Open the grill vents
Remove the cooking grate
Fill a chimney starter with charcoal
Place newspaper or a fire starter under the chimney
Light the starter and let the charcoal burn until mostly ashed over
Pour the hot charcoal into the grill
Spread the coals for direct heat or bank them to one side for indirect heat
Replace the cooking grate
Preheat the grate
Clean and oil the grate
Place food on the grill
Close the lid if needed to control heat
Adjust vents to raise or lower temperature
Add more charcoal if the fire starts to fade
Use a thermometer to check doneness
Remove food when cooked
Let the coals burn out completely
Close the vents after grilling is finished
Dispose of cooled ashes safely