I have always been concerned about offending neighbors mostly out of consideration as well as the restrictions that some homeowner associations have established.  These rules are under the guise of fire safety, but my opinion it is because of the smoke nuisance.  Other than starting cubes and lighter fluid (absolutely ridiculous) it is the charcoal not being properly carbonized.   

Kamado Extruded Coconut Charcoal as well as our other charcoal types has been fully and properly carbonized.  This means that the harmful volatiles have been removed in the carbonization process.  Thus the claim “smokeless” and why our charcoal is used indoors over the world (not in USA!).  You might take a look at some information I have written about Kamado Charcoal http://www.kamado.com/New_Kamado_Charcoal.htm  

Properly carbonization should be done at the factory and not on your neighbors.  We are developing “secondary” or “after burners” at the kiln sight to burn smoke or harmful volatiles.  Most if not all charcoal sold in the USA are concerned about the wood weight loss as approximately 30 to70 percent of the weight is lost in proper carbonization.   

I might suggest the test below with Kamado Charcoal (any type).  If you try other charcoal, be sure you do it outside or in a properly vented location as there are harmful/dangerous volatiles (smoke) being emitted.   

A SIMPLE TEST

We would like to send you one sample (and only one sample will confirm) of the unique characteristics of our Kamado Extruded Coconut Briquettes.  If you were to place the briquette on your electric or gas stove, with the fan turned off, you will find that the briquette will start easily in a few minutes.  You will find no smoke or offensive order, rather a nice mild charcoal aroma. This is true even though the briquette is not fully lighted by itself and not dependant upon other briquettes stacked on or around. .Once the briquette is fully ignited you will note that it is extremely hot, and fully ignited.  Note the "flue hole" allows the interior briquette to fully ignite.