Newspaper works better than you think.

Grab some newspaper, crumple it up, and stuff it under the chimney. That’s it.

The trick is not to use too much—a couple of loosely crumpled sheets is plenty. You want airflow, not a paper log. Place the chimney on the bottom grate of your grill, stuff the paper in from below, then light it in a few spots. The flames will catch the charcoal above.

If you’re out of newspaper, dry leaves, cardboard (no tape or plastic), or a couple of paper towels soaked in vegetable oil also work. Just don’t use magazine pages—the ink is nasty.

Wait until the coals on top are glowing and ashy (about 15-20 minutes), then dump them. No lighter fluid taste, no chemical smell.

Skip the lighter fluid. You don’t need it.