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

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.

Great project takes just a few minutes to get my grill started

Kind of confusing at first how there is two settings. But this lights the fire incredibly fast! Huge upgrade over the even more expensive alternatives.

Bought this after the Looflighter that I bought first had a defective thermal switch. This one works OK. Only complaint is that the switch is tough to hold for the time required. It will start the charcoal in a minute or so, it will then take another 10 minutes for the entire pile to be ready. The blower mode will speed things up a bunch if you are in a rush. Hopefully, it will have a decent durability.

Muy buen producto. Cumple exactamente con lo que ofrecen.

Used only a few times but already one of the modes does not heat. This went bad faster than I would expect. However, when it did work, this was great-----My rating system:5 Stars – The product went above and beyond what was expected. This includes thoughtful extras in the package or small touches that weren’t used as selling points. It surprised me in a good way. Rarely given.4 Stars – The product met all advertised features and included a bit extra—something that made it stand out. A nice “above and beyond” effort without being excessive.3 Stars – I got exactly what I paid for. The item works as described, nothing more, nothing less. It arrived on time and in the condition expected. This is a passing grade, not a bad review.2 Stars – Item had minor issues: scuffs or missing non-essential parts (not from shipping box damage). The product technically works but needed something extra to be fully functional—something the seller didn’t promise but would’ve made a difference. Also applies to repacks that weren’t disclosed.1 Star – Product was missing key parts, was damaged inside the packaging (not from shipping), didn’t work as advertised, or didn’t fit even though it claimed to be compatible. Serious issues only.Note:Items sent for free will NOT automatically receive 5 stars. This is a heads-up for sellers fishing for inflated reviews. If you earn five stars, you earn it.

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!