Weber Rapidfire Charcoal Starters Review: A Low and Slow Grilling Experience

This review dives into the Weber Rapidfire Charcoal Starters, focusing on their effectiveness in achieving a low and slow grilling experience. The author details their purchase from Ace Hardware and initial positive impressions of the compact and convenient packaging. A practical test using a Pit Barrel Cooker and short ribs demonstrates the starters' performance, emphasizing their quick ignition time, lack of odor, and consistent burn, aligning perfectly with the manufacturer's claims.The review highlights the significant advantage of the odorless nature of the starters, a welcome change compared to traditional lighter fluids. The author explores the efficient burn rate, concluding that a single starter was sufficient for their low and slow cooking needs, while also suggesting suitability for quicker cooks. Ultimately, this review offers a comprehensive assessment of the Weber Rapidfire Charcoal Starters, focusing on their ease of use, performance, and overall value for money.

Pros And Cons

Weber Rapid Fire Charcoal and Wood Fire Starter
  • Odorless
  • Rapid ignition
  • Effective for both low and slow cooking and hot and fast cooking
  • Burns out after approximately 10 minutes (when using one starter for low and slow cooking)

Read more: Kingsford Chimney Starter: 8-Pack for Easy Charcoal Grilling

Unboxing and First Impressions

I recently purchased a two-pack of Weber Rapidfire charcoal and wood fire starters from Ace Hardware. The packaging was straightforward, promising a quick and easy way to ignite my charcoal. My initial impression was positive, they looked compact and convenient.

Weber Rapidfire charcoal fire starters
Weber Rapidfire charcoal fire starters

The instructions suggested using one to two lighters, arranging them in a pyramid shape on top of the charcoal, leaving one corner open for airflow. The estimated lighting time was 20-25 minutes, which seemed reasonable.

The Lighting Process and Initial Burn

I decided to start with just one Rapidfire starter, as I was planning a low and slow cook on my Pit Barrel Cooker with short ribs. I followed the instructions carefully, lighting one starter and placing it within the charcoal.

Weber Rapidfire charcoal starter in use.
Weber Rapidfire charcoal starter in use.

The starter ignited quickly, and I was pleased with how easily it caught fire. There was no noticeable odor, which is a huge plus for me. The lack of any chemical smell was a refreshing change compared to other fire starters.

Charcoal igniting in Pit Barrel Cooker
Charcoal igniting in Pit Barrel Cooker

Performance and Burn Time

After five minutes, the Rapidfire starter was burning intensely, living up to its 'rapid fire' name. I was glad I only used one for my low and slow cook, as it provided plenty of heat.

Weber Rapidfire charcoal burning in grill
Weber Rapidfire charcoal burning in grill

Around the 10-minute mark, the fire began to die down naturally. The entire burn time was consistent with the manufacturer's claim, and the lack of any lingering smell was impressive. For my low and slow cooking, this was exactly what I needed.

Weber Rapidfire charcoal burning in grill
Weber Rapidfire charcoal burning in grill

Overall Review and Value

The Weber Rapidfire charcoal starters performed admirably. They lived up to the expectation of being odorless, quick, and efficient. For low and slow grilling, one starter was sufficient. Even for a hotter, faster cook, they provide an easy and clean ignition.

Weber Rapidfire charcoal starter online
Weber Rapidfire charcoal starter online

While I purchased mine at Ace Hardware, they are available at other retailers, including DoItBest.com. The price point is reasonable considering their performance and convenience, especially the lack of harmful fumes.

Weber Rapidfire charcoal starters
Weber Rapidfire charcoal starters

I would recommend these to anyone looking for a clean, convenient, and effective way to start their charcoal grills, especially for those who prefer low and slow grilling methods. They're a definite improvement over traditional lighter fluids.