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Fire Starting Basics
26
items I spent way too long fumbling with charcoal at campsites before I figured out what actually works. These are the cheap tools that made my campfire cooking so much easier.
Sections
5
New Section
Getting That Fire Going 🏕️
Blowers and Pokers
Heavy Duty Camp Tools
Fun Extras
New Section
Getting charcoal lit used to take me forever. These little tools cut my setup time in half and I never have to beg someone for lighter fluid anymore.
solid tongs for moving hot coals around. way better than the kitchen ones I kept ruining
1PC Charcoal Grill Poker Fire Tongs Barbecue Charcoal Tong
costs less than a coffee and actually gets the fire going faster than blowing on it like a maniac 😂
Manual BBQ Air Blower, Handheld Charcoal Fire Starter Fan
costs less than a coffee and actually gets the fire going faster than blowing on it like a maniac 😂
Manual BBQ Air Blower, Handheld Charcoal Fire Starter Fan
this little awl breaks up stubborn charcoal clumps. weighs nothing in your pack
1Pcs Outdoor Stainless Steel Fire Awl Heavy Duty Barbecue
the wooden handle stays cool which is a big deal when you're leaning over hot coals 🔥
Charcoal Brazier Portable Outdoor Camping Barbecue Brazier
I use this as my main fire starter tray at camp. compact enough to toss in the trunk
Charcoal Fire Starter Portable Container Iron Easy to Use
Getting That Fire Going 🏕️
I used to be the person fanning the grill with a paper plate. These are way less embarrassing.
the hand crank on this is surprisingly satisfying. kids love using it too
BBQ Fan Air Blower Fast Fire Starter Portable Manual Hand
another fire awl but slightly different grip. I keep one in each camping bag
1Pcs Outdoor Stainless Steel Fire Awl Heavy Duty Barbecue
perfect little tabletop grill for two people. we use it at the lake constantly
Charcoal Barbecue Grill, Household BBQ Grill,Adjustable
chimney starter gets coals ready in maybe 10 minutes. wooden handle is a must
Outdoor Cooking Charcoal Can Chimney Starter with Wooden
good backup tongs. I always pack an extra pair because someone inevitably drops one in the dirt
Barbecue Charcoal Tong Charcoal Grill Poker Fire Tongs
Blowers and Pokers
These are the tools I grab most often once the fire is actually going. Airflow is everything with charcoal, learned that the hard way.
this iron tray with the wood handle is my go-to for car camping. super sturdy for the price
Charcoal Fire Starter Portable Container Iron Easy to Use
electric blower is worth it if you camp a lot. no more cranking by hand when you're tired
Electric BBQ Smoker Blower Fast Fire Starter for Charcoal
hand crank fan that folds up small. threw it in my backpack for a hiking trip last month 🎒
2026 NEW BBQ Hand Crank Blower Manual Charcoal Fire Fan
stainless steel tongs that actually grip. the cheap ones always let coals slip
Charcoal Grill Poker Fire Tongs Barbecue Charcoal Tong
direct airflow nozzle on this one makes a real difference. gets coals white hot fast
Manual Barbecue Blower Hand Crank Air Fan for Charcoal
Heavy Duty Camp Tools
After bending two pairs of flimsy tongs on one trip I started buying sturdier stuff. These have held up.
these tongs have lasted me three seasons now. still no wobble
1PC Barbecue Charcoal Tong Charcoal Grill Poker Fire Tongs
got the two pack so my buddy and I each have one. smart move honestly 👍
2Pcs Hand Crank Manual BBQ Air Blower Portable
simple bellows fan, nothing fancy, just works every time
Hand Crank Charcoal Grill Blower Manual Air Bellows Fan for
the concave grip on these tongs holds logs and big charcoal chunks without slipping
BBQ Charcoal Tongs Concave and Convex Chuck Heavy Duty
another fire starter tray. I left one at a campsite once so now I own backups lol
Charcoal Fire Starter Portable Container Iron Easy to Use
Fun Extras
Not all essentials but some of these surprised me with how useful they turned out to be.
ok this is just a cute miniature campfire set for diorama people. my kid loves it 😄
Painted Miniatures 1/64 Scale Camping Four-piece Set Table
cheapest fire awl I've found and it still works great. buy two at this price
1Pcs Outdoor Stainless Steel Fire Awl Heavy Duty Barbecue
these pliers style tongs are better for grabbing firewood than regular tongs
Grilling Tongs Charcoal Tong Pliers For Carbon Fire
hand crank blower, pretty powerful for the size. takes maybe 30 seconds to get coals glowing
BBQ Fan Air Blower Fast Fire Starter Portable Manual Hand
handheld electric fan for under three bucks. I was skeptical but it genuinely works
BBQ Air Blower Portable Handheld Electric BBQ Fan Outdoor