Questions and Answers for Weber Rapidfire Chimney Charcoal Starter

A:  You've clearly never grilled before so I'll humor you. Add charcoal to the top, loosely crumble 2-3 pages of old newspaper and stuff in underneath and light it with a match or lighter. Wait 15 minutes or so and that's it; coals are perfect for grilling.

A:  NO LIGHTER FLUID! Put 3 sheets of newspaper in the bottom and fill the top with charcoal. 10-15 min later, they're ready to use.

A:  Fill with charcoal, ball paper up and place under the chimney and light paper. Charcoal ready in 10-15 minutes depending on how much you filled chimney.

A:  I place a full fist of shredded paper under the chimney, fill the chimney with briquets and use a lighter to flame the paper. The chimney takes about 20 minutes to fully engage the briquets, which you know because there is flame coming out the top of the chimney. At this point, I use a gloved hand to pick up the chimney and pour the burning briquets into the BBQ, check them for burn and then level them out like I want them, place the grill and get to cooking. It's straight forward and consistent, which I like. I've been using this method for over 20 years. Happy BBQ'ing.

A:  First, you’ll need to take out the cooking grate from your grill. Then, fill your Chimney Starter all the way to the top with charcoal (you can use less if you aren’t cooking as much food). Set the lighter cubes on the charcoal grate and light them. Then you’ll need to set the Chimney Starter directly on top of the lighter cubes, on the charcoal grate. The fire from the cubes will begin burning the charcoal and the flames will grow upwards from there. Depending on weather conditions, in about 10 to 15 minutes the coals should be sufficiently lit to pour into the grill. You’ll know the coals are ready when the ones on top have started to turn a bit gray with ash. Now it’s time to pour the coals onto the charcoal grate, and arrange them based on whether you are going to cook over direct or indirect heat. Once the burning coals have been arranged to your liking, set the cooking grate back into place, put the lid on, and once the grill has heated up sufficiently you’ll be all set to cook. It should take about 10-15 minutes to reach 500-550°F, at which point the grill is considered pre-heated. Now, adjust your lid and bowl dampers to achieve the cooking temperature you desire. Also, remember to put that Chimney Starter somewhere safe once you’ve poured the coals into the grill, you don’t want pets or guests bumping into it while it’s still hot.

A:  It’s never been easier and faster to lite up your charcoal. Highly recommend everyone that is using a charcoal grill to buy one. It’s a must have!

A:  Hello! Thanks for your question! This is model number 7416. Our smaller size is model number 7447. Thanks!

A:  It's a Weber # 7416 Rapidfire Chimney Charcoal Starter.

A:  No. But, why would you want to use Match Light charcoal? It costs about 40% more, smells bad, is bad for the environment, and can make your food taste like fuel. With the chimney starter, you just wad up some news paper and put it in the bottom of the starter. Put the charcoal in the top of the starter and light the news paper. About ten minutes later you dump the coals and you're good to go. No added smells or tastes but good clean burning wood.

A:  No. Matchlight has baked in lighter fluid. I use regular charcoal with a chimney. Then you don't get the lighter fluid taste and smell.

A:  I finally learned my lesson with matchlite, after first use, when you come back to use again, a week later you better have fluid because it won't lite, been there, done it, 5 or 4 times. Better to buy chimney starter.

A:  Hello, our Chimney Starter is designed to light regular charcoal.

A:  No it’s not necessary since the Matchlight charcoal is infused with lighter fluid making the lighting process much easier. However, if you want to use lump charcoal or other charcoal products without the use of lighter fluid to make the burn a ‘clean’ burn without the chemical smell, then using the chimney starter with basic newspaper is the way to go.

A:  No. The purpose of the charcoal chimney is to enable the user ( you ) to start embers to burn without using an artificial combusting liquid or similar. Supposedly to promote healthier grilling as chemicals ( lighter fluid ) don't migrate into food. Matchlight charcoal is coated with a flammable igniter and therefore no need for a chimney.

A:  You dont have to have a chimney starter but your coals will be ready to use sooner than not using one.

A:  Yes, it will work fine. Just don't put any paper in the space below the charcoal. Use a long match and light the charcoal directly through the holes in the sides.

A:  The chimney is meant for regular, non-self-lighting briquets (I suppose you could use Matchlight charcoal). The idea is to avoid the chemical starter fumes and associated taste in your food by using regular briquets. Some folks use paper or wood kindling in the bottom/base of the chimney to start the coals. I use the Weber starter cubes. The cubes work well, are odorless and you have white hot charcoal in 15 minutes!

A:  You will not need a charcoal starter if using matchlight charcoal. Personally, I do not use matchlight charcoal because of its odor. We all need to add charcoal during BBQ. If using matchlight charcoal, you need to remove the food and let the fresh charcoal to burn off. Otherwise, after taste will be found on the food.

A:  The flames can reach up to 6-8 inches if you wait until all the coals are fully lit. I've learned that you don't have to wait this long. I usually pour them when the coals are lit 3/4 of the way up. Once the top coals are mixed with the fully lit ones from the bottom the will become engulfed too. It is a little safer this way since you don't have to deal with as much flames. Also, be sure you close the bottom vents on your grill before you start to pour the hot coals so none fall out and burn your feet! I don't know about you, but I am wearing sandals most of the time.

A:  The flames will rise out about a foot or more if you fill it to the top.

A:  I use newspaper instead of starter cubes. It smokes for about 5 -10 minurwa while the paper burns down and the charcoal catches fire. I get very hot, flames about 8 - 12 inches above the chimney. Once it gets that hot, I know they're ready to go.

