it all together.
Grilled Steak and Mushroom SaladSteak and mushrooms are an unbeatable combination. This light dinner is packed with protein while still tasting like a vinegar-Dijon dream. If you enjoyed this, then you must try our favorite
vegetarian grilling recipes.
Bratwurst SupperLooking for a cozy campfire dinner? Well look no further! This all-in-one meal is made special with a secret ingredient: love! Just kidding, it's an onion soup packet. But close enough, right?
Fruit ‘n’ Cake KabobsWe love grilling and we love cake. So grilled cake has to be a stroke of genius, right? These fruit and pound cake kabobs are everything you didn't know you were missing.
Burger AmericanaEver had peanut butter and bacon on a burger? What about coleslaw? Try out any toppings that strike your fancy with these versatile, everyday burgers.
Grilled Loaded Potato RoundsMeet your new go-to recipe for outdoor potlucks! These easy sides can be topped with anything you like on your baked potatoes.
Note: This blind taste test was performed by our staffers and was not part of a sponsorship. All opinions shared are our own, and have not been influenced by advertisers.
