The Best Fire Starters
Whether you’re a dedicated camper or a proud grill owner, you are familiar with all of the difficulties you can face while starting the fire.
There are a few factors that need to be aligned in order to get a quality, long-lasting flame going.
The wood needs to be dry enough to catch the flame, but moisture enough to keep the flame for some time.
The kindling has to ignite quickly, but hold the flame strong enough for the wood to start burning.
There should be an airflow to help the fire, but not strong enough to prevent the burning.
If just one factor is off-balance, it can take you a lot of time to get the fire going.
Who needs that mood downer anyway?
That’s where fire starters come to the rescue.
Fire starters are made of easily combustible materials, compressed to burn at high temperatures for some time.
That makes starting the fire much easier and quicker.
Fire starters are usually made of recycled materials like scrap wood, stumps get in tree-cutting or recycled newspapers.
Using the fire starter, you’re safe time and the environment all at once.
Fire starters also keep the waste from the burning at the minimum and therefore are extremely convenient to use at home.
Fire starters come handy on camping trips, but also with home grills, smokers or wood stoves and fire pits.
While browsing the market for these extra helpers, you’ll notice a lot of options.
Fire starters come in different sizes, burning times, shapes, brands and finally, price points.
In order to save your time and money, we compiled the list of the best fire starters available on the market right now.
Highest Rated Fire Starters (by Customer Reviews)
- 1Kamado Joe KJFS Fire Starters - 24 Count - 2 Pack
- 2Better Wood Products Fatwood Firestarter Box, 5-Pounds
- 3Midwest Hearth Fire Starter Squares Quick-Light Non-Toxic (144-count)
- 43 Pack King BKOU172 Multi Utility Lighter Assorted Colors
- 5Pine Mountain StarterLogg Select-A-Size Firestarting Blocks, 24 Starts Firestarter Wood Fire Log for Campfire, Fireplace, Wood Stove, Fire Pit, Indoor & Outdoor Use
- 6Light-A-Fire, All Natural Fire Starter. BBQ, Charcoal, Wood Fire. 30 Pods with Container
- 7Duraflame2444 Firestart Firelighters 24-Pack
- 8Better Wood Products Fatwood Firestarter Burlap Bag, 10-Pounds
- 9Lightning Nuggets N100SEB Super Economy Box Fire Starter
- 10Weber 7416 Rapidfire Chimney Starter
1
Kamado Joe KJFS Fire Starters - 24 Count - 2 Pack
These fire starters are coming in a pretty sweet deal of double pack.
Besides that, Kamado Joe KJFS fire starters burn up to 1300ºF, which is more than enough to light up natural lump charcoal fast.
They can get you ready and going in under 15 minuter.
Kamado Joe KJFS fire starters come in form of cubes that can hold the flame between 8 and 12 minutes.
They will also be able to lit up even if soaked.
Cubes are completely odorless and produce no smoke.
These fire starters are also environment-friendly.
Kamado Joe KJFS fire starters don’t contain any extra oils or chemicals and won’t cause any unwanted flare-ups.
Therefore, they are completely safe for indoor use and food smoking.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Suitable for indoor use
- Compact
- Double package
- Non-toxic
Cons
- Hard to break apart
- Some cubes are hard to maintain lit
Jake's TakeFirst of all, Kamado Joe KJFS fire starters are a good deal, since you’re getting a double package at the price of one.
Furthermore, they are suitable for indoor use, so you can be at peace when liting up a grill or use a home smoker.
However, some customers reported that one or two cubes from each packaging can be hard to lit and maintain like that.
Surely, this can be pretty annoying.
Also, compressed cubes are hard to break apart, so you may want to keep some pliers neer by.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
2
Better Wood Products Fatwood Firestarter Box, 5-Pounds
Better Wood Products Fatwood fire starters are exactly what the name implies- fire starters made of pine tree stumps.
These are quality, long-burning fire starters due to the high concentration of natural resin in them.
These fire starters will produce a strong flame for a long time since resin is slowly burning fuel.
Better Wood Products Fatwood fire starters are suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.
If you use them for grills or smoker, they can even add some flavor to your food.
They are completely non-toxic and environment-friendly, without any artificial oils or chemicals.
Better Wood Products Fatwood fire starters are also SCS Green Cross certified.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Long burning time
- Suitable for indoor use
- SCS Green Cross certified
Cons
- May cause some flare-ups due to resin
Jake's TakeBetter Wood Products Fatwood fire starters are great for food smokers and grills.
They are long-burning, so you don’t have to worry if the fire will be strong enough to catch all of the kindling.
Also, since they are rich in pine resin, these fire starters may add some extra flavor to your food.
The odor is pleasant and can really improve the whole process.
However, you need to be careful while liting them up.
