A charcoal chimney is the quickest, cleanest way to light a charcoal BBQ without lighter fluid. We stock three ProFlame charcoal chimney starters, each built for a different job: the Large Heavy-Duty for regular cooks, the Compact for small grills, and the Fold-Up for camping and tight storage. Add the firelighters and charcoal to go with them, or see all three at our Ingleburn showroom.
How a Charcoal Starter Works
Firelighters burn under the chimney, and the tall cylinder pulls air up through the base like a flue. The bottom coals catch first and light the ones above them, so the whole load lights evenly. Once the top coals start to grey over and flames show at the top, usually about 15 to 25 minutes for lump charcoal and 20 to 30 for briquettes, depending on the wind and how dry the charcoal is, you tip them into the BBQ. No lighter fluid means no chemical taste on the food.
Which Charcoal Chimney Do You Need?
Large Heavy-Duty: for regular use
19 cm across and 22.5 cm deep inside, about 6.4 litres. Its ring grate is locked in by arms that pass through the cylinder wall rather than rivets, and in Erik's experience it lasts around ten times longer than a riveted base. Our pick for kettles, spit roasters, kamados and anyone lighting charcoal most weekends.
Compact: for small grills
17 cm across and 19 cm deep inside, about 4.3 litres, with a riveted base plate and a heat shield on the handle. It suits small kettles, hibachis, portable grills and quick top-ups when you only cook now and then.
Fold-Up: for camping and storage
A square body 21 cm across at the top, 18 cm at the base and 18 cm high, about 6.9 litres. It folds to under 7 cm thick and fits inside most charcoal BBQs, even a Weber Go-Anywhere, so it travels with the grill.
Firelighters and Charcoal
We light our chimneys with 3 or 4 natural wood wool firelighters underneath. Sureburn natural firelighters also do the job.
For charcoal, Nature Flame charcoal briquettes give a steady, even burn for longer cooks, while Nature Flame hardwood lump charcoal catches faster and suits hot grilling. Browse the rest in all BBQ fuel.
Starter Packs With a Chimney
Setting up from scratch? The Large Classic Quick Start Pack pairs our Large Classic charcoal grill with the Fold-Up chimney, and the Get Grilling Medium and Get Grilling Large Starter Packs add fuel and tools as well.
Buying from Sydney BBQs
Come and see the chimneys at our showroom: Unit 18, 79 Williamson Rd, Ingleburn NSW 2565 (corner of Brooks Rd). We're open Monday to Wednesday 9:30am to 4:30pm, Thursday and Friday 9:30am to 5pm, and Saturday 9:30am to 3pm. Pick up in store, or have it delivered with the cost calculated at checkout.
Charcoal Chimney FAQs
How do you use a charcoal chimney?
Put 3 or 4 firelighters on the BBQ's charcoal grate and light them, stand the filled chimney over them, and pour the coals out once the top ones start to grey. Our guide on how to use a charcoal chimney starter walks through it step by step.
Do I need a charcoal chimney?
You can light charcoal without one, but a chimney lights the whole load evenly in one go and does it without lighter fluid.
Can you use lump charcoal in a chimney starter?
Yes. All three chimneys light lump charcoal and briquettes. Lump catches faster, so check it a few minutes earlier.
Which charcoal chimney fits inside a Weber Go-Anywhere?
The Fold-Up. It folds to under 7 cm and fits inside the Go-Anywhere, one of the smallest charcoal BBQs around.
Where do I put the chimney after pouring the coals?
On brick, concrete, pavers or the BBQ's charcoal grate, away from anything that can burn, until it's cool enough to touch.
