Making BBQ coal, or charcoal, fundamentally involves heating organic material, typically wood, in an environment with very little to no oxygen. This process is called pyrolysis or carbonization, which removes water and volatile compounds, leaving behind mostly pure carbon in the form of charcoal.
Based on methods like the one shown in the reference, a straightforward backyard approach involves using a sealed container within a fire.
The Basic Process
The core idea is to prevent the material (like wood scraps) from burning completely by cutting off the oxygen supply while still exposing it to high heat. This transforms the organic matter into carbon.
Steps for Making Charcoal
While detailed steps can vary, a common method, as indicated by the provided reference snippet, involves:
- Prepare Material: Gather suitable organic material, such as hardwood scraps, branches, or lumber offcuts.
- Load Container: Place the prepared material into a sturdy metal container, like a metal bucket or drum.
- Seal Tightly: Ensure the container is making sure it's sealed tight. This is crucial to restrict oxygen flow. A lid that fits snugly is necessary.
- Prepare Fire: Build a hot, open fire.
- Insert Container: head on over to your fire. You literally just pick up the bucket. And place it into the fire. Ensure the container is surrounded and heated by the fire.
- Heat: Allow the container to remain in the fire for several hours. The heat will cause the material inside to undergo pyrolysis. You might see smoke or gases venting from small gaps, which is normal.
- Cool Down: Once the heating is complete (timing depends on the size of the container and fire), remove the container from the fire and allow it to cool completely before opening. Opening it while hot can introduce oxygen and cause the charcoal to ignite.
- Harvest: Once cooled, open the container to retrieve your homemade charcoal.
Why Seal the Container?
Sealing the container is the key difference between burning wood and making charcoal. When wood burns, it reacts with oxygen in a process called combustion. In a sealed container placed in a fire, the wood is heated without readily available oxygen. This forces it to break down into charcoal, gases, and liquids through pyrolysis instead of turning into ash.
Materials to Use
- Hardwoods: Dense woods like oak, maple, hickory, and fruitwoods are generally preferred for making charcoal for grilling due to their density and how they carbonize.
- Softwoods: Pine, fir, etc., can be used but produce less dense charcoal and may burn faster.
Using clean, untreated wood is essential, especially if the charcoal is intended for cooking. Avoid engineered wood or wood treated with chemicals.