Figure 5.
Once the coals have been spread out in the bottom of the grill, put the cooking grate in place, and put the cover on for 5 minutes to heat up the grate. Before cooking, determine the intensity of the fire by holding your hand 5 inches above the cooking grate. When the fire is hot, you should be able to keep your hand in place for no more than 2 seconds. For a medium-hot fire, the time extends to 3 or 4 seconds; for a medium fire, 5 or 6 seconds; and for a medium-low fire, 7 seconds.