How to Use a Charcoal Chimney Starter (The Right Way)

How to Use a Charcoal Chimney Starter (The Right Way)

Hey y’all, welcome! I’m T-Roy from the T-ROY COOKS YouTube channel. I’m all about good eats and good times—from Southern cooking to Texas BBQ, and even a little Cajun flare thrown in. If you're new to barbecuing or just want to get better at lighting charcoal the clean and easy way, you’re in the right place. Let’s talk about one of my favorite tools in the BBQ game: the charcoal chimney starter.

And by the way, if you like learning BBQ tips and cooking up some tasty meals, check out my channel and subscribe so you don’t miss a thing.

Why You Need a Charcoal Chimney Starter

If you’re still using lighter fluid to get your charcoal going… it’s time to upgrade. Lighter fluid can leave behind a flavor you really don’t want in your food. A chimney starter solves that problem and gets your charcoal hot and ready to cook in about 10–15 minutes—no extra flavors, no mess.

This little tool is built to give you clean, even heat every time. It’s got a solid handle and even a heat shield to protect your hand. I still recommend wearing gloves, though, ‘cause that metal gets hot!

What a Chimney Starter Does (And How It Works)

The way it’s built is genius. The middle of the chimney has a raised section, kind of like a little peak in the center. That design helps boost airflow through the coals. There are holes and vents running up the sides too, so once it’s lit, that air just pulls right through and gets those coals burning fast.

Whether you’re using charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal, the chimney does its job well. You just load it up, light it from the bottom, and let it do its thing.

How to Light a Charcoal Chimney Starter

You’ve got a few options here:

  1. Load It Up: Fill the chimney with the amount of charcoal you need. If it’s a short cook, halfway or three-quarters full might be enough. For a longer cook, fill it up to the top.

  2. Add Paper or a Starter: Crumple up some newspaper or use a natural fire starter. I like those little wood blocks myself. Place that under the chimney.

  3. Light It Up: Light the paper or starter in a couple spots. Set the chimney in your firebox or wherever you’re building your fire. That smoke you see at the start? Totally normal—just let it go.

  4. Wait 15 Minutes: After about 10–15 minutes, you’ll see the top layer of coals starting to ash over. That means they’re ready to go.

  5. Dump and Cook: Carefully pour the hot coals where you need them and get to cookin’! Be sure to place that chimney somewhere safe while it cools down.

A Tip for Low and Slow Cooking

If you're doing a long cook—like low and slow BBQ—you can flip the chimney upside down and just fill the smaller end with a bit of charcoal. It’s perfect for methods where you need a slow burn, like the minion or snake method. Light it the same way, just a smaller batch of coals. Super handy.

Final Thoughts

Using a charcoal chimney starter is a simple switch that makes a big difference. It’s fast, clean, and gives you great control over your fire. No lighter fluid, no fuss. Just good BBQ.

Don’t forget to check out my other videos over at T-ROY COOKS on YouTube.