How to Use an Electric Charcoal Starter

On this page (8 sections)

1. How do you use an electric charcoal starter?
2. Where should you place the electric starter?
3. When should you remove an electric charcoal starter?
4. Can you use an electric charcoal starter without lighter fluid?
5. What can you use instead of an electric charcoal starter?
6. How do you use an electric charcoal starter safely?
7. How do you finish the charcoal fire after removing the starter?
8. What is the simplest way to choose a starter?

Here's how to use an electric charcoal starter: arrange a small pile of charcoal, place the hot element against the lower coals, switch it on, and remove it when the charcoal glows. Then unplug the starter, spread the coals, and let them develop the heat your grill needs.

An electric starter avoids lighter fluid, but it still creates a very hot surface. Keep the handle, cord, plug, and surrounding area away from heat, grease, water, and anything that can burn.

How do you use an electric charcoal starter?

Use the starter in six steps: prepare the grill, arrange the charcoal, place the element, turn it on, remove it, and finish the fire.

1. Open the grill vents as recommended for lighting.
2. Arrange charcoal in a small mound or place it in a chimney.
3. Put the starter's heating element against the lower charcoal.
4. Switch on the starter and keep it in position.
5. Remove it when a section of charcoal is glowing and beginning to ash.
6. Switch it off, unplug it, and place it on a safe surface to cool.

The goal is to create a strong glowing section, not to heat every coal with the starter. Once several coals are burning, airflow and contact help the fire spread.

If you are choosing between methods, compare a chimney starter charcoal vs electric starter before buying. For a brand-specific option, see Big Green Egg charcoal starters.

The better option depends on whether you prefer direct contact with the coals or a separate charcoal container.

Where should you place the electric starter?

Place the heating element beneath or against the lower edge of the charcoal pile, where it can heat several pieces at once. Keep the handle outside the hottest area and make sure the starter cannot roll or fall.

For a flat grill bed, build a shallow mound with a small opening near the bottom. Slide the element into that opening so the charcoal touches it without burying the handle.

For a charcoal chimney, position the starter below the lower vents only if the starter and chimney can remain stable together. The cord must stay clear of the hot metal, grill body, and walking path.

Don't place the starter on wet charcoal or in standing water. Moisture can slow ignition and create a dangerous electrical situation.

How should charcoal be arranged for an electric charcoal starter?

Use a compact pile with air gaps, rather than packing the charcoal tightly around the element. Air helps the first glowing pieces continue burning after you remove the starter.

Lump charcoal can vary in size, so place a few medium pieces near the element and larger pieces above them. Briquettes can form a more even layer, but they still need room for airflow.

Use dry charcoal whenever possible. If you want to compare other ways to start a fire, our guide to best charcoal fire starters covers alternatives.

When should you remove an electric charcoal starter?

Remove the starter when the nearest coals glow red or orange and their edges begin to turn gray. You do not need every piece to be lit before unplugging it.

Switch the starter off before lifting it from the coals. Unplug it before moving it, then place it on a heat-safe, nonflammable surface where children and pets cannot reach it.

Don't lay the hot element on a wooden deck, plastic table, dry grass, cardboard, or the grill's closed lid unless the tool's instructions specifically allow that surface. The metal can stay hot after the visible glow fades.

After removal, close the grill only as much as your cooking method requires. More airflow usually helps the new fire spread, while restricted vents can slow ignition.

Can you use an electric charcoal starter without lighter fluid?

Yes, an electric charcoal starter is designed to ignite charcoal without lighter fluid. The starter uses heat from its element, so the charcoal can develop its own smoke and flavor as it burns.

Keep lighter fluid away from the hot starter. Never spray or pour fuel onto charcoal while the electric tool is connected, hot, or still near the grill.

Firelighter cubes are another option when an outlet is not available. The Rutland Fire Starter for Campfires is a natural wood-based and wax cube fire starter; each cube burns for 10 minutes, and the 144-count pack weighs 4.6 lb.

Rutland says the cubes are odorless and do not flavor food. The product data also identifies them as cubes made from wood and gives a 12-month manufacturer warranty.

