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A charcoal chimney is the simplest upgrade to a grilling routine. Instead of dousing briquettes with lighter fluid and waiting, you fill the chimney, light a starter underneath and pour out evenly glowing coals a short while later. If you searched for a “webber charcoal chimney”, you are almost certainly after the Weber Rapidfire, and the practical choices are which size to buy, what to light it with and what to do with the coals once they are ready.
According to the listings, the Weber range here centers on two Rapidfire chimney starters: a standard 7.5-inch-diameter model and the larger 1.6-gallon model with a flip-up helper handle. Around them sit two Weber accessories, Char-Basket briquet holders for indirect cooking and wax lighter cubes for starting the chimney. We also cover a chimney booster base with an electric blower, but it is important to say up front that this is made by CaptainGrill, a third-party brand, not by Weber.
Weber Charcoal Chimney Lineup at a Glance
| Product | Maker | Role in the routine | Key listed detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter, Standard | Weber | Lights charcoal | 7.5 in diameter, 13 in high |
| Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter, 1.6 Gallon | Weber | Lights charcoal | About 5.7 lbs briquettes, helper handle |
| Weber Char-Basket Briquet Holders | Weber | Holds coals for indirect cooking | Up to 10 briquettes each, 2-pack |
| Charcoal Chimney Booster Base | CaptainGrill | Speeds up chimney lighting | Electric blower, fits 5-8 in chimneys |
| Weber Charcoal Lighter Cubes | Weber | Starts the fire | 96 odorless wax cubes |
The Models in Detail
Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter, Standard Want to get the best performance out of your Weber Chimney Starter? This
Check price on Amazon Our score: 9.0/10
Best for: Regular grillers wanting two-handed pouring
Pros
- 6 gallon, about 5.7 lbs briquettes
- Flip-up helper handle
- Heat shield on handle
Cons
- Gloves still recommended
- Bulky to store
Best for: Kettle owners wanting a standard chimney
Pros
- Cone-shaped grate
- Aluminized steel build
- Ergonomic handle
Cons
- Capacity not stated in volume
- Weight spec clearly wrong
The Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter in the standard size measures 7.5 inches in diameter and 13 inches high, according to the listing. It uses a cone-shaped grate, which pushes the bottom layer of charcoal up toward the flame, and an ergonomic handle. The description says it is made from aluminized steel, though the specifications call it alloy steel with a plastic handle.
The listing has a few obvious errors. It gives a weight of 0.27 grams, which cannot be right for a steel chimney, and lists installation as built-in. The description also mentions an extra-large capacity bin, which contradicts the standard label in the title. The listing does not state capacity in gallons or pounds of briquettes.
This model suits someone with a standard kettle who wants a straightforward Weber chimney. If you often grill for a crowd or cook long sessions, the 1.6-gallon model states its capacity and adds a second handle.
Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter, 1.6 Gallon Aluminized Steel Designed to quickly produce hot coals for cooking
Check price on Amazon Our score: 8.0/10
The Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter for Use with charcoal grills (model 7416) is the better-documented chimney of the two. It holds 1.6 gallons, about 5.7 pounds of standard briquettes, and uses a cone-shaped bottom grate and a ventilated chamber to expose more briquettes to flame and cut ignition time. The large bottom chamber is easy to fill with lighter cubes or another fire starter.
It is built from aluminized steel with a sturdy side handle, a heat shield that reduces heat transfer to the handle, and a flip-up helper handle so you can pour lit coals with two hands. Weber still recommends wearing gloves when the chimney is hot. It measures 12.7 x 8.1 x 12.5 inches and weighs 3 pounds, and Weber says it works best with its lighter cubes and lighter packs.
This is the pick for anyone who grills several times a week, fills a larger kettle or does low-and-slow cooks that need a full load of coals. If you pair it with a bigger grill, our guide to a large capacity Weber charcoal grill covers matching sizes.
Weber Char-Basket Charcoal Briquet Holders, 2-Pack Fit up to 10 regular-sized briquettes in each charcoal holder
Check price on Amazon Our score: 8.4/10
Best for: Indirect cooking on 22.5 in kettles
Pros
- Holds up to 10 briquettes each
- Aluminized, corrosion resistant
- Set of two
Cons
- Needs 18 in or larger Weber grill
- Not a lighting tool
The Weber Char-Basket Charcoal Briquet Holders are where the chimney’s coals go next. Each basket holds up to 10 regular briquettes, and the pair lets you bank coals on one or both sides of the grill for indirect cooking. They are made of aluminized steel and described as corrosion resistant.
