Open the grill vents
Remove the cooking grate
Arrange charcoal in a pyramid or chimney starter
Add lighter cubes or crumpled newspaper if using a chimney starter
Light the fire starter
Wait until the charcoal is covered with gray ash
Spread the coals evenly or to one side for direct and indirect heat
Replace the cooking grate
Preheat the grill for a few minutes
Start cooking when the grill is hot and the coals are ready