SMOKE BREAK: Lighten up

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Skip the lighter fluid when you spark your grill. It may be easy, but it’s full of chemicals and gives off powerful odors that can funk up the flavor of your food.

Barbecue, especially smoking, is about low and slow. That slow includes lighting the fire.

A quality chimney starter is an investment that will last for ages and make things simple.

There are other items out there, but in a pinch, you can manage with a few paper towels. Just wad them up on the bottom grate of your grill, fill the chimney with coals, then set it on the grill and light the paper towels.

You’ll know it has worked when you see smoke curling and feel the heat from the chimney. Within 30 minutes you should be good to go without the extra cost and chemicals of lighter fluid.