bamakettles, thanks for your well wishes. An experience like yours was my inspiration to find an alternate way. I have a 22"prototype that we are using. The 14" and 18" kettles allow for a single canister in the middle of the grate ( sized to hold the right amount of charcoal ) bot the 22" is different. We use two smaller canisters, one on each side of the grate. One canister is slightly larger than the other. When the charcoal is lit in both canisters, the handle ( detached to stay cool ) allows you to pick up the larger canister, then slide it onto the smaller canister, then pick up both. All the hot coals fall into place safely, and you find a safe place for the hot canisters. If you are grilling for fewer people, you can just fill / light one side only. It also lights fewer coals that can be "pulled" into place to start a snake. We believe that grilling should be a great and safe experience, especially if someone is just starting out. Thanks for your post.