An improved chimney starter having a cylindrical housing having an outer wall and inner wall defining a chamber, the chamber configured to hold charcoal. A series of spiral heat exchange chambers contained within the cylindrical housing and an air intake port provided on a portion of the cylindrical housing, wherein the air intake port is connected to the series of spiral heat exchange chambers. A base configured to retain a fire starter configured to ignite and burn the charcoal. Advantageously, a fan blower is configured to be positioned in the air intake port such that blown air is configured to be directed through the series of spiral heat exchange chambers, wherein the directed air accelerates the burning of the charcoal.