Making Lump Charcoal at home TEST #1

Instructions on how to build a two barrel kiln and make HUGE lump charcoal using White Oak. Store bought charcoal is just too small for long cooking on a BBQ or smoker. Larger pieces require less tending which results in an easier, uninterrupted cook. This is my first attempt at making much larger lumps in a simple and economical two barrel retort kiln using wood that is readily and cheaply available to me. It uses two standard oils drums, a 100lb propane tank and a few bits and pieces available to anybody. There's little bit of cutting and welding, but really, it's a pretty simple rig. In the end, the charcoal is tested on a small brisket in a Big Green Egg smoker. The result was a long, clean burn resulting in a perfect result.
There will be more upcoming videos as I dial in my technique with the goal of making a durable, long lasting batch of HUGE lump charcoal from different hardwoods. Sugar Maple, Hickory and Honey Locust will be tested and compared. Please subscribe to follow my progress!

[@NiisiM]

It's interesting to watch different ways to make charcoal and how different types of wood give different results. It was a really nice video as well, as it was learning to get better results with each step. I look forward to seeing your progress in the future.

[@jasonselinger]

Thank you! I Yes, it is amazing how many ways there are to get such a simple product in the end. I’ve found that most of the videos have been about tge process and less about variables….like the type of wood used. There is very little out there on how it actually performs. Hopefully I can change that by showing the refinements of my process and how it works out for good of anyone interested. It’s science!!

[@jeremychambers1949]

The fact that humans developed a process to make charcoal is unbelievable to me! When did man have the means to burn that much wood just to make more wood burn longer? This process is so counter to what we’ve been taught about sustenance societies, the amount of labor and materials then the time to “burn” the whole thing is amazing

[@robinjohnson2749]

Im a new subscriber

[@jasonselinger]

Welcome!

[@robinjohnson2749]

COULD A PERSON EAT THAT CHARCOAL AND COAL DUST DO YOU THINK IT WOULD BE HARMFUL TO THE BODY LEAVE ME A MESSAGE FANTASTIC VIDEO GREAT JOB KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

[@jasonselinger]

I believe you need to research ‘activated charcoal’

[@screepster]

I use allot of Elm for charcoal now, use to use hard maple but since it didn't have any appreciable taste difference and I have hundreds of standing dead elm why waste them. The elm does seem harder and last longer when burning. Been using a 55gal removeable top drum with 5 1/2" holes in the side that becomes the bottom when cooking it off. Careful or your little hobby will become a job. I supply all the neighbors in a half mile radius with charcoal all summer.

[@jasonselinger]

All our Elm trees were wiped out years ago in Southern Ontario. What I do have is hundreds of dead Ash trees. I’ve been slowly taking them out for firewood and lumber. Most of it has been partially decayed, but I should set some of the better stuff aside to try. We had high winds this winter which uprooted a full size hard sugar maple. I’ve already started to limb it and cut the trunk up for the sawmill. I appreciate your comment!

[@screepster]

@@jasonselingerI'm in Michigan so close to the same climate. Keep your eyes peeled for wild apple trees as well they work great but the wild cherries are no go the sap coming out of them disqualifies them in my book.