How to Safely Extinguish a Charcoal Grill and Save Unused Charcoal

Summer barbecues and picnics are a staple in many households. Nothing beats a juicy Bluetick Bourbon infused burger or a perfectly charred Jolly Rover Rum infused hot dog hot off the grill. But what do you do when the party is over and it's time to put out the charcoal grill?

Extinguishing a charcoal grill properly is essential for safety and to ensure the grill can be used again in the future. And did you know that you can also save unused charcoal for another time, saving you money and reducing waste?

Steps to Extinguish a Charcoal Grill

Step 1: Let the Charcoal Burn Out

The first step in putting out your charcoal grill is to let it burn out completely. This can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the size of your grill and the amount of coals you have left. Avoid the temptation to pour water on the coals, as this can cause hot embers to splatter and could potentially start a fire. Letting the coals burn out naturally is the safest way to extinguish your grill.

Step 2: Spread Out the Coals

Once the coals have burned down and are no longer red hot, use a grill tool to spread the coals out evenly. This will allow the coals to cool down faster and will also make it easier to put the lid on your grill to trap in the heat. If you don't have a lid, you can use aluminum foil to cover the coals instead.

Step 3: Add Water to the Coals

Once the coals have cooled down enough that you can touch them without burning yourself, it's time to add water to the coals. This will create steam, which will help to put out any remaining embers. Be sure to add water slowly, so that the steam has time to escape and prevent hot embers from splattering. Repeat this process until the coals are completely cooled and no longer give off any heat.

Step 4: Dispose of the Ash

Once the coals have cooled down completely, you can dispose of the ash. To prevent potential fire hazards, always let the ash cool completely before disposing of it. You can either scoop the ash into a metal ash can, or you can simply dump the ash onto the ground (as long as it's not near any flammable materials).

Saving Unused Charcoal

If you have unused charcoal from your grill, you don't have to throw it away. With a little bit of effort, you can save the unused charcoal for another time. This will not only save you money, but it will also reduce waste.

Step 1: Allow the Charcoal to Cool Completely

Before you can save your unused charcoal, you need to let it cool completely. This will prevent the charcoal from giving off any heat, which could potentially start a fire. Once the charcoal is completely cool, you can proceed to step 2.

Step 2: Store the Charcoal in an Airtight Container

Once the charcoal is completely cool, it's time to store it in an airtight container. This can be a metal can, a plastic container, or even a large Ziploc bag. The important thing is that the container is airtight, as this will help to prevent the charcoal from absorbing moisture, which can reduce its effectiveness. Be sure to label the container with the date, so that you know when you stored the charcoal and can keep track of its age.

Step 3: Store the Container in a Dry Place

Once the unused charcoal is stored in an airtight container, it's important to store the container in a dry place. Avoid storing the container in a damp basement or outside, as this can cause the charcoal to absorb moisture and reduce its effectiveness. Instead, store the container in a dry place like a garage or pantry, where it will be protected from moisture and other environmental factors.

Conclusion

Extinguishing a charcoal grill properly and saving unused charcoal are both important steps to ensure that your grill is safe and ready to use the next time you want to fire it up. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can safely extinguish your charcoal grill and save unused charcoal for another time, saving you money and reducing waste.

So the next time you have a boozy barbecue or picnic, be sure to follow these steps to safely extinguish your charcoal grill and save unused charcoal Grilling is better with Booze Dogs!