Better Quality & Cheaper! How to Make Hardwood Lump Charcoal!

I love cooking with real lump charcoal, Rachel was tired of my endless search for the best charcoal so she decided to make me a batch! She used what we had on hand, an old galvanized ash bucket, some scrap wood to burn and some of my oak smoker chunks. Just another benefit of making your own firewood and cooking wood.

[@terryperson817]

Well,I didn't know anything about charcoal making lol That hurts my knees to see Rachel stoop down like that for a time 😂 again a great video

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

I’m not sure my knees would take that much squatting either! Can’t wait to cook with it.

[@stevefoley7345]

She is a keeper. Worker lady.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Steve, I agree!

[@A31415]

Grats to both the worker lady and the husband. That level of squatting is admirable. Very healthy people and a joy to watch. I was looking for ways to make charcoal without some redneck giant drums and looks like it’s possible. Thank you.

[@tamnelson1388]

Thanks for making this video ! I needed to know how to make my own charcoal for a water purification system I’m setting up to purify rain water off my metal roof, for watering quail and or chickens and for emergency water supply. This works without setting up a large drum and setting off my nosey neighbors.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

You’re welcome, it should be perfect for that.

[@bdnbdn6089]

Absolutely perfect

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thank you! Can’t wait to cook with it.

[@allanulen3809]

Like how simple you made it. No great shakes to making it

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

It’s a lot easier than I thought it would be.

[@GlenKent-n8n]

I make it all of the time. I have used everything from a cookie tin to a 55 gallon drum. Great video. When I want to cook something like a brisket I will use knotty wood oak hickory or cherry. Then snuff the fire as the pyrolysis cycle is slowing down but still some flame. Then use the brown pieces aka still relatively solid. The first time you do that you will likely toss any thoughts of a pellet smoker from your mind. If you wish to make a larger batch use a 55 gallon drum with a removable ring I prefer the bolt on rings They seem to last longer. Drill 4 or5 half inch holes in a straight line. Chock over your fire pit and make sure you have a case of beer on hand. You will be there for a few hours. As a side note when you remove from the fire place the holes down. For safety reasons I dump mine into a metal container with a tight fitting lid for a few days. My wife mixes the small pieces and the dust into the compost it helps with water and nutrient retention in her flower beds. It is something to do with the small slivers of wood and bark.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Awesome information, thank you! We definitely plan on making a larger set up since this worked well.

[@scottteske4414]

You two always have such fun videos to watch

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thank you. We do our best and appreciate the feedback!

[@michaeljheinz3336]

That's fantastic Rachel. Great demonstration.

[@rachelpostma4505]

Thanks Michael!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

She definitely rocked it!

[@KennethPowell-kx3jt]

Great video Rachel, thanks I’ll have to try that! Be safe 😉

[@rachelpostma4505]

Thank you! It was a smooth and easy process!

[@troyfrench7357]

Great video Rachel, great information.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Troy, she did awesome and it turned out great!

[@OpenAirAdventure]

That's awesome. You did a great job, Rachel. ❤

[@rachelpostma4505]

Thanks Kenny!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Yes she did, thank you!

[@chuckydubree1925]

Never done that b4 but going to build up a supply over the winter for sure thanks for posting

[@rachelpostma4505]

Have fun! It was a super easy process and I enjoyed the outcome.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Appreciate the feedback, we will be working on a larger set up to build our supply as well.

[@outdoorsinthe608]

Well that looks easy! Thanks for sharing!!👍💪👍

[@rachelpostma4505]

It was easy! I was honestly surprised that it worked so well

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Jeremiah, now to find the perfect larger set up to make more at once!

[@outdoorswithlarryrobin]

Good Job Rachel, Our outdoor boiler makes charcoal all winter long😂🪵👍🏼🇺🇸

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks guys! Can’t wait to get our boiler hooked up.

[@fireball7671]

That's awesome! I have been getting charcoal out of my boiler when I'm burning oak and hickory. Great job 👏

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thank you! Charcoal is getting so expensive here.

[@fireball7671]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors It certainly is! Nothing like doing this yourself and using what you made. I just watched the meat stick video and I made my own hickory smoke chunks as well 👍

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

@@fireball7671 it’s much more satisfying!

[@lillysfarmfirewood]

Very cool. I found a leather glove in lump charcoal last year and big rocks in another bag few months ago.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Wow, I haven’t found that but have found what looks to be left over trim and 2x4’s. We won’t have to worry about that anymore.

