Kingsford Got You Down?

If you’re tired of paying too much for charcoal, you can actually make a batch at home. It likely won’t save you much money or time compared to buying commercial briquettes, but the process is fascinating and connects you to a centuries‑old tradition.

Historically, charcoal was produced in earthen mounds or pits, where wood was burned with limited oxygen so it would carbonize instead of turning to ash. This same basic principle is used today in more controlled setups.

To make your own charcoal, you typically:

1. Select hardwood (like oak, hickory, or maple) and cut it into manageable pieces.
2. Load the wood into a sealed or mostly sealed container (often a metal drum with small vent holes).
3. Heat the container from the outside—for example, by building a fire around or under the drum.
4. Allow gases and moisture to escape through the vents while restricting oxygen, so the wood chars instead of burning completely.
5. Cool the container completely before opening it, revealing lightweight, blackened charcoal pieces.

While this DIY charcoal won’t necessarily replace your usual bag of Kingsford, learning how it’s made can deepen your appreciation for the fuel behind your BBQ. For more detail, you could explore resources on the history of charcoal production and step‑by‑step guides to small‑scale charcoal making.