Customer Reviews

Char-Broil 2984810 Sure Fire Electric Charcoal Starter

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

We made the decision to stick with charcoal because of the taste advantage, but the hassles of starter fluid, matches (haven't smoked in a decade), or stacked newspapers wears thin after a short while. I had heard about these electric starters, so I decided to try one out. It doesn't get any easier than this. Spread 1 coat of briquets, set the tip of the starter in the middle with the cord/handle over the side, pile some briquets on the starter tip and plug it in. Presto - in 8-10 minutes you have it going well. Unplug the starter and pull it out. No matches, fluid, flare-ups, newspapers, or gas smell.

I've used it twice and it's slick.

Can anyone use a half a can of starter fluid (free).

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.

Excellent for starting your charcoal - once you have an electrical power outlet and proper extension cord handy.
Saves you from the charcoal starter (or whatever you use to start you charcoal) fumes.
You need to be careful not to let the plastic parts touch the grill or pit as the heat could damage the unit.

Works great! No need to purchase lighter fluid and stand there waiting for the coals to light. Just place in the middle of the charcoal, plug in, wait about 10 minutes, and the coals are lit.

This is the best thing next to sliced bread. You don't have to deal with all that awful starter fluid that contaminates the grilled food. No matches, no fluid, no fire to start. I have been looking for this for an electric starter for ages. Had one years ago and now that I found it, I ordered two.

This is pretty cool. A friend has The Big Green Egg starter and I was going to buy one for my BGE. I think this one works better and faster.

Used it three times so far, worked well - much better than the other means of lighting charcoal.