Spare Those Coals : Reusing Chracoal

I'm a fairly frugal fellow. I save as much charcoal as I can. This video demonstrates how I do that. Lodge Sportsman's Grill, Old Smokey Grill, Weber Kettle Grill
(made with #spliceapp - get.spliceapp.com)
(made with #spliceapp - get.spliceapp.com)

[@FrankZen]

The simplicity is why I LOVE charcoal!

[@kingfoodpk]

I love grilling on charcoals and were using water to extinguish charcoals after grilling. I was searching for better way to extinguish charcoals as I was not satisfied with water method and finally found this video. Thanks for great tips and putting effort in making video. You made me wiser :)

[@msrhdes76]

Amen to grilling with charcoal💜

[@fatman7100]

I'm right with you. I got rid of my Coleman gas grill roughly 15 years ago. The Coleman gas grill crap kept breaking down. Recently I have been dabbing in charcoal grilling. It's a learning curve but the taste quality it's a lot better.

[@gregorioj.salazarbibriesca7157]

nice really cool grills you got there bud

[@AdilDMoos]

thanks mate. good information indeed

[@kaceyolivercox]

thank you!

[@virzak]

Is there a product online you'd recommend? Those #10 cans are usually sold in bulk

[@BigLewBBQ]

virzak No, but if you work at a place with cafeteria or something like a school, hospital etc. just ask they will give you one. Even if you volunteer at youth sports concession stand you can get a used cam for free. Surly you know some one in the food service industry that can get you an empty number 10 can.

[@H8TVBoxbrazil]

Wow thanks

[@robertq809]

That lid looks a lot like your damper on your UDS. I've been reusing charcoal. I'm going to try the can method next time. Great video.

[@BigLewBBQ]

Robert Williams Yeah I later found another use for the lid. Keen eye Robert, it must be the first name!

[@robertq809]

@@BigLewBBQ Yep. Another tall genius.

[@MarkTheRealtorNY]

Does this method of removing the hot coals and saving them in a can for future use also work with Match Light briquettes? thanks in advance

[@BigLewBBQ]

Mark Weitzman I don’t generally use match lite, or pre- soaked with lighter fluid briquettes. With briquettes it is hardly worth saving if they are less than fifty percent original size. As for saving the match light briquettes it would be the same, less than half original size. Not worth bothering with. As for whether or not they still have instant light capability, I wouldn’t know, but I doubt it.

[@MarkTheRealtorNY]

Thanks for the quick reply, Big Lew! But I already had purchased an 11 lb bag of the match light, so I'm stuck with them.

[@NikoBellaKhouf]

@@MarkTheRealtorNY I recommend using the regular charcoal or lump charcoal with a chimney starter instead of lighter fluid.

[@asandabekhumuzi7424]

Can I use a pot instead of a tin can to cool my coals?

[@MarkTheRealtorNY]

@@asandabekhumuzi7424 of course

[@MrIhatefrogs]

Can i still be able to use the charcoal when it was killed with water?

[@BigLewBBQ]

MrKiks I doubt it, I wouldn’t expect so. I don’t really know I have never extinguished charcoal with water. I use the used charcoal for shorter cooks like burgers and such. As for water, water + ash = rust. I wouldn’t think water is a good idea.

[@frankcqIII]

What do you think of killing the flame with water?

[@BigLewBBQ]

frankcqIII Use water only in an emergency. Water + coal ash = rust. Not to much of a problem in a porcelain coated Weber Kettle, but the rust will greatly effect cast iron and steel grills. However, even in the Weber it rust the coal grate fairly quick. Plus the mud created from the ash and water will gum up the vent mechanism on the Weber. Also if you want to save any unburned pieces of coal, water renders them useless. No not recommended, unless you have to leave right away and extinguish the fire quickly. If so clean it as soon as you can to prevent rust.

[@humanswithholes8708]

I love Charcoal

[@cprcomputer7688]

Would a tin coffee can work for the coals?

[@waynethebarber1095]

It would, if they were still hot you could cover the top with foil, something to keep out air and not burn. If the Coles were cool, then it would work too, just put it in a place where if an ember could spark up and start a fire. You must be very watchful for that.... Keep it safe!!!! Remem fire kills....

[@risetoalina]

What color of charcoal is still reusable? Half black half white?

[@BigLewBBQ]

Hungie Nguyen with lump any size. With briquettes if they are larger than 50% of the original size I reuse them, especially for shorter cooks like thin steaks, chops, burgers or sausages. As for color charcoal is black, ash is white or grey. If it is white shake the ash off until it is black. The ash won’t ignite either. Put the used coals on a chimney and shake the ash and small unusable coals will sift it and fall on the ground. You will be left with black reusable charcoal pieces.

[@risetoalina]

Big Lew BBQ I’m planning to put charcoal inside aluminum trey and put it inside the griller for less mess.. what is your opinion on that ?

[@BigLewBBQ]

Hungie Nguyen good idea if it doesn’t restrict air flow.

[@zypher1144]

Amazon sells ashbuckets. 1 to 6 gallons.

[@waynethebarber1095]

Just close the vents on the Weber and the coals will go out fast.....

[@FrankZen]

My cousin just taught me that last week!

[@BbqMikeG]

I close the dampers too and the next day grab them with a grocery sack on my hand and put them in another sack and give it a twist to keep moisture out.

[@flywalkerkicks2012]

Fire and meat!! It’s in our dna

[@sharpobject8740]

You instantly get a like because of the name.

[@BigLewBBQ]

Sharp Object87 well thank you!

[@janstewart2041]

Ever look into making your own charcoal?

[@BigLewBBQ]

Yes, I have even done it. More convenient to buy it.

[@janstewart2041]

@@BigLewBBQ still it is nice to know if shit ever hit the fan

[@smellypatel5272]

Thank you for the video but please lower the intro volume. It's much higher than the rest of your video's volume