I used to have lots of trouble getting charcoal briquettes/lump charcoal started, but thanks to improvising in using a heat gun, I had for shrink tube insulation. I just fire that up on high, poke the nozzle into the charcoal in two spots for about 1 minute to 45 seconds each spot. Then close the lid, open the vents, and give it six minutes. Fire's roaring and ready to either toss a few burgers or anything else you want to cook. When the heat gun eventually fails after a few years, $14 gets you a new version at Harbor freight. I've seen fancy heat guns for getting grills started for way more money...