Chimney starters are the only way.

Yes, it’s almost too easy. A chimney starter gets charcoal hot in about 15–20 minutes with zero lighter fluid taste.

You don’t need any tricks. Just crumple two sheets of newspaper and shove them into the bottom of the chimney (the open cylinder section). Fill the top chamber with your charcoal – lump or briquettes, doesn’t matter. Set the chimney on a non-flammable surface (the charcoal grate in your grill works perfectly). Light the newspaper through the holes in the bottom.

That’s it. Let it burn. The fire climbs up through the charcoal, and you’ll see smoke then flames coming out the top. After about 10–15 minutes, the top coals will start to ash over or glow. That’s your cue.

When the top coals are mostly gray and glowing, wear a heavy grill glove, grab the handle, and carefully dump the hot coals into your grill. Spread them out or pile them – depends on whether you want direct or indirect heat.

One thing people mess up: don’t put too much newspaper in there. Two sheets, loosely crumpled. Too much paper blocks airflow. And don’t light the chimney on an asphalt driveway or a wooden deck – it’ll leave a burn mark (ask me how I know).

You’ll wonder why you ever used lighter fluid.