The resin tent to flare-up easily, which is great for getting the fire going faster, but it can also hurt you if you’re not paying attention.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
3
Midwest Hearth Fire Starter Squares Quick-Light Non-Toxic (144-count)
Midwest Hearth fire starters are a budget-friendly option for people who love to get the absolute most for their bucks.
A package of 144 squares will serve you for some time.
These fire starters are made of compressed wood chips, paraffin wax, and recycled newspaper.
They are environment-friendly and burn with minimum byproduct and waste.
Each square is capable of lighting up within 1/10th of a second, even if they are wet, and burning for 10 minutes.
Midwest Hearth fire starters are odorless and suitable for grills and smokers.
Since they are completely non-toxic, you can use them both indoors and outdoors.
Just simply snap off as many squares as you need and you’re good to go.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Budget-friendly deal
- Non-toxic
- Suitable for indoor use
Cons
- Short burning time
- May be tricky to lit up outdoor
Jake's TakeMidwest Hearth provides a great, budget-friendly deal with these fire starters.
Another great thing is that these guys are made completely of recycled materials.
On the other hand, some customers reported that they received crumbled bars and have difficulties trying to brake squares apart.
Also, they are reported to be hard to lit up in windy weather.
Indoors, they are performing perfectly, without much smoke and completely odorless.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
4
3 Pack King BKOU172 Multi Utility Lighter Assorted Colors
Here`s a different option for easily starting a fire whenever you need it.
King Utility Lighter is compact and lightweight, which makes it a perfect addition to camping gear, car emergency kit or just to keep it within the reach of the hand around the house.
You`ll get three non-refillable lighters in three different colors.
Every lighter has a visible fuel container, so you can monitor the level of fuel and know in advance when its a time for a change.
You can also adjust the flame range.
The lighter is a great way to reach tight spaces safely and keep your hands away from the fire.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Budget-friendly deal
- Visible fuel container
- Compact
Cons
- Button tend to get stuck
Jake's TakeIf you’re not comfortable enough with cube fire starters, lighter is a great choice for you.
It will allow you to get the flames going equally fast, but with a safe distance.
However, this particular lighter is reported to have some issues.
Button tends to set stuck, so some customers haven’t been able to press it or to release it at the first try.
Also, you may face some problems with shipping.
Some reports stated that the people received a completely different item instead of one they ordered.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
5
Pine Mountain StarterLogg Select-A-Size Firestarting Blocks, 24 Starts Firestarter Wood Fire Log for Campfire, Fireplace, Wood Stove, Fire Pit, Indoor & Outdoor Use
Pine Mountain Firestarters StarterLogg fire starters are made of hardwood and burn up with a lot less carbon monoxide and particulate matter.
The recycled wood is easy to lit up.
Pine Mountain Firestarters StarterLogg will maintain the flame long enough for all of the kindling to catch it.
These fire starters are coming in a form of blocks that you can easily split up to the size that fits your needs.
Also, you can cut down bricks to even smaller chunks if you need to.
Pine Mountain Firestarters StarterLogg can be used both indoors and outdoors and you can lit up a fireplace, a fire pit, a smoker or a grill.
For cooking the food, it’s recommended using smaller chunks, as these fire starters produce a temperature that is hard to control in a cooking matter.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Less carbon monoxide
- Easily separatable
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Tend to be sticky
Jake's TakePine Mountain Firestarters StarterLogg is a budget-friendly option for fire starters.
You`ll get 24 bricks in a box and you can cut it down, even more, depending on your needs.
However, if you’re using them around food, make sure they don’t make contact, as fire starters may become sticky after some time.
No matter how organic they are, you don’t want that to happen.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
6
Light-A-Fire, All Natural Fire Starter. BBQ, Charcoal, Wood Fire. 30 Pods with Container
Light-A-Fire fire starters come in a handy bucket, with a handle and a lid that makes it reusable.
Fire starters themself are in a form of pods.
They are made of wood shavings and food-grade, all-natural wax.
They will burn for 15 minutes with a 3-inch flame that will start the fire easily.
You can use them to fire up both wood and charcoal in any weather.
Light-A-Fire fire starters are completely odorless.
They are made without any artificial chemicals or flavors.
They are safe for use in grills or smokers.
You can use Light-A-Fire fire starters both indoors and outdoors.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Practical packaging
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor using
Cons
- Pods are quite small
- Liting up may take some time
Jake's TakeLight-A-Fire fire starters are coming in a pretty practical packaging you can safely and easily take with you on camping or just store it below the grill.
Materials won’t make any odor or add a flavor while burning since these fire starters ar natural and environmental-friendly.
However, they may be smaller than you expect, so the liting of the huge, bulky logs may take some time and few pods.
Therefore, you may go through the bucket sooner than you think.
