Originally Posted by Borla

See the vertical openings along the bottom? There is a small grate just above those dividing the chimney into two sections. You put charcoal in the larger, top section (lighter fluid too, if you want to hurry the process along). I highly recommend hardwood lump charcoal over briquettes, but either will work. Put paper in the smaller, bottom section where the vertical openings are. Light the paper. The charcoal burns quicker and hotter in that chimney. Once the majority of the charcoal has begun burning (basically the bottom 1/2 or 2/3rds of the coals will be glowing, the top will be white and/or burning), dump the charcoal out into the grill. I always where an oven glove, as it is obviously hot even on the handle. Viola, you have a nice charcoal fire to cook over, much quicker and more consistent than just piling charcoal, adding lighter fluid, and throwing a match on it.