There are a number of charcoal starter options to choose from.  Ones that do not use lighter fluid therefore avoiding that awful fuel taste when its overused. These options are a much safer and cleaner choice for a charcoal starter.

 

An electric charcoal starter uses a heat element with a cool touch handle.  Another option is called chimney.  In short it is a metal canister with briquettes being placed through the top and is lit with newspaper in the bottom.  This canister is placed on your grill and after about 15 minutes, the briquettes are going strong and ready to be placed in your bbq.

 

Very inexpensive and non toxic lighter cubes charcoal starter will even work when wet.  Natural wood lighters are treated wood in paper wrappings that are also easy to light.  With these options available it is easy to grill safely, a much better choice especially when traveling or around small children.