Electric grill lighters make it easier to get an outdoor cooker going without fumbling with matches, disposable lighters or a bottle of lighter fluid. These handy tools generally fall into two main types: rechargeable plasma arc lighters and plug-in hot-air charcoal starters. A plasma arc lighter creates a small, wind-resistant electrical arc instead of an open flame. Many have a long neck that helps keep your fingers away from the burner, fire starter or grill grate, while a rechargeable battery makes them convenient to keep in a kitchen drawer, garage cabinet, camper or tool bag. They work especially well for lighting gas grill burners, side burners, candles, paper fire starters and other materials that catch from a focused spark. Because the arc is flameless and windproof, a breeze that keeps snuffing out a match is less likely to slow you down. A hot-air charcoal starter is built for a different job. This plug-in tool blows a powerful stream of super-heated air onto lump charcoal or briquettes, helping a small section of coals catch before the heat spreads across the rest of the grill. It does not rely on lighter fluid, so there is no bottle to store, no fuel to refill and less chance of adding a chemical smell or taste to food. This style is useful for folks who cook over solid charcoal regularly, especially when they want a steady fire and a clean start. Before choosing an electric grill lighter, think about the kind of grill you own, the fuel you use and where you normally cook. A rechargeable arc lighter is a practical pick for a gas grill on a back patio, a portable cooker at the hunting camp or a side burner used to heat a cast-iron pot. A hot-air charcoal starter needs access to a standard electrical outlet and enough cord length to reach the cooking area without creating a tripping hazard, but it can bring charcoal up to cooking temperature quickly without disposable fuel. If your outdoor setup includes an
Infrared Propane Gas Grills, a long-neck arc lighter can be a useful companion for lighting the propane burner while helping you maintain a comfortable distance from the ignition area. Look for a sturdy handle, an easy-to-use control, a protective safety switch or cover and a neck length that suits your grill. Battery-powered models are worth comparing for charging time, battery indicator, weather resistance and the number of ignitions expected between charges. Plug-in models should have a heat-resistant nozzle, a comfortable grip and controls that are simple to reach while wearing work gloves. A compact size is helpful for storage, but do not trade away reach or safe handling just to save a little space.
Electric grill lighters fit right in with the everyday rhythm of outdoor cooking. They can be used for a quick weeknight meal, a Saturday afternoon cookout, a tailgate or a warm supper prepared at a campsite. During the cooler months, when daylight fades earlier and a cold breeze can make starting a fire more frustrating, having a dependable ignition tool close by can take some of the chore out of firing up the grill. They are also a thoughtful gift for a new homeowner, an outdoor cook, a camper, a backyard host or anyone who has grown tired of hunting for matches in a cluttered junk drawer. A rechargeable lighter is small enough to pair with grilling tools, a cast-iron skillet or a bag of natural fire starters, while a hot-air charcoal starter makes a useful addition to a larger outdoor cooking setup. Keep in mind that electric does not mean risk-free. Read the instructions for the specific lighter, use it only for materials and grills it is designed to ignite, and keep children and pets away while it is operating. Never point a hot-air starter at your hand, clothing, plastic surfaces or anything other than the charcoal or approved fire-starting material. The tip can become extremely hot, and nearby surfaces may stay hot after the tool is switched off. For arc lighters, avoid touching the electrical arc, keep the lighter away from water unless it is specifically rated for that use, and allow it to dry fully before charging. Do not use any electric lighter in wet conditions, around spilled fuel or where its cord could contact a hot grill body. Set charcoal in a safe, well-ventilated grill, keep the lid open while starting according to the grill instructions and wait until the coals are properly ashed over before cooking. For gas grills, check the burner and connections, open the lid before ignition and follow the manufacturer’s lighting procedure to prevent gas buildup. Store a rechargeable model with its battery charged but not exposed to extreme heat, and let a plug-in model cool before putting it away. With the right match between lighter type and grill, electric grill lighters offer a clean, convenient way to start the cooking fire, whether you are grilling burgers after a long day on the farm, roasting supper at the campsite or gathering around the patio for an easy meal with friends.
