Charcoal Grill Setup
Step 1
If you are using wood chips, soak them first in water for at least 30 minutes so that they smolder and smoke slowly rather than flame up.
Step 2
Dump the charcoal on one side of the charcoal grate. A charcoal basket holds the coals together in a compact bunch and slows down the burning. Tap the edge of the basket with tongs every hour or so to knock the ashes through the basket holes.
Step 3
Drain some wood chips and lay them right on the coals. Replenish them after the first hour of cooking, ideally when you replenish the coals, too.