[@countryboycraig96]

Rachel, i have never made it myself, however a few friends i have watched make it. They used 55 gallon drums to make lump Charcoal! Gret job. Another source of revenue if you decide tonsell Lump Charcoal.

[@rachelpostma4505]

Thank you! We just wanted to try it in the smaller bucket to see how well it would work. It does make sense to use a larger vessel to make this charcoal in. Especially with how much outdoor cooking Heath likes to do.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thank you, we will be putting a larger set up together!

[@On_The_Farm]

That is very easy Rachel. Good video!

[@rachelpostma4505]

Thank you! It was so easy

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thank you! I can’t wait to grill with it!

[@beancreekwoodworks]

New subscriber and fellow Michigander. Always wanted to give this a try. Certainly looks easy enough. Good video.

[@rachelpostma4505]

Welcome to the channel! It was very easy. I was pleasantly surprised that it worked so well.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thank you, it turned out great. I plan on cooking with it this week! Where are you at in Michigan?

[@beancreekwoodworks]

I'm in South Central Michigan just 40min north of the Ohio line

[@timanderson5787]

Same technique we used in boyscouts (smaller scale) to make what we called charwood for flint and steel firestarting.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

It worked out great.

[@vborg001]

Awesome job Rachel.👍

[@rachelpostma4505]

Thank you!!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

She definitely made a great batch of charcoal for her first run. Now to find a bigger set up.

[@InMyBusyLittleShop]

Great video. I have always wanted to try that process.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Me too, I think I’ll make a bigger barrel so we can do more at a time.

[@johnwoody4905]

Good video and job I have not made any. You did really well.take care, be safe and well.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thank you! It turned out great!

[@markMac407]

Great job Miss Rachel!!! Yes I've made my own lump charcoal. I bought a small plain steel drum and did the same steps you just did! It is awesome!! I also made the fire starters as you showed for our newly installed wood stove and they work awesome! I used a mini muffin liner because I had some already. Great job on everything? Love the content and the channel!!

[@rachelpostma4505]

Thank you! Aren’t those fire starters the best!!?

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thank you Mark, I don’t think I’ll ever buy charcoal again! The firestarters are awesome, thanks for the feedback.

[@brandoncaldwell2263]

She very pretty and presents well but you need pull your hair back when ur dealing with fire.

[@fatefarmspa]

That’s pretty cool 👍🏻

[@rachelpostma4505]

Thanks Tom! I was shocked at how it turned out.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Tom, now to come up with a larger set up to make more at a time.

[@ClickinChicken]

I'm excited to try pine cones my neighbor gave me two big bags of them. I'll wrap news paper around them tightly and a splash of charcoal lighter fluid., You supposed to say "I like rabbits" when smoke turns your way-BSA. I made biochar in a 50 gallon drum once. It was fun.

[@rachelpostma4505]

Oh yes, I remember that trick. I just whine and move my location lol.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

The pine cones for fire starters?

[@ClickinChicken]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors yes, dried out open ones, like from MN state tree.. etc.

[@scottteske4414]

Very informative I will have to try this

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Scott!

[@johnbutler5208]

What a great idea thank you

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

You’re welcome appreciate the feedback!

[@DaveEdmonds-wp6ue]

Awesome.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks!

[@billobermeyer660]

Great video guys!! Rachel I'm very impressed with your results for your first test even though you made it seem pretty easy...except for when the smoke gets in your eyes...wait, isn't there a song in there somewhere??

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Obie, she definitely had the smoke chasing her.

[@BestBuckingFirewood]

I love the fire starters also. I made my own. They burn so long.

[@rachelpostma4505]

I don’t know what took us so long to make them ourselves! They are so good.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks, they work awesome!

[@adirondackwoodsman]

Looks like you put a hole in the bottom as well. Great demonstration

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Those holes were from a previous project. I bought a bigger ash bucket and was going to use that as a motorized deer feeder but then Michigan changed the law and made it illegal. I should probably plug those holes.

[@somedayzo6]

Love the camera angle.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

I do my best! Thanks.

[@somedayzo6]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors You are successfully completing your mission!

[@johnmurrin9734]

*****

[@davidinlow3687]

Love the learning experience, so easy indeed! Is there a hole in the bottom center of the bucket? Does this make a difference? Thank you

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

David, their is a hole but that is from a different project it is not needed for this. I was going to plug it but didn’t get to it. This was a trial run and it went great so we’ll be putting a larger set up together soon.

