, and for good reason. Lighter fluid can pose a significant fire risk to the user, in addition to emitting volatile organic compounds which can cause respiratory irritation, drowsiness, and affect preexisting health conditions. Alton Brown's cooking oil trick is a much safer alternative.

Your chimney starter has uses beyond just lighting a grill, though. Brown also uses his chimney starter to cook what he calls a chimney grilled cheese. Wait for the coals to get nice and hot before putting slices of bread brushed with olive oil in a cast iron pan set directly underneath the starter — being sure the starter covers the bread. Let it sit there for about a minute, then flip the slices of bread to toast on the other side for another 45 seconds. Then sandwich some grated cheese and caramelized onions in between the bread and place that back under the starter for a final few seconds of broiling. The end result is a delightfully smoky sandwich — just don't walk away, it cooks up quickly. 

A chimney starter is a great way to grill vegetables, too. Rest a fire-safe wire rack on top of a hot chimney starter, and grill the vegetables of your choice. The concentrated heat helps them grill nicely, but like the chimney grilled cheese, watch them carefully to avoid burning.