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Summer is fast approaching and that means grilling season is upon us! But before you fire up the grill, you need to make sure you have charcoal on hand. And once you’ve got your charcoal, it’s important to know how to store charcoal properly so it stays fresh and ready to use. Here’s a quick guide on how to store both natural lump charcoal and briquettes charcoal.
What Is Charcoal
Before we get into how to store charcoal, let’s quickly review what charcoal is. Charcoal is a absorbent black substance produced by incomplete combustion of carbonaceous materials. It is usually produced by heating wood or other organic matter in a low oxygen environment.
Charcoal has been used since prehistoric times and is still an important fuel today. When charcoal is heated, it produces a variety of gases including carbon dioxide, water vapor, and other volatile compounds. These gases escape from the charcoal, leaving behind a porous, lightweight material with a high surface area.
The high surface area of charcoal makes it ideal for adsorption, which is why it is often used as a filter or purifier. Charcoal can also be used as a powerful desiccant, capable of absorbs large amounts of water vapor from the air. In addition to its industrial uses, charcoal is also popular for barbecuing and grilling. When burned at high temperatures, charcoal produces little smoke and has a distinctive flavor that many people enjoy.
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Whether you’re using it to adsorb toxins or grill up some burgers, charcoal is a versatile and useful substance.
Different Types of Charcoal
Did you know that there are different types of charcoal? That’s right – not all charcoal is created equal. In fact, there are three main types of charcoal: lump charcoal, briquettes, and extruded charcoal. Each type has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
Natural Lump charcoal is made from 100% natural wood and burns hot and fast. It’s perfect for grilling, but can be difficult to light and control.
Briquettes are made from sawdust and other wood products, and they burn slower and hotter than lump charcoal. Technically, they are not true charcoal, but they are still a popular choice for grilling. They’re easy to light and great for long cooking sessions, but some people find them to have an unpleasant smell.
So, which type of charcoal is right for you? It all depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a quick and easy grilling experience, go for lump charcoal. If you want something that will last a bit longer and pack a little more heat, try briquettes. And if you’re looking for even heat and easy lighting, extruded charcoal is the way to go.
Now that you know the different types of charcoal, let’s learn how to store charcoal.
How to Store Natural Lump Charcoal
Natural lump charcoal is a great choice for grilling, but it can be tricky to store. That’s because lump charcoal is made from 100% natural wood, which means it’s susceptible to moisture damage. To avoid any issues, be sure to use a storage container for your lump charcoal that is in a cool, dry place with good airflow. You will also want to ensure the container is waterproof. A well-ventilated storage container or bag will do the trick.
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It’s also important to keep your lump charcoal away from other combustible materials. If you’re storing it in a shed or garage, be sure to keep it on a high shelf or in a sealed container. And never store lump charcoal near grilling accessories or other flammable objects.
How to Store Charcoal Briquettes
Charcoal briquettes are a popular choice for grilling, as they provide consistent heat and good flavor. However, storing charcoal briquettes can be a bit of a challenge. If they’re not stored properly, they can quickly become damp and difficult to light.
The key to storing charcoal briquettes is to keep them dry. An airtight container is ideal, but a heavy-duty garbage bag will also do the trick. Be sure to store the charcoal in a cool, dry place, and away from any potential sources of ignition. With proper storage, your charcoal briquettes should stay fresh for months.
Best Charcoal Storage Containers
Now that you know how to store charcoal, you might be wondering where the best place to store it is. The answer depends on a few factors, such as the type of charcoal and the climate.
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If you live in a hot, humid climate, it’s best to store your charcoal in a cool, dry place. A garage or shed is a good option, as long as the space is well-ventilated. You can also store charcoal in an airtight container, such as a plastic bin or bucket.
If you live in a cold climate, you can store your charcoal outside. Just be sure to keep it in a moisture-proof container, such as a garbage can with a lid. And don’t forget to label your container so you know which type of charcoal is inside.
Below we will discuss some of the most popular storage methods:
The Charcoal Caddy – Best Portable Charcoal Storage
Best Charcoal Storage Container
Kingsford charcoal storage is my favorite caddy storage for charcoal. This charcoal dispenser is waterproof so it can be drained easily. The bags must also remain upright and dry while in the caddy.
It’s a very rainproof and waterproof product. It works for lumps and briquettes. However, avoid putting it in an instant-light briquette. In addition it is cheap and will last a lifetime.
Ketter box – Best Outdoor Charcoal Storage Box
Best Outdoor Charcoal Storage Box
If you’re looking for an outdoor storage option, the Ketter box is a great choice. This storage box is made from heavy-duty steel and has a powder-coated finish to resist rusting. The Ketter box also features a weather-resistant seal to keep your charcoal dry.
The Ketter can is large enough to hold up to 10 bags of charcoal, making it a great choice for those who use a lot of charcoal. This storage box also comes with a built-in drainage system to keep your charcoal dry.
