Reviewed by Valery Grin · · updated May 29, 2026
Looftlighter Electric Barbecue Firestarter
Hot air, lights in ~60 seconds, chemical-free
From€99
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- Material
- Cuerpo de metal y plástico técnico
The Swedish invention that lights charcoal with a jet of air at several hundred degrees: hold the tip close, about 60 seconds and the embers catch. No fluids, no cubes, no acrid smoke. Genuinely clean lighting for ceramic.
The Looftlighter works like an industrial hairdryer: it blasts high-temperature air that lights charcoal, briquettes or wood in about a minute. Versus the chimney, it wins on speed and on needing no paper or cubes; it loses on depending on a socket and a cable near the grill. It's a near-cult piece in the kamado world precisely because it adds no off-flavour to the ceramic.
Hundreds-of-degrees air that lights in ~60 s, no chemicals or smoke. Faster than the chimney; needs a socket. A cult-clean light.
Pros
- Lights charcoal in about 60 seconds
- Hot air, no chemicals — won't taint the ceramic's flavour
- No acrid smoke or open flame
- Works on charcoal, briquettes and wood
- Robust Swedish design, near-cult in the kamado world
Cons
- Needs a socket and a cable near the grill
- The tip stays very hot: must cool before storing
Who it's for
For those with a socket near the grill who want the fastest, cleanest light possible — no paper, cubes or chemicals.
Not for
If you cook away from a socket or want full electrical independence, a chimney needs no power. The cordless Air version solves this.
Specifications
- Material
- Cuerpo de metal y plástico técnico
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Goes well with
Kamado Joe Big Block XL lump charcoal 9.1 kg
The Looftlighter lights any lump; the Kamado Joe Big Block XL is large-chunk charcoal ideal for kamado.
€65
Big K Lumpwood charcoal 10 kg
Quality lump charcoal so the hot air lights it fast and free of chemical tastes.
€35
Rapicca XL Barbecue Gloves 43 cm
The glowing tip and freshly lit embers call for heat-resistant gloves to work safely.
€44
Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter Standard (7429)
To light a lot of charcoal at once without power, the chimney is the mechanical alternative to the Looftlighter.
€42
FAQ
How long does the Looftlighter take to light charcoal?
In about 60 seconds you have an ember lit where you aim it, and in 2-3 minutes the area is spreading on its own. It works with superheated air, no flame or fluids, so no chemical taste in the food. It is one of the fastest ways to start a kamado or grill.
Does it need a socket? What if I cook far from the house?
Yes, this model is corded electric, so you need an outlet or extension lead near the grill. If you cook where there is no socket (camping, beach, large garden), the Looftlighter Air is the cordless battery version. To light a lot of charcoal with no power, a Rapidfire chimney is the mechanical alternative.
Does it light wood or only charcoal?
It lights lump charcoal, briquettes and also pellets or kindling for fireplaces and pizza ovens, because the hot air ignites any dry fuel. The tip glows red, so always aim at the fuel and let it cool on a non-flammable surface. Heat-resistant gloves help you handle it safely.