British BBQ Society Forums

Are electric firelighters any good for starting a BBQ? If so which one would you recommend? I'm a bit tired of the mess the charcoal chimney makes...

I used to use one many years ago. It was basically a heating element with a handle on it that you would stick in the mound of coal, and they would light. Worked very well, but I prefer the chimney starter. As for mess - just place the starter in the BBQ - mess will end up in there.

They are popular in the US, as are propane burners, the later is probably less hassle (no cable to plug in) and certainly more fun. As said before, to limit the mess light it in the grill.

Thanks, the propane burner sounds the most fun will have a look online

If you have a standard heat gun then you can save the cost of either. I've been using one for ages to light the grill. It gets it going in no time. Once the coals catch the air blasted in get is going like a furnace which is good fun withthe sparks flying. I can be cooking in about 10 minutes.

I used a Looftlighter for the first time last weekend, I was very impressed.

If, as Smokey Joe says, a heat gun does the same thing and you have one lying around definitely give it a try.