NUUK Storage Bag – – Best Portable Charcoal Storage
Best Portable Charcoal Storage
Are you looking for a storage option that is both stylish and functional? Look no further than the NUUK Storage Bag. This bag is made from durable canvas and features a moisture-resistant lining, making it ideal for storing charcoal. The bag also has a convenient carrying handle, so you can take your charcoal with you on the go.
CleverMade Charcoal Storage Bin – Best Large Charcoal Storage
Best Large Charcoal Storage
If you have a lot of charcoal, you may want to consider storage bins. These storage bins are perfect for keeping your charcoal dry and safe. They are also stackable, so you can save space in your garage or shed.
The bins are made from heavy-duty plastic and have a snap-tight lid. They are also rodent-proof, so you don’t have to worry about your charcoal being eaten.
Other Charcoal Storage Containers Ideas
5-gallon plastic bucket
Alternative Charcoal Storage Containers Ideas
These pail containers are readily available from any home improvement store. Ensure that you have a good fit in your bag. If the bag is too big, add a plastic bag inside of it to keep the contents from moving around and becoming damaged.
You will want to ensure the plastic bucket has a lid that snaps on snugly. This will help to keep moisture out and your charcoal fresh.
Plastic trash cans with wheels
Rubbermaid Commercial Products BRUTE Rollout Heavy-Duty Wheeled Can
Alternative Charcoal Storage Containers Ideas
A wheel-mounted garbage container is an efficient way to store your fuel in a different place that your grill. It is also a great way to have a steady supply of charcoal on hand for those long grilling sessions.
When choosing a garbage can, make sure that it has a tight-fitting lid to keep the briquettes dry. It is also important to choose a container that is made from non-flammable materials, such as steel or heavy-duty plastic.
Metal trash can
Magnolia Brush Pre-Galvanized Trash Can with Lid
Alternative Charcoal Storage Containers Ideas
A 20 galvanized metal trash can for storage of fuel will prevent the fires from occurring. Standard dimensions are 15 x 15 inches (length – width). This container can hold about 26 kg. It has been traditionally suggested to put heavy trash inside the insert for fueling. You can create airtight protection to keep your product away from high humidity storage using this method. This step will help ensure the lid remains airtight. Make a big bag of big green eggs for your charcoal storage. Looks good! Metal trashcans and black vinyl provide a simple way of storage for charcoal. Put the vinyl in your trashcan.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know how to store charcoal, you can keep your grill going all summer long. Be sure to follow the tips above to ensure your charcoal stays fresh and dry. And, if you’re ever in doubt, ask a pro at your local hardware store. They will be able to help you find the perfect storage solution for your needs.
FAQ
Below are some frequently asked questions about storing charcoal:
Can I store charcoal in a plastic bag?
Yes, you can store charcoal in a plastic bag. However, it’s important to make sure the bag is airtight and that the charcoal is dry. Otherwise, it could become damp and difficult to light.
What is lump charcoal?
Charcoal made from 100% natural wood, such as hardwood or fruitwood, burns hot and fast. It’s great for grilling, but lighting and controlling it might be difficult.
Can you dry out and then use wet charcoal?
It is possible to salvage wet charcoal if it is higher-quality charcoal. It is normally only suitable for slow burning and produces a lot of smoke while it burns. Cheaper charcoal you should not try to dry out and then use wet charcoal. Once it’s been exposed to moisture, it will be difficult to light and will produce less heat. It is best to dispose of it if cheap charcoal gets wet.
Do briquettes give off more smoke than lump charcoal?
No, commercial charcoal briquettes do not give off more smoke than lump charcoal. In fact, they often produce less smoke because they’re made from sawdust and other wood products.
Lump charcoal will give off more smoke when first lit, but it will eventually settle down and burn more evenly.
Does Charcoal Expire?
If you’re using pure natural charcoal that hasn’t had any additives added, you can utilize it even if it’s been 10 years.
How long does store-bought charcoal briquettes last?
Store-bought charcoal typically lasts for around 6 months. However, it’s important to check the expiration date on the package, as some brands may have shorter shelf lives.
How do I store charcoal long term?
For long-term storage, it’s best to keep charcoal in a cool, dry place. An airtight container, such as a plastic storage bin, is also ideal. Be sure to label the container so you know what’s inside.
Can I reuse charcoal?
Reusing charcoal is not recommended. Once charcoal has been used, it can contain toxins that can be harmful to your health.
How Do I Dispose of Used Charcoal?
The best way to dispose of used charcoal is to add it to your compost pile. This will help improve the quality of your soil. You can also use it as a natural weed killer. Simply sprinkle the used charcoal around the base of the weed and it will eventually kill it.
You can also throw used charcoal in the trash, but be sure to put it in a bag first. This will prevent the charcoal from making a mess in your garbage can.
Can Charcoal spontaneously combust and burn in storage?
It is highly unlikely that stored charcoal will spontaneously combust. However, it’s important to store charcoal in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming damp. Damp charcoal is more difficult to light and can produce less heat.
