The present invention relates to portable apparatus for igniting charcoal and the like comprising an elongated rigid conduit having a forward end for discharging ignition fuel therefrom and a rearward end. A source of ignition fuel is connected to the rearward end of the conduit, and a dish-shaped member is attached to the forward end of the conduit positioned so that ignition fuel discharged from the conduit is directed downwardly toward a point near the periphery of the concave surface thereof. The dish-shaped member serves to deflect heat and flames from the combustion of the ignition fuel upwardly and outwardly, and may be used to shift charcoal and the like from one position to another before, during and after the ignition thereof.