A:  My first use of this chimney was only 3/4 full with Kingsford brand charcoal. I used paper instead of starter cubes. I wasn't expecting flames 4 feet high above the chimney, but that's what I was getting. Scared me because I was under my covered back patio. Had it been filled to the top I might be out of a house today!

A:  Hi Joe! There are too many variables to provide you with a definitive answer. Once lit, the fire from the cubes will begin burning the charcoal and the flames will grow upwards. Depending on weather conditions, in about 10 to 15 minutes the coals should be sufficiently lit to pour into the grill. You’ll know the coals are ready when the ones on top have started to turn a bit gray with ash. Thank you.

A:  Flames typically will rise out about 2in above the top of the metal just as the last coals start. However just because you don't see the flames doesn't mean there isn't a draft of hot gas coming up that could burn or melt moulding or gutters or what have you.

A:  I start by using three half sheets of news paper stuffed in the bottom of charcoal starter. Fill the upper chamber to the top with Kingsford charcoal. Place the chimney on lower grate, start fire bottom of starter. It takes about a half hour before the coals are white hot at the top. The flame gets less then an inch above the starter in about a half hour after starting.Once the coals are white hot empty and spread out coals, put cooking grate above the coals.

A:  They get 12 to 18 inches above the top of the chimney. Two cubes are recommended.

A:  I don't use a starter cube. I put papers in the bottom and natural briquette charcoal in the top. If I let it go until all the charcoal is 'burning' the flames may reach 3 inches high. I usually flip the coals out as soon as the top coals are starting to get ashy on the edges.

A:  Never had flames coming out the top. You will get a nice red glow in the central part with the charcoal turning ash white when ready. Of course depending on your breeze and how much that will feed the chimney, I suppose it's possible to flame up, but I have never had that issue.

A:  It's not stainless but it has some kind of plating on it that resists rust. It does rust though on the cut/punched out edges where there is no plating and on the internal grate that holds the charcoal above the newspaper. The intensity of the heat from the charcoal will also discolor the plating on the outside of the chimney. I leave mine outside all of the time, have had it for a couple of years & expect it to last many more years. It's well worth the price & benefits of not using fluid - if that's what you're doing now. If I had to replace it every 5 years (but I am sure it will last longer) I would have no regrets.

A:  Do not know if it is Stainless steel but Rust resistant? You Bet I have had mine for over 10 years now and it shows little sign of any rust. I have forget it outside many times with no issues. Started uncountable BBQ's with charcoal and many outdoor camping wood fires too! I chimney fire starter is pretty beat up with dents and all, but it still works as if brand new and no rust spots to find. Handle is still solidly attached. Highly recommend it will safe you countless time and money saved vs buying lighter fluid.

A:  Yes. It appears fairly sturdy, able to hold up to years of outdoor use.

A:  It is not rust resistant.

A:  Mine does have rust from leaving outside. Not a surprise though. Good value for the money for us.

A:  Hello, this chimney starter should hold up very well over time, and it has a 2 year warranty. Thanks!

A:  I've had one for a couple of years and there is no rust on it. I don't store it in a location where it might get wet, but I also live in a very humid climate..

A:  Used several times and definitely not seeing any rust

A:  yes and no The exterior is, but the metal mesh that separates the coals from the paper usually will rust.

A:  Yes it is, mine is about 2 years old now and looks like new on the outside.

A:  Yes, this will turn unburnt wood chunks into charcoal.

A:  Yes,I put a few fresh briquettes in the chimney first then add the unburnt.Top off with more fresh if needed.I like using the little starter cubes.Make sure you shake off the ashes of the unburnt.

A:  The short answer is " NO " . You need a airtight kettle to produce charcoal. I'm including a web page dedicated to the process you're seaking..... https://myfarmlife.com/home-garden/10-steps-to-making-your-own-charcoal-and-smoking-chunks/ ........Copy & past to your browser ......Good luck. Send me a pag ;)

A:  No, it will not make charcoal. It circulates too much air. The wood will burn and turn to ash. This chimney is made to start charcoal burning. Once lit, the burning charcoal is emptied onto your grill.

A:  Hi! Our chimney starter will start unburnt wood chunks as well as charcoal. Thanks!

A:  Simply soak a handful of your favorite wood chips (apple, hickory, mesquite, peach etc.) in water for an hour or more and then sprinkle the chips on top of your hot coals just before you add your top grate. Place your meat or fish on the grate, install the domed lid and smoke away!

A:  Indeed ,you'll be able to do briquettes. I personally do this. Keep in mind, firing up Charcoal using this method, does require a about double the of time for briquettes to become ignited, as opposed to using lighter fluid.

A:  Hello Bill, If you're looking to add some extra smoky flavor to your food we recommend using some wood chips or wood chunks and adding them to your charcoal briquettes. Don't use too much or you can make your food taste bitter. Thanks!

A:  My husband sets his in the grill to start the briquettes and then pours them into the pan for the smoker along with smoking chips. Sure hope this helped.

A:  yes

A:  Dear Valued Customer: Thank you for your inquiry with Home Depot. Unfortunately, this item has been discontinued. Please cut and paste the following link to view other http://www.homedepot.com/b/Outdoors-Outdoor-Cooking-Grill-Accessories-Charcoal-Starter-Lighters/N-5yc1vZbx94 We hope this information is helpful We appreciate your business.

A:  I paid $14.99. The store was out of stock so we had to order it.

A:  That is the reduced price.

A:  I found the in store price was cheaper than the online price. That's fairly common I think.

A:  I bought mine in April 2018 for $14.98. If you can get one for $12.99, buy it!!