Abstract: Disclosed is a charcoal lighter adapted to rapidly light a small quantity of charcoal for individual or small group use, wherein a housing having an upper and lower cavity is disclosed, the upper and lower terminations of the housing being open to allow charcoal to be inserted into the upper cavity and combustible material to be placed into the lower cavity. The lower cavity is substantially larger than the upper cavity, wherein an external handle is attached adjacent to the lower cavity to place the user's hand away from the lit charcoal producing heat. A row of apertures positioned radially about the lower cavity allow to air flow into the lower cavity and through the perforate divider grate separating the upper and lower cavity. The smaller upper cavity and handle placement away from the charcoal eliminates a heat shield requirement and provides a quickly lit individual quantity of charcoal.