The listing says they fit Weber charcoal grills of 18 inches and larger, and the description names the 22-1/2-inch Bar-B-Kettle, One-Touch and Master-Touch. The set measures 5.12 x 14.13 x 3.7 inches and weighs 1.86 pounds.
These suit anyone cooking whole chickens, roasts or thick steaks that need a hot zone and a cooler zone. For quick burgers over direct heat, you can skip them.
Charcoal Chimney Booster Base and Blower (CaptainGrill, Third-Party) This patented charcoal starter booster includes a chimney base and a
Check price on Amazon Our score: 8.2/10
The Charcoal Chimney Booster-Charcoal Starter Base & Coal Burner Blower is made by CaptainGrill, not Weber. It pairs a round aluminum base, 8.46 inches in diameter with a raised edge, with a stainless steel electric blower that pushes air into the bottom of the chimney. CaptainGrill says this cuts ignition time from 25 minutes to 10 to 15 minutes, and that the base fits chimneys with cylinder diameters from 5 to 8 inches, which would include the 7.5-inch standard Rapidfire.
The package includes the booster base, electric blower, a corded adapter and a USB cable for power bank use. The blower is rated at 16 watts, has adjustable airflow and push-button control, and can be used on its own for fireplaces, fire pits, campfires, smokers and pizza ovens. The handle is heat resistant with an anti-scald design.
This suits grillers who want coals ready as fast as possible and have an outlet or power bank nearby. It is not needed for a chimney to work, and it adds a device to charge and store.
Weber Charcoal Lighter Cubes, 96 Count Designed to catch fire even if wet
Check price on Amazon Our score: 8.6/10
Best for: Lighting chimneys without newspaper
Pros
- Lights even when wet
- Odorless, non-toxic wax
- 96 cubes in 4 packs
Cons
- Consumable, needs restocking
Weber Charcoal Lighter Cubes are the starter Weber recommends for its chimneys. Made of odorless, non-toxic wax, they are designed to catch fire even when wet, and Weber says they avoid the smell or taste of lighter fluid on your food.
This listing includes 96 cubes in four packs of 24. Weber describes them as ash-free and usable for any fire starting need.
Keep a pack with the chimney for a clean, repeatable start. They are a consumable, so you will be restocking regularly if you grill often. For a broader look at compatible grills, see our outdoor grill Weber charcoal guide.
Matching a Model to Your Setup
- Weeknight burgers on a standard kettle: Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter, Standard.
- Weekend cookouts or long smoking sessions: Weber Rapidfire 1.6-gallon chimney.
- Roasting a whole chicken with indirect heat on a 22-1/2-inch kettle: Weber Char-Basket holders.
- You want coals ready in the shortest time and have power at the patio: CaptainGrill chimney booster.
- Lighting in damp or windy weather without lighter fluid: Weber Charcoal Lighter Cubes.
How to Use a Chimney Starter
Place two or three lighter cubes on the charcoal grate of your grill, set the chimney over them and fill it with briquettes. Light the cubes and leave the chimney alone until the top coals are covered in grey ash, then pour them into the grill or into Char-Baskets using the handle, with gloves on. Always set a hot chimney down on a non-flammable surface.
Before You Buy
The standard Rapidfire listing does not give a usable capacity figure and contains an impossible weight, so compare physical sizes if storage space matters. The Char-Basket holders are listed for Weber grills 18 inches and larger, so they will not suit smaller portable grills.
The booster base is a third-party product and its speed claims are CaptainGrill’s own figures. It needs power from an outlet or a USB power bank, and the listing does not describe weather resistance for the blower. None of the listings include heat-resistant gloves, which Weber recommends.
FAQ
Which Weber chimney should I buy?
The 1.6-gallon Rapidfire is the better-documented choice, holding about 5.7 pounds of briquettes and adding a helper handle. The standard size suits lighter use.
Is the charcoal chimney booster made by Weber?
No. It is made by CaptainGrill. Its listing says it fits chimneys 5 to 8 inches in diameter.
What should I use to light a Weber chimney starter?
Weber recommends its lighter cubes and lighter packs. The wax cubes are odorless and designed to light even when wet.
Do Weber Char-Baskets fit a 22-inch kettle?
Yes. The description names the 22-1/2-inch Bar-B-Kettle, One-Touch and Master-Touch.
How many briquettes fit in a Weber Rapidfire chimney?
The 1.6-gallon model holds about 5.7 pounds of standard briquettes. The standard model’s listing does not state its capacity.