Introducing GrillBlazer GrillGun, the time-saving charcoal burner for pyromaniacs and barbecue lovers!

Cooking with charcoal grills is indeed painstaking and time-consuming. A chimney starter typically requires anywhere 15 to 30 minutes to light up a pile of charcoal and take just as long as the time to manually fire the whole pile using a firestarter, newspaper or other cheap kindling.

According to a product review by Brian Bennett, senior editor for appliances at CNET, GrillBlazer GrillGun significantly speeds things up by releasing a staggering 400,000 BTU of scorching, enough thermal energy to light up large piles of charcoal as fast as 60 seconds.

You can grill in style with this handgun-shaped device that may look like a novelty but is actually a powerful propane-burning blowtorch.

How it works

The GrillGun is powered by pressurized gas. A CGA600 connector on the bottom of the GrillGun's handle accepts multiple types of propane canisters for a cheaper choice or MAPP gas cylinders if you have the budget. You can also link the GrillGun to a standard 20-pound propane tank.

Once attached to a fuel source, gently start the flow of gas through the GrillGun by slightly turning the gas valve knob on top counterclockwise.

Next, pull the main trigger to create a spark, that ignites the torch.

There are two ways to control the GrillGun's flame: you can either turn the gas valve further in the counterclockwise direction ramps up the heat, or use the GrillGun's handle trigger to let out the gas flow from the nozzle at full blast.

However, just take note that you can't engage the handle trigger without first releasing the handle trigger lock.

Is it safe to use?

GrillGun is obviously a powerful tool that puts outs a tremendous amount of heat when lit and blasted in full swing. Make sure read the printed manual before using. Also remember to never operate the torch indoors or in unventilated areas. And of course, keep this torch away from children and "irresponsible adults!"

According to Bennet, the GrillGun also comes with some annoyances. For instance, there was a time when the torch refused to fire up at full throttle.

To solve this, he said, you need to disengage the fuel tank, then reconnect it. According to GrillBlazer, this is a safety function built into the GrillGun. The gas valve remains locked in place as long as the torch detects liquid fuel inside the gun.

GrillBlazer added that the issue happens more often when people use a full portable propane or MAPP gas canister because gas under pressure inside the tanks exists mostly in liquid form. If you tilt the GrillGun with a full canister attached, either up or down, the torch's liquid gas safety feature may trip.

Fun to use

According to GrillBlazer's website, GrillGun is "lightweight, comfortable to hold and easy to use, plus it looks and sounds like a jet air plane." Observing how it works can also be a bonding time between you and your friends when camping or on a barbeque night. You can also call it fun when you spend more time doing other stuff with your family and friends because you get to save your time from preparing the griller, right?

Is it worth the price?

For what it does, the GrillGun is pricey at $140, Bennett said. Sure, traditional grill-lighting methods are far more cost effective, but for many barbecue fans and impatient ones, you can sure tell the difference and say that the GrillGun is worth every penny.