[@robinjohnson2749]

Great video 📹 you did a good job I have a question have you ever heard of people eating charcoal and coal dust and do you think it's safe to eat I know somebody that eats it could you leave me a message

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

I have taken charcoal pills before but not sure on eating it.

[@AJ-ds9xq]

Good stuff! I watched a similar video about this. Do you remember how long it took to get the fire through the hole?

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

I’m not sure but I don’t think it wasn’t too long.

[@jeffschuler5659]

The hand waves have me hooked. Watch that Galvanized please.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks!

[@AlirezaMoeini]

Hi Thanks for video

[@johnmurrin9734]

thankyou nice work

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

You’re welcome, thanks.

[@mikeconner5119]

cool im gonna try that thanks

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

It works great!

[@mikevargas3673]

I'll try it

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Mike, it turned out great!

[@bobfitch607]

Worked and looks great 👍 now heath has to cook you up a ribeye for your effort 👌 and test the charcoal for quality control

[@rachelpostma4505]

That’s right Bob!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Bob, I’ll absolutely do that. I’m off work the next 3 days! Let’s grill!

[@oldmanyen2749]

I'm a newbie to bbq and such... my honest question is why go thru the process of making charcoal, when you can just burn the chunk wood and cook with that directly? Isn't that what bbq folks do in those giant drum smokers? Offsets?

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

I believe the charcoal burns longer with less of a flame if that makes sense. I’m not an expert but that seems to be the case from my experience.

[@curtcannabis]

Notice a hole in the bottom of the bucket. you didn't mention it. Is that needed?

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

No, that is from a different project. I was going to log them but figured we’d do a trial run. It went so well we are going to get a larger barrel to make future batches in.

[@edf7008]

One thing you didn't say was, how long did this take? This does look like something I'd like to do. Be well and thanks for your channel :)

[@rachelpostma4505]

It didn’t take too long, about an hour I’d say

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

We will do a more detailed video in the future. We plan to come up with a larger set up to be more efficient. This was a test run.

[@edf7008]

Thank you.@@hardworkingmanoutdoors

[@gregfisher216]

Great video , is the wood you used dry or green ?

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thank you, we used well seasoned oak this time. I’d imagine green wood will work but will probably take a little longer.

[@gregfisher216]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors thank you ,my dad cooked on an open pit in the 50’s and 60’s . He always said the best smoke is in the bark .He worked at a sawmill that cut hardwood . He was an expert on hardwood and could look at the bark or the grain and you if it was oak or Sweetgum. Sweetgum is a hardwood used mostly for pallet stock but isn’t good for barbecue !!!!!!!!!!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

@@gregfisher216 I love cooking outdoors. We just split up a bunch of apple for cooking, hopefully we’ll get that video posted in the morning.

[@patrickw9520]

More efficient method, use a 55 gal drum, 1 ft round hole in the bottom, with a removable lid. Dug a small pit and air channel, placing barrel over the small pit. This is to control airflow, so you can cut it off later. Kindling in pit to get things started. Stack wood halfway up, tight but not too tight. Start fire, once you see the wood caughrt, fill it the rest of the way, till just above the top of barrel. One layer of wood above is good. Once it burns down below top of barrel, put lid on with some weight on top (cinderblock), and block the air channel. Wait 3 days before opening, wait till it is cool to touch.

[@rachelpostma4505]

Wow! That’s great information. We are going to have to look into getting some thing larger. Now that I know how easy it was to make.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks for the info. We will be putting together a larger set up.

[@emilioguerrero8140]

Great video.How long did this process take?Thx.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

It took a couple hours. Than you.

[@bertwalts3211]

You should build a Gasafire I’ve ran a generator off of one it takes stupid amounts of wood to charge a single battery a 12v car battery charged by a single battery charger it took twice for burning off a 33 gallon drum inside a 55 gallon drum probably used a 1/3 cord just for one experiment it will work just cost a lot more than it’s worth in my opinion

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

That does sound interesting!

[@chaoher80]

Somehow that handle looks like more than just a handle. Is there supposed to be a hole at the bottom of the bucket or is that accidental?

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

The hole in the bucket is from another project. We have it patched up now.

[@danshouseofsmokeandoutdoor7119]

Not a bad idea. It definitely getting expensive. Have bucket ready when already plan on a outside fire. My problem is there no real hard wood here. Not sure how cotton wood would work 😂

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Dan, I’m not sure cottonwood would be too great. We are very blessed with how much hardwood we have available here.

[@danshouseofsmokeandoutdoor7119]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors ya I don’t think it even be worth it.

