That Imax B6 charger is the go to for every starting roboteer. Fine charger for featherweight LiPo's (and every other useable battery technology, even lead acid). But will need a powersupply. The AC version has that powersupply build in.

On firecatching LiPo's when charging. Never had that, and we did charge some very crusty LiPo's.
But we always charge them in Balancing mode, and we checked the battery with a checker before plugging it in.
Our current Reaktor chargers won't even start if they detect anything wrong...

Fuses. In our brushed machines -non spinners- , the IBF ESC's we use have an on board fuse. Makes life very easy.
For the others, we incorperate the fuse in the removable link.
And with maxi-fuse holders like these you can do fuse, link and power on LED in 1 package.