Charcoal Recycling (re-using)


 
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Marc Massaro

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Have a 26 kettle and am new to charcoal cooking. Learning as I go about the right quantity of charcoal for the food I'm cooking, I err to the side of adding more rather than coming up short.
In WSM threads, people talk about closing off all the vents and being able to re-use the unburned charcoal. I close off top and bottom when I'm done, but all the coals burn completely save for a couple of tiny bits. There is a tool hanger on the lip, is that enough of an opening to feed the coals to burn away? I use Kingsford in the two 20lb bag pack.
Maybe the WSM is different enough that it is possible, but not with the kettle
 
I think it is enough to keep the fire going. I am smoking a butt now with a smokenator and I always remove the tool hanger to get a better seal.
 
Could be the tool holder. Like Reggie, when I use my smokenator I take off the tool holder or mytemps are not as stable.
How you like the smokenator Reggie?
 
I don't have a tool hanger on my Performer, but after grilling or smoking in it, I close the vents and ALWAYS have coals to reuse. You're leaking air somewhere. It'll get better the more you cook, but I'd take the tool holder off once and see what happens.

Stan
 
Yep, cause it's new that's prolly why. I have the tool holder and a slide-aside on my OTG, and I can always snuff out the coals. It took about a half dozen cooks to build up enough gunk to help make a seal.
The only fuel I cant save is the Comp K, that stuff just burns out all on it's own IME.

Tim
 
Joe...I love the smokenator. I'm doing my second butt today and still learning to tweak it a bit. I can say from the first butt that my wife loved it...so did the neighbors she invited over, and my border collies are hanging by the Weber today.
 
I'd agree with what the guys are saying. It won't take much of a crack for the coals to suck enough air to stay alive. Also, I think building up a grease-seal will make a difference.
 
I know a lot of folks here reuse leftover burnt charcoal, but I've found that these coals aren't as good or as hot (especially here in NC's sultry summer). Being cheap, I still get reuse by pouring those coals in my chimney and using them as starter -- plenty good for getting new briquettes or lump started.

BTW, my observations were with Kingsford. I've since switch away to mainly Stubbs or Rancher, but I employ the same techniques.

Rich
 
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