Summertime is the perfect time to break out the old charcoal grill and enjoy a good, home-cooked meal with friends and family. 

If you’ve never used a charcoal grill before, don’t worry it’s easy! This guide will show you how to get your old smoker going like a pro.

If you’re looking for that perfect summer cookout, you can’t go wrong with a good old-fashioned charcoal grill. 

But if you’ve never used one before, it can seem a bit daunting. Luckily, it’s not as difficult as it looks follow these simple steps and you’ll be grilling like a pro in no time.

1. Start by lighting your charcoal. You can do this either with a chimney starter or by using lighter fluid. If you’re using lighter fluid, douse the coals generously and then light them with a long match or lighter.

2. Once the charcoal is lit, wait for it to turn white-hot. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

3. Once the coals are ready, use a long-handled shovel or tongs to spread them out evenly over the bottom of the grill.

4. Now it’s time to start cooking! Place your food on the grill grates and cook to your desired liking. Be sure to flipping regularly and move around as needed to avoid hotspots.

5. When you’re finished cooking, allow the coals to cool completely before disposing of them. Never leave hot coals unattended – they can be a serious fire hazard.

Methods To Use An Old Smokey Charcoal Grill?

If you are new to using a charcoal gril this guide will show you how to get your old smoker going like a pro.

Lighting the Fire:

The first step is to light the fire. You’ll need some charcoal briquettes, a chimney starter, and some lighter fluid. 

Place the briquettes in the chimney starter and soak them with lighter fluid. Then, place the starter on the bottom grate of the grill and light it. Let it burn for 15-20 minutes until the coals are completely lit.

Once the coals are lit, carefully dump them into the center of the bottom grate. Spread them out evenly with a long-handled grill brush.

Now it’s time to add the wood chips.Soak them in water for 30 minutes, then drain them. Place them in a metal pan or directly on the coals.

Temperature Control:

You’ll need to control the temperature of the grill to cook your food properly. The best way to do this is by using the vents. 

The bottom vent should be open about halfway, and the top vent should be open all the way. This will create a draft that will bring fresh air into the grill and keep the fire burning hot.

If the fire starts to die down, you can add more charcoal briquettes to your best charcoal grills under $100 to keep it going. Never add lighter fluid to an already lit fire – it can be dangerous.

Cooking the Food:

Now it’s time to cook! Place your food on the top grate of the grill, making sure that it’s not over the fire. Cover the grill and let the food cook. Check it periodically to make sure that it’s not burning.

And that’s all there is to it! Grilling with charcoal may take a little bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it you’ll be hooked for life. So fire up that grill and enjoy the taste of summer!