LOOFTLIGHTER: Classic Electric Charcoal Starter – 650°C Superheated Air, No Lighter Fluid

The Looftlighter Classic is the original electric fire starter from Sweden's Looft Industries — it lights charcoal, heat beads and logs in about 60 seconds using nothing but 650°C superheated air, and it's at its best in kamados, kettles, pizza ovens and fireplaces.

The original electric fire starter

Looft Industries was founded in Sweden in 2004 by Richard Looft, who set out to build one after a chicken at his daughter's birthday barbecue came off tasting of lighter fluid. His first prototype was charcoal in a bread toaster with an old vacuum cleaner blowing air through it — sparks in seconds. Today the Looftlighter is sold in more than 30 countries. There's no flame and no gas, just a blast of superheated air that gets your fuel going in about a minute.

How it works

• Light it up: Pile up your charcoal, chunks or logs, touch the tip of the Looftlighter to the fuel and press the button.
• Hit the spot: Hold it on the same spot for around 60 seconds until you see sparks.
• Pull back a bit: Ease the tip back a few centimetres so the hot air can feed the glow and spread it through the pile.

Why it beats firelighters

Firelighter cubes and lighter fluid can leave a chemical taste on your food, and lighter fluid isn't recommended in ceramic kamados. The Looftlighter uses nothing but hot air, so the first thing your meat tastes is the fuel you chose.

In the box

Looftlighter Classic electric fire starter with an integrated stand that doubles as a bottle opener. Pair it with the Looftlighter Carry Case to keep it dry between cooks.

The Rub Smuggler's Verdict

Darryl's rule is simple: if your brisket tastes like a servo, you lit it wrong. The Looftlighter gets lump going in a minute flat with zero chemical hangover. Get the coals glowing, throw on a handful of Western Hickory Smoking Chips, and grab a set of Hardcore Carnivore High Heat Gloves before you start shuffling hot grates. Tip: light two or three spots in a kamado load for an even fire, faster.

Questions answered

How fast does the Looftlighter Classic light charcoal?

You'll see sparks and glowing coals in about 60 seconds. A full kamado or kettle load is usually ready to cook on within a few minutes.

Can I use it in a kamado?

Yes — it's the ideal match. Lighter fluid isn't recommended in ceramic kamados, and the Looftlighter uses nothing but superheated air.

What fuels does it light?

Lump charcoal, briquettes and heat beads, wood chunks and logs — so it covers grills, smokers, pizza ovens, fire pits and fireplaces.

What's the difference between the Classic and the Pro?

The Looftlighter Pro runs hotter (760°C vs 650°C) and adds HyperBoost for 30% more airflow, an auto ignition program, a safety switch, a brushless motor and a replaceable heat shield. The Classic is the original, simple one-button lighter.

Does it need a power point?

Yes, it plugs into mains power with a 3 m cord. Use an outdoor-rated extension lead if your cooker is further from the power point.