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The Bottom Line
The Charcoal Buddy is a consumable charcoal chimney made out of paperboard, water soluble adhesive, and a clean paraffin wax as an accelerant. It holds about 2.5 pounds of charcoal, which is enough to cook for a family on an average grill. It takes about 20 minutes for the Charcoal Buddy to burn down, at which time the charcoals should be evenly lit and ready to spread out and start cooking. Made in the USA, the Charcoal Buddy retails for about $1.50. (Currently available only on eBay.)
Pros
- Ecofriendly and made in the US with US materials.
- Easily lights charcoal for grilling and barbecuing.
- No need for lighter fluid or self lighting charcoal.
- Economical, costs about $1.50 each.
Cons
- none
Description
- Holds about 2.5 pounds of charcoal.
- Weighs only a few ounces.
- Made in the US with US ecofriendly materials.
- Easily lights charcoal without starter fluids.
- Evenly burns charcoal in 15-20 minutes.
- Burns clean and leaves only ashes.
- MSRP: $5.99 for a six pack of empty Charcoal Buddy canisters, or $4.99 for a single canister filled with charcoal.
Guide Review - Charcoal Buddy
The Charcoal Buddy is a convenient solution to starting charcoals without the use of starter fluids or self-lighting charcoal, which use chemicals that you would rather not cook over. The Charcoal Buddy is simply a charcoal chimney made out of paper. Load the Charcoal Buddy with charcoal (about 2.5 pounds when filled to the top), light the wax coated center cone, and sit back while the Charcoal Buddy burns down. In about 15-20 minutes you'll have plenty of evenly lit charcoal ready to use.
Since these are consumable, you'll have to buy one for each time you grill. A six pack currently sells on eBay for $10.00 plus shipping. For the same cost you could buy a stainless steel charcoal chimney that will last for years. You can find stainless steel charcoal chimneys at most sporting goods stores, Target and Wal-Mart for about $10.00.
If you forgot your steel chimney or you seldom grill, then the Charcoal Buddy is a great tool for getting the grill ready for your next cookout.
Since these are consumable, you'll have to buy one for each time you grill. A six pack currently sells on eBay for $10.00 plus shipping. For the same cost you could buy a stainless steel charcoal chimney that will last for years. You can find stainless steel charcoal chimneys at most sporting goods stores, Target and Wal-Mart for about $10.00.
If you forgot your steel chimney or you seldom grill, then the Charcoal Buddy is a great tool for getting the grill ready for your next cookout.
