Abstract: Embodiments described herein are generally directed to a charcoal chimney that may hold charcoal. The charcoal chimney may be formed of a material that is combustible. The charcoal chimney is generally intended as a single use chimney. The charcoal chimney may be associated with a non-toxic fire-retardant or ignition delay substance that delays combustion of the chimney for at least an initial heating phase. The ignition delay substance may be a coating on one or more surfaces of the charcoal chimney. The ignition delay substance may be impregnated or otherwise formed into the material forming the charcoal chimney. The ignition delay substance may be both coated onto and impregnated into the charcoal chimney. The fire-retardant or ignition delay substance is generally intended to delay the combustion of the charcoal chimney for a period of time. The chimney may be provided with suitable air holes to facilitate airflow around the charcoal and within the chimney.