Use one only according to its fire-starting directions, and keep the package away from the grill's heat. A cube is a backup ignition method, not something to combine with a hot electric starter.

What can you use instead of an electric charcoal starter?

Use a chimney starter or a fire-starting cube when direct electrical ignition does not suit your setup. A chimney concentrates charcoal above a smaller fire, while cubes provide a separate flame source.

The Kamado Joe Pure Paraffin All-Natural Odorless Wax Cube Fire Starters are 24-count paraffin wax cubes made for Kamado Joe charcoal grills and compatible with all charcoal grills and fireplaces.

Kamado Joe describes these cubes as odorless and smokeless, with a burn temperature of up to 1,300°F. The cubes are flavorless according to the product data, but you should still wait until the starter has finished burning before cooking.

Choose the Rutland cubes if you want a larger 144-count supply that also works with firewood, wood pellets, and sticks. Choose the Kamado Joe cubes if a 24-count paraffin option fits your charcoal-grill routine.

For more chimney guidance, see why use a charcoal chimney starter, Best Chimney Starter For Charcoal Smokers, and Best Chimney Starter.

How do you use an electric charcoal starter safely?

Treat the starter as a high-heat electrical tool and stay with it while it is on. Read the instructions for your model before lighting, especially if the tool has a stand, guard, or specific placement method.

Keep the cord away from the grill's hot surfaces. Use a grounded outdoor outlet or the connection method approved for the starter, and keep plugs and connections dry.

Don't touch the heating element, move the grill while the starter is connected, or leave the tool unattended. Keep water away from hot charcoal unless your grill instructions specifically address extinguishing the fire.

Use heat-resistant gloves when handling nearby grill parts, but don't use gloves as a reason to touch the heating element directly. The National Fire Protection Association's grilling safety guidance covers safe grill placement and operation.

How do you finish the charcoal fire after removing the starter?

Leave the glowing coals together long enough to spread, then arrange them for direct or indirect cooking. Keep the vents open enough to support the fire while avoiding a sudden flare-up.

For direct cooking, spread the lit coals across the cooking area once more charcoal has begun glowing. For indirect cooking, move the coals to one side and leave a cooler zone over the empty side.

Add fresh charcoal only after the first coals are burning well. A large cold load can smother a small fire, especially if the vents are restricted.

If you are cooking with wood for smoke, choose it as part of your fuel plan. Our guide to smoking wood explains how wood fits into a charcoal-smoking setup.

What is the simplest way to choose a starter?

Choose an electric charcoal starter if you have safe outdoor power and want direct, lighter-fluid-free ignition. Choose cubes or a chimney when you need a portable method or want to start charcoal without an outlet.

The safe sequence is always the same: arrange dry charcoal, apply heat, watch the first coals glow, remove and unplug the starter, then let airflow build the fire.

Use an electric starter for controlled contact ignition, Rutland cubes for a larger multi-use supply, and Kamado Joe cubes for a compact paraffin option. Store extra fuel in a charcoal storage bin.

Once you know how to use electric charcoal starter, your decision comes down to power access, storage, and how much charcoal you usually light.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use an electric charcoal starter in a grill?

Yes, you can use an electric charcoal starter in a suitable charcoal grill if the starter's instructions allow it. Place the heating element against the charcoal, keep the handle and cord clear of heat, and remove the starter after the coals begin glowing.

Never leave it unattended.

How long does an electric charcoal starter take?

An electric charcoal starter usually needs enough time to create a glowing section of coals before you remove it, but the exact time depends on the starter, charcoal type, airflow, and weather. Watch the coals instead of relying on a fixed timer, and follow the tool's instructions.

Should you remove an electric charcoal starter before cooking?

Yes, remove the electric charcoal starter before cooking. Switch it off, unplug it, and place it on a heat-safe surface where the hot element cannot touch grass, plastic, wood, or other flammable materials.

Let it cool fully before storing it.

Can you use an electric charcoal starter with a chimney?

Yes, an electric charcoal starter can help ignite charcoal in a chimney if the tool and chimney design allow safe placement. Keep the starter stable, protect the cord from heat, and use the chimney's airflow.

A chimney can spread the first glowing coals through the rest of the load.