Grill Lighters
Published July 1, 2010. From Cook's Illustrated.
Grill lighters have long necks to keep your fingers at a safe distance from the flames. We fired up five models to see which ones got the job done.
Overview:
Grill lighters have long necks to keep your fingers at a safe distance from the flames. We fired up five models priced from $5 to $38, testing wind resistance and fuel efficiency (measuring the number of lights per tank), the distance between flame and fingers, and flame length. Flexible necks were a plus—-especially when lighting chimney starters from underneath—as were refillable chambers with large, easy-to-read fuel windows. In the end, our moderately-priced winner ignited easily, stayed lit even in windy gusts, and sported a comfortable grip, while its unique adjustable flame could flare from 1/3 inch to 2 inches.
Grill lighters have long necks to keep your fingers at a safe distance from the flames. We fired up five models priced from $5 to $38, testing wind resistance and fuel efficiency (measuring the number of lights per tank), the distance between flame and fingers, and flame length. Flexible necks were a plus—-especially when lighting chimney starters from underneath—as were refillable chambers with large, easy-to-read fuel windows. In the end, our moderately-priced winner ignited easily, stayed lit even in windy gusts, and sported a comfortable grip, while its unique adjustable flame could flare from 1/3 inch to 2 inches.
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