The Best Fire Starter for Kamado Joe-Style Charcoal Grills
RocketFire is a propane-powered Kamado Joe fire starter built for clean, controlled ignition with lump charcoal. Say goodbye to chimney delays, wax starter cubes, and lighter fluid.
Kamado Joe grills are built for precision. Airflow. Heat retention. Control.
Lighting them should follow the same rules. That’s why we built the RocketFire Torch.
RocketFire Torch™ is a propane-powered fire starter designed to deliver fast, clean, lighter-fluid-free ignition for charcoal grills and ceramic kamado cookers.
This red Kamado Joe charcoal starter is designed to work with airflow-driven ceramic grills, applying focused heat directly to lump charcoal, not the ceramic itself. Ignition begins exactly where you want it, without waiting on a chimney to catch or introducing lighter fluid that interferes with airflow and flavor.
The RocketFire Torch runs on standard propane or MAP-Pro fuel canisters and delivers instant ignition without electricity, chemicals, or complicated setup. The flame is controlled, deliberate, and easy to place. You decide where the fire begins and how it builds, from the very first spark.
That control matters. Whether you’re bringing the grill up to searing temperatures, easing into a low-and-slow cook, or setting up for smoking, RocketFire helps you establish a clean, steady fire without disrupting how your Kamado Joe is meant to operate.
That’s why many grillers consider RocketFire the best lighter for Kamado Joe–style grills.
Kamado Joe owners who grill regularly and want faster, cleaner starts
Ceramic grill users who care about airflow, temperature control, and precision
Cooks who are done waiting for chimney starters to catch or constantly replacing disposable starters
Features & Specifications
25,000 BTUs, 2000 degrees of heat, all in seconds
60-degree tri-flame spread
Made for lighting charcoal, fire pits, campfires, and more
UL Safety Certified for safety and performance
No batteries or cords needed
Compatible with standard CGA600 propane or MAP/PRO gas canisters
Easily portable
Up to 50-70 lights per canister
Item Weight: 590g
Product Dimensions: 57.2L x 5.1W x 14H
Centimetres Material: Stainless Steel
Power Source: Propane (not included)
Batteries Required? No
What's Included
RocketFire Straight-Flame Torch with Rawhide Strap
Stainless Steel Tri-Flame Tip
Instructions & Safety Information
Warranty Card Registration Number
Fuel not included.
Add our case bundle to keep your torch safe
Add our case bundle to keep your torch safe Grab our RocketFire™ Torch and Case Bundle for a ready-to-go charcoal or camping starter kit. Includes our custom-made storage case made to handle the Rocketfire's heat and safely store the Tri-Flame Cone Tip. Can be easily secured with a simple padlock for safety. Padlock not included.
The RocketFire™ Torch
Kamado Red / Single
Sale price$120.00Regular price$145.00
Need more information?
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as possible.
30-Day Money Back Guarantee
Need to get it in your hands to test it? No problem! We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
If you’re not impressed with the RocketFire or feel like you’ve found better, simply return it, and we’ll give you your money back. Already purchased a torch? Reach out to us here.
Limited Warranty
Read more about our Limited 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty here.
Scratches, normal wear and tear, and the natural breakdown of colors and materials over extended time and use are not covered under warranty.
FAQs
Got more questions? Make sure to check out our FAQs.
The Fastest Charcoal Starter for Your Kamado Joe
Ceramic charcoal grills demand control.
This Kamado Joe fire starter is designed to work with ceramic grills, not overpower them. Heat goes straight to the lump charcoal, never the ceramic.
No shock. No stress. No guessing.
Direct Heat Control
RocketFire applies focused flame straight to the charcoal bed, exactly where ignition should begin. You decide where the fire starts and how it spreads. That’s the difference between a generic starter and a true Big Green Egg charcoal igniter.
Built for Lump Charcoal
Kamado Joe grills rely on airflow and natural fire spread. RocketFire skips lighter fluid, starters, and residue that can interfere with both taste and control. That’s why many grillers consider it the best fire starter for Kamado Joe–style cooking.
Fast and Reliable Ignition
Instead of waiting for a chimney to catch, you light where you want and let the fire build the way ceramic grills are meant to. Controlled. Predictable. Repeatable.
Built to Last
Stainless steel. Brass. Aluminum alloy. This Kamado Joe charcoal starter is made for regular use, not one-season tools.
So far I’m pleased with it, only had it for a day or two and used it once.
S
Steve G. (United States)
Long reach, inconsistent lighting
Received as an asked for gift to replace my always reliable, regardless of outside temperature, Benzomatic torch. Great design and love the longer reach, but it simply will NOT consistently light in colder outdoor temperatures. I keep my torch in a drawer in my outdoor kitchen for convenience of use, but the RocketFire will not ignite if outside temp is 50's or below and I live in Alabama. Just doesn't make sense to have to keep something indoors to light my outdoor BGE.
Hello Steve. The RocketFire itself is not the issue being cold. Your propane/fuel must be at least 60°F. The RocketFire's regulator is more complicated than normal torches.
A
Anonymous (United States)
Looks great it was between this and grill gun chose this because of tri tip haven’t used yet just received it hopefully it works as great as it looks
RocketFire is built to work inside that system, not fight it.Here’s a sneak peek at how to light a Kamado Joe® with our RocketFire Torch™.
