Open the grill vents fully
Remove the cooking grate
Arrange charcoal in a pile or chimney starter
Add newspaper or a fire starter to the chimney starter if using one
Light the newspaper or fire starter
Wait until the charcoal is covered with gray ash
Pour the hot charcoal into the grill
Spread the coals into the desired cooking area
Replace the cooking grate
Let the grill preheat before cooking
Close or adjust the vents to control the heat