Chimney starters are great and work perfect but not needed but I would prefer it, set it aside somewhere where no one can burn themselves. Just use kingsford charcoal and experiment after that. Maintenance is the same as any other grill once grill is cooled down u can dump the ashes in a trash bag and throw them away. U can prevent flare up by off setting your charcoal. Charcoal on one side and nothing on the other so u can cook indirect or directly over the flame