When full of burning coals, the chimney starter will reach around 500 to 550 degrees F within 15 minutes, but it takes 20 to 30 for the coals to get hot enough to use for cooking. \
Depending on how well they are made, chimney starters can be used many, many times to heat up coals. This is true for most chimney starters, but some, such as those made with temporary materials like juice cartons and foil, are only used once. \