Finally, pods are extremely clean to use, since you don’t have to touch a fire starter itself.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
7
Duraflame2444 Firestart Firelighters 24-Pack
The Duraflame Firestart fire starters come in 24 individually wrapped packages.
This is very convenient for taking with you on a camping trip.
You don’t need to take a whole box with you.
These fire starters are made of recycled biomass fiber and various waxes.
The Duraflame Firestart fire bund up to 30 minutes, which is among the longest burning times for fire starters we reviewed so far.
They burn clean.
It won’t be any odor or much byproduct after they are done.
The emission of carbon monoxide and particulate matter is reduced to a minimum, so they are safe for indoor use.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Individually wrapped
- Long burning time
- Safe for indoor use
Cons
- May be tricky to lit up if wet or dried out completely
Jake's TakeThe Duraflame Firestart fire starters come in a convenient individual wrapping.
You can easily put them in a backpack without the need to worry about them get all over your stuff.
Due to the high concentration of wax, these fire starters will keep burning for a very long time.
However, you need to be careful about the storage place.
If Duraflame Firestart fire starters get wet or too dried out, you may not be able to lit them up so easily.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
8
Better Wood Products Fatwood Firestarter Burlap Bag, 10-Pounds
Better Wood Products Fatwood fire starters deal is a real money-saver.
It comes in a 10-pounds bag at more than an affordable price.
These are high-quality fire starters.
They are made of pine tree stumps rich in natural resin.
Therefore, they will provide a strong flame for a long time, enough for you to establish a serious fire.
Better Wood Products Fatwood fire starters are completely natural.
There are no artificial chemicals or toxic materials.
Better Wood Products Fatwood is safe for both indoor and outdoor use.
Since the pine tree is pretty aromatic, these fire starters may add some scent to your campfire or a light flavor for your food.
These fire starters are caloric and perfect for long food smoking since they will lit up the wood enough for hours of a steady fire.
Better Wood Products Fatwood fire starters are SCS Green Cross certified.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Rich in resin
- Non-toxic
Cons
- The resin may cause flare-ups
Jake's TakeBetter Wood Products Fatwood fire starters make a budget-friendly deal for people in need of a large amount of these items throughout the year.
This bag will provide you a lot of quickly started grills and campfires.
Since the pine tree fire starters contain a high level of resin, you can count on a longer burning time.
Also, you need to be careful with handling these fire starters due to the tendency of flare-ups.
The resin is highly flammable, so make sure you’re safe while liting Better Wood Products Fatwood fire starters up.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
9
Lightning Nuggets N100SEB Super Economy Box Fire Starter
Lightning Nuggets N100SEB fire starters are among the priciest on this list.
However, this is still a great deal since you’ll get 100 fire starters in one packaging.
This much of the product can keep you warm through all year.
Lightning Nuggets N100SEB fire starters are made of pitch wood sawdust and food-grade wax.
Also, they give out a pine scent which can be pretty useful during food smoking or grilling.
These fire starters are natural, non-toxic and environment-friendly.
Therefore, you can safely use them both indoors and outdoors, as well as in cooking of any kind.
If you keep them in a dry and dark place, Lightning Nuggets N100SEB fire starters almost won’t have an expiration date.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Great deal
- Pine scent
- Non-toxic
- Durable
Cons
- Liting up may take some time
- Could be smaller than expected
Jake's TakeLightning Nuggets N100SEB fire starters are a great deal for the money.
They are also durable, so you can really benefit every single one of the 100 fire starters.
Still, it may take you a couple of them to lit up larger logs, as they may not produce flame hot enough.
If you have enough experience, you can surely make them work.
Otherwise, you may want something that is easier to handle.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
10
Weber 7416 Rapidfire Chimney Starter
Weber 7416 Rapidfire chimney starter is specifically designed to lights charcoal.
Honestly, this is possibly a quicker and easier way to lit charcoal than classic fire starters.
This chimney started is made of aluminized steel and will hold briquettes for a 22.5 inches charcoal grill.
The briquettes will be lit up evenly, so you can work with an even temperature.
Weber 7416 Rapidfire chimney starter has a thermoplastic handle that stays cool and allows you to safely operate with a chimney starter.
The bottom of the starter is cone-shaped, which ensures faster warming up.
It will take about 20 minutes for briquettes to be ready for the grill.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Fast warming up
- Thermoplastic handle
- Large capacity
Cons
- Needs additional fire starter cubes
Jake's TakeFor those of us not so experienced with liting up the charcoal with fire starter cubes, Weber 7416 Rapidfire chimney starter is a time-saver.
There’s no wrong way to do it and no need for piling up while taking care of the airflow.
Just simply fill it and put some fire starter cubes underneath the bottom.
It will lit up charcoal pretty quickly and evenly, which will fasten up the whole grilling process.