Attach your fuel
Connect a standard propane or MAP-Pro canister. For the most consistent flame, keep the fuel at or near room temperature.
Open the vents
Before lighting, open both the top and bottom vents. Proper airflow helps the charcoal ignite faster and respond predictably.
Build your charcoal bed
Arrange your lump charcoal so air can move through. A well-built charcoal bed makes ignition quicker and heat easier to manage.
Light with intention
Apply the flame directly to the charcoal where you want the fire to start. Ignition happens in seconds. From there, the grill responds as you fine-tune airflow with the vents
How the RocketFire Compares
RocketFire Torch
Chimney Fire Starters
Electric Fire Starters
Lighter Fluid
Ignition Time
30–60 seconds
10–20 minutes
3–6 minutes
5–10 minutes
Heat Output
High-output direct flame
Indirect heat buildup
Low to moderate heat
Inconsistent burn
Fuel Required
No chemicals required
Sometimes requires paper or fire starters
Electric (no fuel)
Chemical fluid
Works With Lump Charcoal
✓
✓
✓
✓
Works With Briquettes
✓
✓
✓
✓
Works With Firewood
✓
Limited
✓
✓
Flavor Impact
No chemical aftertaste
Paper/accelerant odor possible
No chemical aftertaste
Chemical taste
Flame Control
Adjustable precision flame
x
Limited (no flame control)
x
Ease of Use
One-button ignition
Multiple steps required
Requires access to outlet
Messy application
Cleanup
Cool off and store in RocketFire case
Ash dump required
Clean (no chemicals)
Chemical residue
Multi-Purpose Use
Grill, firepit, fireplace, camping, weed burning
Grilling only
Limited by cord
Chemical residue makes it least preferred option to use
Durability
Made with stainless steel, brass, and aluminum alloy
Can warp over time
Solid metal body
x
Great cooks start with proper heat
RocketFire is the foundation. Add tools and seasonings designed for ceramic charcoal cooking, and you’ve got a setup that works from ignition to first bite.
Explore compatible accessories and build a setup that makes lighting and cooking easier every time.
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FAQs
Why should I choose RocketFire to light my Kamado Joe?
RocketFire is a Kamado Joe fire starter designed to work with kamado-style ceramic grills, delivering controlled, direct heat exactly where lump charcoal needs it.
Its tri-flame tip applies focused ignition without blasting the ceramic, helping reduce flare-ups and uneven starts compared to lighter fluid or overfilled chimneys. If you chose a Kamado Joe for precision and control, RocketFire matches that mindset with a safer, more intentional way to start your fire.
What makes RocketFire different from any other Kamado Joe charcoal starter?
RocketFire is a third-party, high-powered handheld gas torch, not an electric element or a chimney. Instead of waiting on indirect heat or glowing coils, RocketFire uses direct flame for faster ignition and cleaner starts, powered by propane or MAP-Pro.
That same 10" flame doesn’t stop at startup. Kamado Joe owners use RocketFire to finish a sous vide steak, add a quick sear, or introduce targeted heat during longer smoking sessions without throwing off airflow or temperature control.
It’s also a practical maintenance tool. The high heat makes it easy to burn residue off high-grade grill grates, keeping your setup clean without scraping or chemicals.
Is lighter fluid bad to use on my Kamado Joe grill? Is it bad for my health?
Yes. Kamado Joe manuals warn against using lighter fluid in their ceramic grills. These cookers hold heat and smoke by design, which means whatever you use to start the fire stays lit longer than it would on an open grill.
That’s where lighter fluid causes problems. If the coals haven’t fully burned off, chemical flavors can cling to your food. The fumes are harsh, hang around your cooking area, and can interfere with the experience. There’s also the residue factor. Lighter fluid can leave compounds behind on the charcoal and food itself, which isn’t something most Kamado Joe owners want anywhere near a grill built for clean, controlled cooking.
Direct heat avoids all of that. No chemicals, no off-flavors, no leftovers from the ignition stage.
If you want to read Kamado Joe’s guidance directly, you can find it here.
Why would I pay for RocketFire when there are cheaper ways to light my Kamado Joe?
Because RocketFire is built to last, not to be replaced. It’s crafted from stainless steel, brass, and aluminum alloy for durability you can feel every time you pick it up. A durable, long-term tool meant to stay in your setup, not cycle in and out.
RocketFire isn’t built for everyone. It’s built for Kamado Joe owners who care about control, consistency, and long-term performance.
That’s why many owners consider it the best lighter for Kamado Joe grills.
Cheaper methods can eventually light charcoal. RocketFire gets you there faster. Less waiting. Less fuss. More time cooking and actually enjoying the moment with the people you fired the grill up for.
Are you an official retailer of Kamado Joe®?
No. RocketFire is not an official retailer and is not affiliated with Kamado Joe®.
Kamado Joe grills inspired the need for a cleaner, more controlled way to start charcoal.
RocketFire is designed for use with Kamado Joe–style ceramic grills. It applies direct heat to the charcoal without overpowering the ceramic or disrupting airflow.
Do you sell other accessories for Kamado Joe grills?
Yes. We offer a curated marketplace of accessories that pair well with Kamado Joe–style ceramic grills.
Below, you can shop Kamado Joe accessories through our Kamado Joe Setup option, including tools and add-ons chosen for durability, performance, and real use around high-heat charcoal cooking. You can also shop from our accessories and tools here.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
