First of all don't be scared of lighting the grill, I too was very scared of lighting my grill for the first time. Just remember fire safety. Stack your charcoal in a pyramid and hit it with lighter fluid on the four corners then the top of the pyramid. And soak them good, if you don't the wont light as easily. Take a long match and light it and light your corners then the top, once you get them lit add some more lighter fluid. After your coals turn ashy, spread them with tongs in an even layer. You will be ready to grill at this point. I found it easy to use the easy light charcoal briquettes the first few times I used my grill.