Figure 2.
Our favorite way to start a charcoal fire is with a flue starter, also known as a chimney starter. To use this simple device, fill the bottom section with crumpled newspaper, set the flue on the grill grate, and fill the top with charcoal. When you light the newspaper, flames will shoot up through the charcoal, igniting it. When the coals are well lit and covered with a layer of gray ash, dump them onto the charcoal grate, and add the rest of the charcoal. Continue heating until all the coals are gray.