This is a great helper during BBq parties or camping trips.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
Fire Starters Buying Guide
Getting a grill going for a BBQ backyard party or starting a camping fire used to take some serious skill.
Otherwise, its a time-consuming and nerve-wracking process of wrestling with a pile of more or less wet wood and crumpled paper.
Nowadays, with outdoor equipment evolving constantly, we`re having more and more practical options.
Fire starters are some of those improvements.
These compressed little guys can fit your pocket or a basket under a grill and stay at the reach of your hand wherever you need them.
They are highly combustible and capable to produce flames hot enough to ignite whatever type of wood you have.
Most importantly, they do their job in a matter of seconds.
You can easily find fire starters at hardware stores, home centers, and garden shops.
Also, as we saw, they are widely available online.
They are made of a variety of materials and come in an impressive price range.
The type of fire started you decide to go for will depend mainly on where you’re going to use them, but there are also few other things to consider when you’re buying this type of equipment.
Size of the Packaging
In order to be a fully convenient tool whenever you need them, fire starters need to be compact.
Whether you need to fit them in a backpack or stash them around the fireplace in your home, you’ll highly rely on the size of the product itself.
The best fire starter you can get is small and lightweight.
Since you’ll get a bulk of them, you don’t want a giant, heavy box that will get in your way when you’re operating a smoker or a grill.
Also, if you’re planing some camping, you already have enough bulky things to think about.
Fire starters should not be one of them.
You`ll find the most benefit in those from 3 to 6 inches in length.
They’ll be easy to tuck under the grill or behind the wood stove and convenient to fit in a backpack.
Fire starters are usually sold cases of 12 or 24 pocket-sized pouches, pods or cubes that can be easily and safely stored, even in plain sight.
Consider The Burning Time Of The Fire Starter
Starting a fire in a traditional way is a process that takes a lot of time unless you are a highly skilled outdoor lover.
It can also take a lot of wood to maintain the flame hot enough for the fire to remain stable.
Not to mention the pain of trying to fire up wet logs.
Therefore, fire starters are designed to speed up the whole process, even if you’re operating wet wood, charcoal or even just coal.
In order to do that, a fire starter needs to burn long enough to reach the temperature the surrounding kindling needs to catch the flame.
Usually, the options on the market have burning time in a range from 10 to 30 minutes.
This is more than enough for you to get the fire going even if you’re a total newbie.
Pay Attention On What Your Nose Tells You
Like all of the outdoor equipment, fire starters are evolving in a matter of materials they are made from.
Old ones that we used a few decades ago were mostly made of artificial materials and soaked in highly flammable chemicals.
They were doing the job but smelled awful.
Also, since the chemicals involved, they were toxic and not suitable for indoor use.
If you have the experience with old fire starters, you surely know how they changed the flavor of the food and the smell was hard to get off the skin.
Nowadays, most fire starters are made of natural, recycled materials that are environment-friendly and completely non-toxic.
Paper and wood fire starters left a minimum trace and they are completely safe for use in grills and smokers.
Also, most of the modern fire starters are odorless, so they are suitable for use in homes.
Still, keep an eye on the product you’re getting.
Manufacturers mostly specify if fire starters are made for outdoor use only.
Speaking of the Environment…
…you should really take care of leaving the minimum waste.
Whether you’re looking for fire starters to take on the camping trip or to use it at home, it’s important to use those made of bio-materials.
Those made of sawdust or shavings from the wood cutting, non-toxic natural wax, recycled paper or waste textile fibers will burn with almost zero waste.
This will make both of your outdoor and indoor experience much more pleasant.
Fire starters usually come in a paper box that you can burn along with them.
Also, with no byproducts comes easier cleaning after the fire is out.
Finally, since fire starters help faster and more complete ignition, the emission of carbon monoxide and particulate matter is almost completely reduced.
Conclusion
Fire starters are a great time and nerve-savers if you’re not an experienced outdoor person.
Even if you are, they can be a quicker and easier way of getting the fire going while camping or just backyard grilling or smoking some food.
Fire starters are usually environment-friendly and non-toxic.
Still, if you’re intending of using them indoors, make sure they are safe.
We put together a list of indoor-appropriate fire starters you can use to lit up a livingroom fireplace, a grill or a fire pit.
All you have to do is provide a kindling you usually use and lay back while fire starters do what they do best.
As we already saw, these little helpers won’t break your budget.
Still, you can choose from some pretty sweet deals since some manufacturers offer a great amount at a low price.
This way, you can easily go through the whole year without having to waste your time dealing with newspapers or liquid fuel in order to get a decent flame.
It’s much easier to channel your inner outdoorsman with some compact and useful flammable help.
What's your take on Fire Starters? You think they're just a luxury or a must-have item? Don't hesitate to share your comment below with your opinion!
