BBQ Fire Lighting & Igniting

BBQ Fire Lighting & Igniting - Quick, Safe, and Easy BBQ Lighting

Browse our full range of BBQ accessories or explore fire lighting essentials below.

Get your BBQ started quickly and safely with our range of fire lighting and igniting accessories. From chimney starters and firelighters to gas torches, we stock everything you need for hassle-free BBQ lighting without the need for lighter fluid or chemicals.

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Wood Wool Firelighters 24 Piece Box The Green Olive Firewood Co

£5.99 - £5.99

£5.99

£5.99 - £5.99

£5.99

Wood Wool Firelighters 24 Piece Box

The Green Olive Firewood Co

In stock

Wood Wool FirelightersNatural wood wool shavings mixed with vegetable wax. 24 firelighters per box. Clean to handle ,easy to light & long burni...

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£5.99 - £5.99

£5.99

£5.99 - £5.99

£5.99

Essential BBQ Fire Lighting Methods

Chimney Starters: The most popular and efficient method for lighting charcoal BBQs. Fill with charcoal, place firelighters underneath, and achieve perfectly lit coals in 15-20 minutes without chemicals. Reusable, reliable, and essential for serious BBQ enthusiasts.

Natural Firelighters: Made from wood wool, wax, or compressed sawdust, natural firelighters ignite easily and burn long enough to light charcoal without imparting chemical flavours. Safer for food and the environment than chemical alternatives. Works with both charcoal and briquette types.

Gas Torches: Ideal for precise lighting control, especially useful for kamado-style grills and two-zone cooking setups. Fast, clean, and reusable. Perfect for lighting specific areas of charcoal exactly where you need heat.

Shop Related BBQ Products

Charcoal BBQs - Kettle grills & kamado cookers
Gas BBQs - Convenient gas grilling
BBQ Charcoal & Gas - Fuel for your BBQ

Expert Advice and UK-Wide Delivery

Visit our Berkshire showroom at Oaktree Garden Centre to see BBQ fire lighting products in person and get expert advice on the best method for your BBQ type, or shop online for delivery throughout the UK including Bracknell, Ascot, Wokingham, Windsor, Maidenhead, Reading, and surrounding areas. Click-and-collect also available from our Berkshire location.

Frequently Asked Questions*

What's the best way to light a charcoal BBQ without lighter fluid?

A chimney starter is the best method for lighting charcoal without lighter fluid. Fill the chimney with charcoal, place crumpled newspaper or firelighters underneath, and light. Within 15-20 minutes, your coals will be ready with no chemical taste. Chimney starters are faster, safer, and more reliable than lighter fluid.

How does a chimney starter work?

A chimney starter uses the stack effect to create an upward draft that ignites charcoal evenly from the bottom up. You place firelighters or newspaper in the bottom chamber, fill the top with charcoal, and light. The metal cylinder concentrates heat whilst allowing airflow, creating perfectly lit coals in 15-20 minutes without chemicals or fuss.

Are natural firelighters better than chemical ones?

Natural firelighters made from wood wool, wax, or compressed sawdust are safer and don't impart chemical flavours to your food. They're also better for the environment and work just as effectively as chemical alternatives. Most light easily, burn long enough to ignite charcoal, and produce minimal smoke or odour.

Can I use a gas torch to light my BBQ?

Yes, gas torches are excellent for lighting charcoal BBQs quickly and precisely. They're particularly useful for kamado-style grills like the Big Green Egg, where you want to control exactly where the fire starts. Torches also work well for lighting specific areas of charcoal for two-zone cooking setups.

How many firelighters do I need to light a BBQ?

For a standard charcoal BBQ, 2-3 natural firelighters are usually sufficient. For larger grills or kamados, you might need 3-4. If using a chimney starter, 1-2 firelighters placed underneath work perfectly. The key is spacing them evenly to ensure consistent ignition across your charcoal.

What's the safest way to light a BBQ?

The safest method is using a chimney starter with natural firelighters. This keeps flames contained, eliminates the need for flammable liquids, and creates even heat. Never use petrol, methylated spirits, or excessive lighter fluid, which can cause dangerous flare-ups. Always light BBQs outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from structures.

How long does it take to light charcoal with different methods?

Chimney starters take 15-20 minutes, gas torches 10-15 minutes, and traditional firelighters without a chimney 25-35 minutes. Chimney starters offer the best balance of speed and convenience. Lumpwood charcoal lights faster than briquettes regardless of method.

Can I reuse a chimney starter, or do they wear out?

Quality chimney starters last for years with proper care. They're made from galvanised steel or stainless steel that withstands high heat. Empty ash after each use, store in a dry place, and check for rust or damage periodically. A well-maintained chimney starter is a one-time investment that pays for itself quickly.

Do I need special firelighters for kamado BBQs like Big Green Egg?

Standard natural firelighters work perfectly for kamado BBQs. However, many kamado users prefer using fewer firelighters (1-2) or a gas torch to control exactly where the fire starts, which helps with temperature management. Avoid chemical firelighters that might impart flavours, as kamados retain smoke and aromas effectively.

What's the difference between lumpwood charcoal and briquettes for lighting?

Lumpwood charcoal lights faster (10-15 minutes) and reaches cooking temperature quicker, making it ideal for quick grilling. Briquettes take longer to light (20-25 minutes) but burn more consistently and longer, which suits low-and-slow cooking. Both work with chimney starters, firelighters, and other lighting methods.

Why should I avoid using lighter fluid on my BBQ?

Lighter fluid can impart chemical flavours to food, create dangerous flare-ups, and release harmful fumes. Modern lighting methods like chimney starters and natural firelighters are faster, safer, produce better-tasting food, and are more environmentally friendly. They're also more cost-effective in the long run as they're reusable.

Do you deliver BBQ fire lighting accessories across the UK, including Berkshire areas?

Yes, we deliver chimney starters, firelighters, gas torches, and all BBQ lighting accessories throughout the UK, including Bracknell, Ascot, Wokingham, Windsor, Maidenhead, Reading, and surrounding Berkshire areas. Shop online for convenient home delivery, or choose click-and-collect from our Berkshire showroom.

Can I see BBQ fire lighting products in person at your showroom?

Absolutely. If you're searching for a BBQs store near me, visit our showroom at Oaktree Garden Centre in Berkshire to see chimney starters, firelighters, and gas torches in person. Our team can demonstrate products, explain different lighting methods, and help you choose the best solution for your BBQ type and cooking style.

*These FAQs provide general guidance. Always follow the specific product manual and manufacturer instructions for safety, assembly, and operation. Manufacturer guidelines take precedence.