Use a chimney starter.

A chimney starter.

It’s the safest method by a wide margin. No lighter fluid fumes, no flare-ups, no chemical taste on your food. Just heat, air, and a few sheets of newspaper.

You load charcoal into the cylinder, stuff newspaper in the bottom, light it, and walk away for 15 minutes. The chimney creates a natural draft—the fire spreads evenly and fast. When the coals are ashed over, dump them into the grill. That’s it.

The only real risk is the metal getting hot, so set it on concrete or dirt, use oven mitts, and don’t let kids or dogs near it. If you’re worried about tipping, buy one with a sturdy base.

Electric starters work too, but they’re slower and you need an outlet. Lighter fluid is fine if you’re patient and don’t soak the coals, but it’s unnecessary when a chimney works better and costs $15.

Ditch the fluid. Get a chimney. Your backyard will smell like charcoal, not a gas station.