[@lalramnarain8709]

Sweet

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks! I don’t think I’ll ever buy charcoal again.

[@paullavecchia5039]

I like your video content . Please consider the pail you use to make lump charcoal could produce zinc-oxide fumes that could make you sick. A plain untreated steel container may be better. Thank you for your videos. Stay safe, and God Bless.

[@rachelpostma4505]

That’s great advice! Thank you for giving us something to pay attention to.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thank you, this was a trial run, we plan on making a larger set up now that this worked.

[@kevink7237]

I thought same thing if it was a galvanized pail or not

[@cody481]

You should have put the hole in the bottom not the top. This way it heats itself. Edit: whoops you did have a hole in the bottom, a huge one. So was the top hole just a flame indicator?

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

The holes in the bottom were from a different project. I plan on building a larger set up when I find the right container.

[@abovesea]

you know what they say smoke follows Beauty

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

For sure! Thanks.

[@JeanLotz-vj2hw]

How do u guys spend Christmas at your home

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

If I don’t have to work. We just relax most of the day and I’ll smoke something for dinner, Turkey or brisket etc.

[@Tommy-K4BWN]

Smoke always follows good-looking people

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Definitely seems to.

[@Tommy-K4BWN]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors just saying she is a Beautiful woman.

[@fricknjeep]

hi now dont make the coal , but i do cook alot in my out door boiler , john

[@rachelpostma4505]

You know Heath loves cooking outdoors!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks John!

[@carllewis8203]

I hope that charcoal that your making works out for you

[@rachelpostma4505]

Thanks Carl, Heath sure likes to try to find the perfect stuff, so I think no better way than to make it yourself

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Carl!

[@chief7839]

Can you please show how to bend over and place the bucket one more time? 😊 Nice bucket!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Lol, just re watch the video!

[@ralphkanagy4602]

Nice video God bless

[@rachelpostma4505]

Thank you Ralph!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Ralph!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Ralph!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Ralph!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Ralph!

[@johntrue7113]

Speaking of lumps…:. 😮

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

It’s about the charcoal lol.

[@grimreaper4015]

How much wood did you have to waste? 3x

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

None, we burned some scrap wood it was punky, etc. nothing we would sell. We have a ton of that wood available we could never burn at all.

[@grimreaper4015]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors I don't

[@Daniel-tl2ln]

So we need to burn 20lbs of hardwood to get 5 lbs of lump charcoal. 😅 Here in Canada wood is getting priced like gold 😄

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Definitely less weight but the price of lump charcoal is getting crazy and I get free wood!

[@JoseA-w9n]

Is it me or is she stoned 🧐 😂😂 cuz I am 😅

[@rachelpostma4505]

Thanks for watching

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@ellisschoffstall5554]

Why is there a hole in the bottom of your bucket.

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

That was from another project and I didn’t seal it up yet.

[@tedhall2277]

Did I see a hole in the bottom of the bucket?

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Yea, but that was from a different project, we got that sealed up before the next run.

[@scottkrieman8108]

I wanted to see how it burns

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

We’ll try to do an update video soon.

[@dennishall9260]

Never tie that girls hands down... she would be unable to talk! Ya gotta love'r!

[@rachelpostma4505]

Haha! So true

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Dennis, I think I talk a lot with my hands too.

[@williamklein6649]

I’ve been making my own charcoal for over 20 years. I make mine in a 30 gallon drum.

[@rachelpostma4505]

Awesome!! I think we’re gonna have to get a bigger drum also for the amount of charcoal Heath uses for his outdoor cooking

[@ar-sithf.austin3744]

55 gallon drum or your just playing with yourself

[@rachelpostma4505]

@@ar-sithf.austin3744 noted

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

I doubt I’ll ever buy it again. Definitely going to have to get a larger set up!

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

We’ll be going bigger for sure.

[@LeBlancfirewood]

Your channel should be called hard working women

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

She is that!

[@юла-и6я]

native american

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@ВладимирНестерюк-о4е]

Привет красотка

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks for watching!

[@richardbailey3015]

Nice twins ❤❤💋💋

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

It’s about the charcoal Richard lol.

[@KennethPowell-kx3jt]

Great video Rachel, thanks I’ll have to try that! Be safe 😉

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

Thanks Kenneth!

[@AlirezaMoeini]

Hi Thanks for video

[@hardworkingmanoutdoors]

You’re welcome!

[@AlirezaMoeini]

@@hardworkingmanoutdoors Thanks my friend