I've had my PBC for at least two years and have used it many, many times. All I ever use to start it is Kingsford fluid. I've never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never, never had any food come out tasting "like lighter fluid". I let the coals generate for 20 minutes just like the videos recommend. It is almost too easy
FWIW most of the "creosote" or "starter fluid" tasting barbeque I've ever had came from over-smoking it, not from starter fluid properly used. Or, maybe somebody who tried to start their fire with Texas Pete
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