I was starting my baskets with HOT coals on top of a layer of lump or briqs, but felt my temps were getting too hot too fast on some cooks. So now I just use my weed torch on the baskets until they ash over on the edges-the temp rises and I add the spit and go, drip pan in the center. Its still a MM firing and the coals last longer IMO. Anyway- it works for me.