Fire up your grill with ease and without breaking the bank! This review dives into the Walmart $15 coal chimney starter, a surprisingly effective tool for achieving perfectly-grilled results. We put this budget-friendly option to the test, examining its build quality, ease of use, and overall performance against the backdrop of a typical grilling session. From initial setup to achieving glowing embers ready for cooking, we chronicle the entire process, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of this affordable chimney starter. Does it live up to the hype? Read on to find out if this Walmart find is a BBQ essential or just another charcoal-lighting gadget.This in-depth review covers everything from the initial assembly and charcoal loading process, to the time taken to achieve optimal grilling temperatures and the overall quality of the resulting coals. We’ll explore whether the low price compromises performance, examining the durability of the chimney and the efficiency of its heat distribution. Ultimately, we aim to determine if this $15 investment is worth it for both seasoned grill masters and weekend warriors alike, offering a comprehensive assessment to help you decide if it’s the right charcoal starter for your needs.
Pros And Cons
- Produces a hot flame
- No black smoke produced
Read more: Kingsford Chimney Starter: 8-Pack for Easy Charcoal Grilling
Unboxing and Setup
I recently purchased a coal chimney starter from Walmart for $14.15 Canadian plus tax. It's a simple, straightforward design, and the price point is very attractive. Along with the chimney, I used a basic fire starter from the dollar store to get the coals going. The process of setting up the chimney is remarkably easy, even for a beginner like myself.
The chimney itself is constructed from sturdy metal, ensuring durability for repeated use. The size is perfect for moderate-sized BBQ grills. Assembling the chimney and loading it with charcoal is intuitive and requires minimal effort. The entire setup took only a few minutes.
Lighting and Burn Time
After breaking the fire starter into smaller pieces and placing them at the bottom, I lit the chimney. Within a minute, I observed significant smoke, indicating a successful start. The coals ignited quickly and efficiently, achieving a blazing hot temperature in just a few minutes.
I added an extra fire starter to the bottom to help sustain the flames and after about 10 minutes, the chimney was flaming hot. This fast heating time is a big plus, allowing you to get to grilling much sooner. The consistent heat generated by this chimney ensures even cooking.
Performance and Results
After a total of 15 minutes, the coals were glowing red-hot with no black smoke, signaling a clean and efficient burn. I was impressed with how quickly the chimney reached optimal temperature and how evenly the coals burned. The Kingston Original charcoal performed well, producing a consistent heat source.
The resulting coals were ideal for grilling, providing ample heat for even cooking. The lack of excessive smoke also contributes to a more pleasant grilling experience. The ease of use and efficient heat distribution made this a fantastic experience.
Final Verdict
Overall, I highly recommend this Walmart coal chimney starter. For the price, it's an exceptional value. The ease of use, fast heating time, and efficient burning make it a must-have for any serious griller. It simplified the charcoal preparation process, allowing me to focus on the cooking itself.
The quality and performance are comparable to more expensive models, offering significant savings without sacrificing functionality. This product makes grilling a much more enjoyable experience by drastically reducing prep time and ensuring consistent heat. This is a definite 5-star product!
