For the past year to year and a half, I have been carrying out an unintentional and uncontrolled experiment with the Charbroil Sure2burn fire starter packs that I found in Home Depot.

Unlike the similar Weber Lighter cube, which "evaporates" over months into a styrofoam-like substance that is not flammable, the sure2burn is smaller and flat. It is easy to carry around in a wallet (which in turn is in my pants). Thus, it is in a warm, humid place that is jostled and rubbed frequently, hardly a friendly environment.

Over this time, the packaging did not have any visible cracks or leaks. The white substance within became fairly crumbly like coarse sand. Originally it was a single flat piece.

However, a single firestarter burned well and easily with a lighter. I did not try my usual ferro spark. Since the fuel "melts" a bit, the fuel can be maximized on an impermeable surface. After burning, there MAY be somewhat MORE black residue than a fresh packet but I'm unsure.

The energy in the packet was sufficient to heat about half of canteen cup of water to make a decent cup of tea (goldilocks temp: not too hot, not too cold). Like the Weber Lighter Cube, it burns with a lot of smoke.

With the Lighter cube, I have had reasonable success using wax to cover the fuel after separating out the 24 cubes into individual cups. While more expensive than the lighter cube, I like the packaging of the sure2burn better. Two lighter cubes fit in the pocket of a USGI canteen cover. The same space fits four sure2burn. The lighter cube is not suitable for wallets.

In summary, the Charbroil Sure2Burn appears to be a superior EDC product compared to the Weber lighter cube.

Thanks for posting the review Yee.

Thanks for the review! I'll have to pick some up and try them out, too.

I have been using them for several years now. I have lit one that was carried in my backpack (EDC) for more than 3 years, and it lit just fine. I can also start them with the Blast Match without opening them up, though not with other ferrocerrium rods. They pack small and flat, perfect for a survival kit. I have even carried them on a commercial aircraft (because I forgot it was there) with no problem, though I do not make a habit of it.

I have been using them for a couple of years. I am using a pack that is at least a year old (stored in a hot garage) and they are still working fine.

For BBQs they are better than paper because they don't send up sparks, and here in So. Cal. that is important.

And as mentioned small and easy to stow in a pocket or pack.

I like them a lot.