2. If you’re using fire starters, wedge a couple into the charcoal just under the top layer of charcoal. They will light the charcoal from the top and slowly burn down.

3. Lay wood chunks on top of the charcoal or arrange in a couple layers of charcoal and wood chunks. The layering method gives you more consistent smoke as each layer lights and burns rather than just having smoke at the beginning.

4. If you’re using logs or sticks, wedge them diagonally so that one end is under the coals and the other end extends above the top of the coals. Another option is to add the sticks first (diagonally from the bottom of the basket to the top), then pour the coals on top of the sticks. As the charcoal burns down, different sections of the wood catch fire, giving you a slow, controlled smoke all the way down.

5. Set the firebox basket into the firebox and light.

6. When your fuel starts to burn down, shake the basket to knock off excess ash. Then use a long-handled spatula or tool like our Blacksmith Rake & Brush to bank the remaining fuel and live coals against one side of the basket. This leaves about two-thirds of the charcoal basket empty where you can pour in more charcoal.