Charcoal grilling is a cooking method that uses charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal as the primary heat source. The charcoal is ignited and allowed to burn until it reaches a high temperature, creating a hot cooking surface. This method is popular for its ability to impart a distinct smoky flavor to food, making it ideal for grilling meats, vegetables, and other items. To start charcoal grilling, one typically uses a grill designed for charcoal, which can be either a kettle or a barrel style. The process involves arranging the charcoal in a specific way, often using a chimney starter for easier ignition. Once the coals are ready, food is placed on the grill grate, allowing it to cook evenly while absorbing the rich flavors from the charcoal.