Looftlighter - Electric Barbeque & Stove Lighter

Product Information

Although it blows out incredibly hot air, the aluminium heat shield keeps you safe and ensures the Looftlighter is cool enough to touch in a matter of seconds, making it safe to store right away. Even with a thermoplastic handle, it’s safest to put on a heat-protective mitt before grabbing the chimney’s handle, dumping the coals on the grill’s charcoal grate, and spreading them evenly or into cooking zones. Once the coals are in the grill, set the cooking grate over them and cover the grill for a few minutes of preheating. When it’s hot, adjust the grill’s dampers to your desired temperature and start cooking. With a charcoal chimney starter, you light it first and then place it where you need it, and that can be a messy, spark-filled job.

You can use this torch to light untreated briquettes without sneaking in a lighter cube or two, but the process takes time, burning through fuel while you stand amid drifting smoke. During testing, the torch got briquettes smoking in less than 15 seconds but needed to run about five minutes to effectively light the pile. After hiding a couple of starter squares among the briquettes, we found we could switch off the torch after a few seconds and the starter squares would spread the flame. If you are a grill enthusiast who uses their charcoal lighter regularly, you want something that will stand the test of time. Therefore, your lighter of choice should feature high-quality materials and sturdy construction. This isn’t one of those gadgets that are so cool you have to own them even if they’re not especially useful. The Looftlighter is not only cool, but it also works like a charm. Beyond flammable material and a match, there are a few other ways to start charcoal in a grill. The least ideal is lighter fluid, which can be extremely dangerous and releases intense fumes into the air around you and into your food. If you do use lighter fluid, it’s unsafe to pour it directly onto a hot flame; instead, add it to unheated charcoal and then light the charcoal with a long-nosed lighter.

Product Comparison

This is about the cleanest way I know of to start a fire. There’s no need for toxic chemicals like lighter fluid. We’re just using good old clean superheated air to light charcoal grills, fireplace logs, fire pits, or an outdoor pizza oven. Comparing fire starter prices can be challenging, because some are one-and-done pods, others need refueling, and others are a one-time expense (not counting the charcoal and matches). Buy a charcoal chimney and scrounge for paper or kindling if you want a tool that will last for years without added cost. In testing, a single lighter cube was enough to get a chimney of charcoal going, so adding a bag to your supplies, especially for wet or windy days, can be worth the price. The dual ignition switch on this bad boy throws versatility into the mix. With one setting, you can generate enough heat to light your coals. The second setting produces a high-velocity airflow and emits a roaring fire.

MIGI WOLF Electric Charcoal Fire Starter: This looked like a promising electric option, with its push-button starter and built-in fan to improve air circulation. Yet during testing, it was the slowest to light a heap of untreated briquettes in a kettle grill, showing ash on just a few targeted briquettes after 10 minutes. At the 8-inch distance recommended by the manufacturer to keep heat gun’s end from warping, the fan weakly spreads and expands the flame. The fact that this amazing tool is battery powered is a huge convenience. As long as it’s fully charged, it can be used literally anywhere. Additionally, the battery only takes 2 hours to chargeIf you want to get your barbecue up and running within minutes, get your hands on the Weber Rapidfire chimney starter model 7416. It will turn your charcoal into red-hot briquettes in no time.

The hole on the side will also prove useful when adding your lighting material. Therefore, you don’t have to risk moving a hot chimney whenever you want to add lighting material. Thanks to the generous ventilation holes on the sides, there is sufficient air circulation to ensure your coals are ready for the grill in no time. Additionally, it is easier to distribute the hot coals thanks to the breakaway at the upper chamber. A charcoal starter can make or break your grilling experience. It can determine how fast you light your charcoal and how evenly they burn. While some are fast and easy to use, others can even interfere with the taste of your food. Lighting your grill should be a straightforward process every time. That’s why choosing the right charcoal starter for your needs is essential. The Looft Lighter X is so easy to use. It’s probably one of the easiest fire starter options I own, and I have quite a few here at the Lab.The aluminized steel body enables the lighter to retain the heat better, ensuring that your charcoal is ready within minutes. Additionally, the coals light up effectively without the need for lighter fluid thanks to the inverted cone-shaped bottom. You can fit a BBQ Dragon fire starter fan (sold separately) at the opening for optimum performance. When used with the fan, you can make your charcoal grill-ready in under 10 minutes. Most of the time, using a charcoal chimney takes significantly longer. The length of the Looftlighter allows you to light charcoal (or wood) without gloves on. With some imitators, or with a standard heat gun, your hand may be dangerously close to the fire or coals. In terms of pure speed, the BBQ Dragonmay be the best charcoal chimney starter you will come across. The handy stand means you can keep the Looftlighter safely elevated, and you can hang it up too. The icing on the cake? The stand also doubles up as a bottle opener, making you the ultimate barbecue host, serving up drinks and delicious barbecue fare at the same time.