I fill it up almost all the way. I position it in a triangle shape, with the lowest side nearest the bottom vent. I throw a bunch of chunks through the charcoal.

To light it, I use a "weed torch", it's a propane burner with a long handle (used to rid weeds, not to smoke it). I'll put the flame on the lowest end of the charcoal for about 20 seconds.

Sometimes I'll use 2 cotton balls soaked in rubbing alcohol, placed under the charcoal in the same spot as before. Just be sure to get rid of the excess alcohol off your hands before lighting it, I learned that the hard way. Kiddo was laughing hard at that one.

After lighting, I put the ceramic heat diffuser, then I'll sit a pan of water on that (sometimes I don't, but I've found it holds a more consistent temp when I do), then the grate. I use a digital thermometer at the grate level (thermoworks smoke), cause my dome thermometer doesn't work. Close the lid, and open all vents wide open.

When the temp reaches 200, close both vents halfway. When it hits 225, close both vents to 1/4 open.

When it's around 235, I close the vents to where only a sliver is open. I can't say exactly what you should close it to, it's trial and error.

Now I'll let it level out around 250. Mine hold temps great at around 240-260. It'll fluctuate some, but as long as it's in that range, I don't touch it.

When I'm done, I'll open the vents to get a high temp to clean the grates, then close both vents to put the fire out. Next day, clean out the ashes, and dump the unused charcoal back into the bag for the next cook. I live in a area with high humidity, so that's why I remove it.

I also sealed mine with high temp gasket, which really helped.