Electro-Torch C900085 Fire Starter, Charcoal Starter and Lighter, BBQ Smoker, Grill Starter, Chemical Free Heated Air with Built-In Blower

My Kamado has a slot in the front for an electric coil lighter to slide in below the charcoal. I've been lighting it that way for years and while kind of slow, it worked just fine. My original $15 coil lighter finally died. Enter the Electro Torch at roughly three times the price. So now after loading charcoal, I simply light from the top in one or two spots depending how quickly I need to get going and whether high temp grilling or lower temp slow cooking. Bottom line, this thing is fast! Holding it in one spot just touching the charcoal, maybe 30-45 seconds on switch position #1 (low air speed but extremely hot) and there's a good base of orange burning charcoal. Then, flip the switch to position #2 for another 30 seconds and you've got higher air flow turning that little pile of orange into a flaming blast furnace. Pretty simple and quite fast. As others have mentioned, the switch is a momentary rocker, meaning that you must hold it in either #1 or #2 position to make it work. Release it and the torch shuts off. That's not really a big deal and I totally get why they do it. Sure as heck someone would set this thing down on a wood deck and presto, a really big backyard grilling experience begins. So far I've only used it three times lighting my Kamado. I have also used it once to light a Solo Stove firepit with no kindling. Granted my fuel was dry pine firewood, but the Electro Torch lit the log in seconds and had a nice roaring fire in about a minute or so. I'm giving it 5 stars simply because it works, and works very well. For the speed and ease of use, it's worth the price. It's built nice and solidly with a decent gauge protective metal shroud around the heating element. Will it last? TBD. I'll keep it out of the weather, take care not to bang it around, and then I'll follow up here if there is any reason to downgrade my rating. So far, nothing not to like!

My mind is blown by how well this thing works. With small pieces of tinder and dry leaves as starters, this thing got them smoking within seconds and started a full blown fire in less than a minute. I also tried this on charcoal to start a bbq, and got the same result. Humanity sure has come a long way since the days of rubbing sticks together. Do use common sense and don't try to start a big block of wood or anything like that. If a candle lighter can't start it, don't expect this to do it either. Also, do follow instructions. People who complain that it only blows wind and doesn't get hot are probably jumping into mode 2 immediately without doing mode 1 first. People who complain that it doesn't blow enough wind are probably not switching to mode 2.

We love to grill in the north, even in snow filled winters. Because of the temperature changes we have burned through 2 electric charcoal starters. I started looking for a different option and found this. Easy to use, safer around kids, dual unit has two functions of heat and blowing. It is not overly heavy and does the job quickly too. The only down side is you have to puse and hold the button. You can't lock it on. So on occasion my arm gets tired or I want to get back inside because my hands are cold. But I understand the safety feature of not having a lock. Great tool. I'd recommend it.

Update: After using for awhile I am pleased. Gets the coals lit quickly and has lasted well. Still wish I did not have to hold the 'on' switch. I used FIRESTICk for several years. It worked great but finally gave out. Since it is not available anymore I choose this because of the temperature (1500 deg). Maybe better than the alternatives but not as good as the FIRESTICK. Yes it lights the coals BUT you have to hold the switch. A BIG NEGATVE! I have to spend so much more time lighting the grill with this that it is a BIG down side. I want to light it and get on to other things. The FIRESTICK was shaped so that you could put through in the grate, turn it on (the switch did not need to be held) and let it do it's thing (light the fire). Not so here. This is for those that like to stand there, hold the swithch, and spend 15 minutes lighting the fire.

I bought this to avoid using a lighter and fire starter. It works great once you get the hang of it. It does need a power source of course! We have started some charcoal multiple times with it. The blower is a great added feature. It seems sturdy, so I would expect it to last a while.

Why did you pick this product vs others?: My son bought one of these, we were at his house and he was talking it up. We decided to try one, it is the most awesome grilling tool I’ve ever seen! We can light charcoal briquettes almost as fast as using a gas grill!! Money well spent, I highly recommend it. 👍🏻 Ignites easily: Just a switch and hold with your thumb for a minute…. So easy!

Una util herramienta para ensender el carbon. Facil de usar, en solo unos minutos, el carbon ya esta encendido. Lo recomiendo

I used this for the first time today. Coals were glowing in about 20 seconds, then turned on the blower for another 45 seconds or so and fully lit. The blower makes all the difference. I highly recommend this. It looks durable as well.

This is THE BEST igniter for a ceramic charcoal-cooker. I've recommended it to every Big Green Egg owner i know!

Me encantó, en verdad encendió unas briquetas en alrededor d e1 minuto. Hice una pila de briquetas, me tomó alrededor de 3 minutos encender la pila por 2 lados diferentes. Y después se puede seguir utilizando para avivar más la llama, esperemos sea duradero, por ahora, todo bien

Great tool