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Key Takeaways

Best Overall

Runner-Up

Best Bang for the Buck

Best Natural

Best Ferro Rod

Best for Fireplace

Best for Fire Pit

Best for Charcoal Grill

Best for Camping

Best for Emergencies

How We Tested the Best Fire Starters

What to Consider When Choosing a Fire Starter

FAQs

Meet the Testers

Fire starters make it easy for anyone to start a roaring fire. Rather than having to wrestle with damp wood or crumpled-up newspapers to get the first flames going, users can employ a fire starter to achieve this with a single match or the flick of a lighter. The catch is that these outdoor living aids aren’t all created equal.

Some fire starters stand out for their ability to help ignite a fire rapidly and effortlessly, while others are difficult to light or won’t stay lit long enough to ignite a wood fire.…