When it comes to heating charcoal, there is no right or wrong answer. Some people prefer to leave the lid open while others find that closing the lid results in hotter coals. Ultimately, it is up to you to experiment and see what works best for your grill and your preferences.
If you close the lid while heating charcoal, you will create a more enclosed space. This can cause the temperature inside your grill to rise, resulting in hotter coals. Many people believe that hot coals lead to better flavor when grilling. If this is your goal, then closing the lid during the heating process is a good idea.
However, if you leave the lid open while heating charcoal, you'll allow air to circulate more freely. This can help prevent hotspots from developing on your grill grate and ensures that all of your coals are evenly heated. Additionally, some people find that they get better airflow and a steadier temperature when grilling with an open lid. If this is important to you, then keeping the lid open during the heating process is a better choice.
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to whether or not you should close the lid while heating charcoal. It simply depends on what Works best for your grill and your personal preferences