Top 4 Rapidfire Chimney Starters of 2025 (Weber & Alternatives Worth Considering)
Looking for a fast, reliable way to get charcoal glowing? The Weber Rapidfire chimney starter is one of the most popular tools among grillers — but 2025 brings some strong contenders and variants worth knowing. Below are four chimney starters you should consider, with strengths and trade-offs.
1. Weber 7416 Rapidfire Chimney Starter (Standard)
This is the classic, full-size Rapidfire model. It holds about 1.6 gallons / ~5.7 lbs of charcoal briquettes.
Why it’s a top pick
l Cone-shaped bottom grate increases exposure of coals to flame, promoting faster lighting.
l Dual-handle design: main handle plus a flip-up assist handle helps control pouring.
l Made of durable aluminized steel.
l In tests, the Weber Rapidfire was among the fastest to light and easy to pour.
Considerations
l It’s less efficient with lump charcoal in some reviews — might require adding extra paper or more ignition time.
l The chimney becomes very hot. You’ll need a safe, fireproof surface to rest it.
2. Weber Rapidfire Compact Chimney Starter
A smaller version of the classic, ideal for grills with limited space or for partial loads of charcoal.
Why choose it
l Compact size works well for smaller grills or when you don’t need a full load of coals.
l Still retains the same Rapidfire design with improved airflow.
Trade-offs
l Because of its smaller capacity, it may require more frequent refilling or be less efficient for large grills.
l Some users note the standard (full) Rapidfire lights faster due to better airflow. > “I have both … I use the large one more often … it has better airflow and works faster.”
3. Outset Collapsible Chimney Starter
While not technically “Rapidfire,” this is a strong alternative in 2025 for those wanting portability and flexibility. In a 2024 comparison test, the Outset chimney was runner-up for its fast lighting time.
Why it stands out
l Collapses for easy storage or transport.
l Decent lighting speed and good usability for moderate grillers.
Drawbacks
l Less sturdy than solid steel models.
l Might not pour as cleanly or with as much control as the Weber designs.
4. Char-Griller Charcoal Chimney Starter
Again, not a Rapidfire model but a tested alternative with strong performance for various charcoal types. In the Serious Eats test, it was especially good for lump charcoal.
Strengths
l Larger capacity and solid performance when lighting diverse charcoal types.
l Great option if you sometimes prefer lump wood charcoal over briquettes.
Trade-offs
l Pouring control and handle ergonomics may not match Weber’s dual-handle design.
l May be bulkier or heavier.
How to Choose The Best Rapidfire Starter for You
When deciding among these options, consider:
1. Grill size & capacity: If you regularly grill for a crowd or use a large kettle grill, go with the full Rapidfire 7416. For smaller setups, the compact version might suffice.
2. Charcoal type: If you use lump charcoal often, look for chimneys that perform well with both lumps and briquettes (e.g. Char-Griller or full Rapidfire in tests).
3. Portability & storage: The collapsible Outset shines here.
4. Handle & pouring control: Weber’s dual-handle, flip-up assist gives safer and more controlled pouring.
5. Material & durability: Aluminized steel or heavy-gauge steel is preferable for longevity.
For 2025, Weber’s 7416 Rapidfire Chimney Starter (standard) remains a top contender — its lighting speed, build quality, and user-friendly pouring design make it a favorite. The Rapidfire Compact suits lighter use or compact grills, while alternatives like the Outset Collapsible and Char-Griller offer unique benefits for portability or varied charcoal use.