Best Propane Torches To Start Charcoal
I have tried many ways to start charcoal, and up to now, my method is using a chimney starter. Recently I was getting interested in a propane torch for this.
“Read what I found out about them and the 3 models I suggest that offer the best bang for your buck.”
Propane gas torches are an easy and mostly fast way to start your charcoal grill.
The advantage is that you don’t need starter blocks or chimney starters.
last updated: September, 2023
Eddie’s Choice
- 4.8 stars rating
- 1800°F (982°C)
2nd Best Choice
- 4.5 stars rating
- 1800 °F (982°C)
3rd Best Choice
- 4.4 stars rating
- 2450°F (1343°C)
Zebre Cooking Torch
Zebre Charcoal Starter Torch
- 4.8 stars rating
- 1800°F (982°C)
- Adjustable flame
This torch can be used for many things including starting the charcoal in your grill. The temperature can reach 1800 °F (3272 °C).
- Handheld
- Electronic ignitor
- Fits most propane canisters.
- Weighs 1.5 Pounds
- Plastic housing
- Does not come with propane
Sondiko Propane Torch
Sondiko Charcoal Starter Torch
- 4.5 stars rating
- 1800 degrees Fahrenheit
- Weighs 1.6 pounds
- Electronic ignitor
I believe that Sondiko is a well-known brand in the world of Crème Brulee torches.
I found over 3600 buyers that took the time to write a review and the average of 88% 5-star ratings tells the story I think.
Just as the other ones this can be used for many things. From searing to grilling. I, however, focus on the power to start a charcoal fire.
- Handheld
- Electric ignitor
- Fits most propane canisters
- Adjustable
- Handheld
- Plastic housing
- Propane canister not included
Koackl Propane Torch
text for product
- 4.4 stars rating
- 2450°F (1342°C)
According to the features and what many buyers write this is the torch with the highest temperature with its 2450 °F degrees Fahrenheit (1343 °C).
- Very hot (2450°F)
- Weighs 1.7 Pounds
- Adjustable flame
- 4.5 stars rating
- Plastic housing.
- Propane not included
FAQ Propane Torches To Start Charcoal
Q: Can you light charcoal with a propane torch?
A: Yes, you can light charcoal with a propane torch very fast and effectively.
Q: Is a propane torch faster than a chimney starter?
A: A propane torch lights the charcoal faster than a chimney starter in my opinion.
Q: Is a propane torch better than using lighter fluid?
A: A propane torch is better than lighter fluid because there are no fluids involved
Propane Torches To Start Charcoal – my opinion
As I have mentioned above I used many methods and products to start the charcoal in my grill.
For years now I have used my Weber chimney starter with total satisfaction. Maybe because I am never in a hurry?
However, a propane torch such as the one I looked at on this page can save time.
The advantage is that the charcoal is already in the grill and thus while the charcoal starts it also pre-heats the grill.
I know that the same thing happens when you use starter blocks or lighter fluid. However, I watched several videos where they tested both methods and the propane torch won every time.
Here is a video from Smoking Dad BBQ which did an extended test with different ways to start a charcoal fire that you can watch.
I am sure that the ones he recommends are very good. However, I also know they are priced much higher than the ones I recommend here.
Do we as home BBQ pitmasters a professional torch? I don’t.
Propane Torch: Eddie’s Recommendation
The reason I believe this is the best out of the 3 propane torches is that it came highly recommended by many users.
The second reason is that, after reading tons of customer reviews, this one offers the best bang for your buck.
This does not mean the the other ones are bad, but this one is a little better I believe.
Eddie van Aken
Eddie van Aken has years of experience in running his full-service restaurant and with this came working with using and dealing with all types of kitchen equipment. With his experience, he is able to find all the pros and cons of grills and add them to the grill reviews he is doing. You can read more on the about page for Eddie van Aken
