Char-Griller 19586 Charcoal Chimney Starter, Stainless

I got a different charcoal holder from a big name brick and mortar home improvement store. It sucked compare to this one! Holds more charcoal and allows for much easier dumping with the release system.

I have bought it many times, it is very useful.

It worked very well until it rusted out after about 2-1/2 years. But then, if left outside all the time, expect that to happen. I like the trigger that released the bottom so the coals can fall out. Holds a lot of charcoal. Might have to get another one.

My only issue is that I'm used to flipping the chimney upside down to stuff my paper in it. The break-away bottom flips upwards when upsidedown leaving a hole where I would use the bottom to squish some paper in. I'll have to redo my workflow to get use to it, but it still does the job. All the extra holes means there's less of a chance of choking out.

I bought this because I wanted a bottom trap door release to make it easier to dump hot coals. It works! I have used it a couple dozen times now and have no complaints.

I acquired a wonderful highly regarded brand charcoal grill used and wanted to add some accessories to make grilling more simple and enjoyable. This helps tremendously if you've never used one.It sure beat stacking charcoal and fanning them until they appear to be ready for cooking. This accelerates the process nicely and assures your coals are much more evenly burning. It's a time saver and simple to use.

After reading some disgruntled reviews about how the metal turns different colors and that it's cheap metal from China, or the handles fall off right away I feared it might be money lost if I took the chance. Wrong! Yeah, some parts of the metal might change color a little bit due to the heat, but that's to be expected. Happens with all coal starters whether they be Weber or any other brand.Mine hasn't changed colors much since I started using it. But, who cares if it does?? What matters is whether or not it can light your charcoal. And, it does - fast! I don't normally light a full basket of coals (the basket space is big by the way, bigger than the Weber I have). I just do anywhere from 8 to 12 coals then pour them over my main coals once they've ashed over, which takes around 10-15 minutes with this thing. Speedy, which is great if you need to get your BBQ/Smoking situation going fast!The release door is the key point here with the Char-griller. Now I don't have to tilt and pour like I've had to with my Weber chimney. Instead it's just drop from the bottom. This is especially useful for people who cook on smoker barrels/ugly drum smokers.I've had it now for a few months, so far so good. No warping on any of the metal yet. Very good design. I'm probably going to buy a couple more as I need them. As long as you use them for what they're intended for they should last a long time.

Trigger release is life changing!!!Had to replace my old chimney starter after my neighbor accidentally recycled it thinking I had left it with the trash. This new chimney starter starts far faster (better airflow) and the trigger release is a huge improvement. No more burned clothes and lost arm hairs from flying embers. And I used to occasionally lose a lump of charcoal overboard.I had been considering buying a new BBQ with charcoal feeder but this starter is so easy, I'll probably stick with a traditional bbq!