Wagner Electro-Torch C900085 Fire Starter, Charcoal Starter and Lighter, BBQ Smoker, Grill Starter, Chemical Free Heated Air with Built-In Blower

My Kamado has a slot in the front for an electric coil lighter to slide in below the charcoal. I've been lighting it that way for years and while kind of slow, it worked just fine. My original $15 coil lighter finally died. Enter the Electro Torch at roughly three times the price.So now after loading charcoal, I simply light from the top in one or two spots depending how quickly I need to get going and whether high temp grilling or lower temp slow cooking. Bottom line, this thing is fast!Holding it in one spot just touching the charcoal, maybe 30-45 seconds on switch position #1 (low air speed but extremely hot) and there's a good base of orange burning charcoal. Then, flip the switch to position #2 for another 30 seconds and you've got higher air flow turning that little pile of orange into a flaming blast furnace. Pretty simple and quite fast.As others have mentioned, the switch is a momentary rocker, meaning that you must hold it in either #1 or #2 position to make it work. Release it and the torch shuts off. That's not really a big deal and I totally get why they do it. Sure as heck someone would set this thing down on a wood deck and presto, a really big backyard grilling experience begins.So far I've only used it three times lighting my Kamado. I have also used it once to light a Solo Stove firepit with no kindling. Granted my fuel was dry pine firewood, but the Electro Torch lit the log in seconds and had a nice roaring fire in about a minute or so.I'm giving it 5 stars simply because it works, and works very well. For the speed and ease of use, it's worth the price. It's built nice and solidly with a decent gauge protective metal shroud around the heating element. Will it last? TBD. I'll keep it out of the weather, take care not to bang it around, and then I'll follow up here if there is any reason to downgrade my rating. So far, nothing not to like!

I was reluctant to purchase one of these because of the price compared to the traditional lighter fuels and paper schemes out there. Finally bought after a promotional offer became available, and it has saved so much time and effort, with quick and way more consistent charcoal fires, without any chemical smoke. Heats very quickly, and together with a coal chimney, I now feel are essential investments for any charcoal grilling. Brand seems quality, used for 6 months now without any problems.

I am ordering a replacement. Used this consistently 2-3 times a week on my Primo Kamado grill for the last 4+ years. Works great. I use lump charcoal, lights a small area within a minute or so. Only downside is that if your charcoal kicks a lot of sparks, the fan will emphasize it and send them popping around. My solution is to insert the lighter into the bottom vent and switch to fan mode it pumps the air in to get the flame really going. I was a bit skeptical from switching from my Webber chimney. For smoking, it is great because i can control the amount of coals lit to keep the temp nice an low and slowly bring it to the 220 degree mark.When it finally died the other day, heating element died, i immediately ordered a replacement. Bonus that it is now 10$ cheaper then what I paid in 2020.Note, that the end area where the heat comes out, the metal shroud will melt a 1/4" or so after the first couple of uses. It does not affect the operation. Battle scars for tasty BBQ.

Update: After using for awhile I am pleased. Gets the coals lit quickly and has lasted well. Still wish I did not have to hold the 'on' switch.I used FIRESTICk for several years. It worked great but finally gave out. Since it is not available anymore I choose this because of the temperature (1500 deg). Maybe better than the alternatives but not as good as the FIRESTICK. Yes it lights the coals BUT you have to hold the switch. A BIG NEGATVE! I have to spend so much more time lighting the grill with this that it is a BIG down side. I want to light it and get on to other things. The FIRESTICK was shaped so that you could put through in the grate, turn it on (the switch did not need to be held) and let it do it's thing (light the fire). Not so here. This is for those that like to stand there, hold the swithch, and spend 15 minutes lighting the fire.

Yep, it's kinda pricey. Spread that initial outlay over the 6-8 year life of this unit and the becomes very affordable. I use lump charcoal and fruit wood exclusively.This is my second unit in 8 years. My original would still be working if I had brought in in from the rain now and again. I have used every non-liquid lighting option to fire my grill including propane, acetylene and mapp gas. My first torch has lighted hundreds (thousands?) of Mighty Weber 22's and dozens of heat box smoker fires. Yes, the aluminum guard has deformed and, no, it does not appear to affect the performance.This unit is the easiest and most theatrical way to light a grill. Every time I use it someone is bound to pipe up "Gonna use the air to light your grill? Har har. Can I get ya a hair dryer? No more wobble pops for you!" And then I do and then they buy one for themselves.The heat and air is calibrated perfectly for hot, quick embers. Lights the coals in less than 2 minutes. The air-only button is essential for an even and thorough combustion after the embers start to glow. This option is not available on many other brands. Get the flame going with heated air and then stoke it with the turbo fan. I can get steak-ready coals in less than 5 minutes by using the turbo-fan feature if I'm in a hurry.I am stoked on this electric stoker. Get one! It's worth the money.

I was quite surprised on how this worked! I am very happy with it and would highly recommend! Works great!