Can You Reuse Charcoal Briquettes?

They generally turn into ashes by the time the grilling is through, so no, you can’t. You should dump the old ashes after every use rather than pile new one on top of them.

You have to put them in cold water right away to stop them from burning, and then put starter fluid on them the second time around. I usually put mine in aluminum foil and spray them about an hour before reusing, and then put them on the bottom.

A suggestion I found useful is don’t use too many in the first place and there will be fewer left over. Start with a coffee can (or starter can) full, light them, then after 15 minutes or so, spread them around about an inch or two apart. Purchase a strong metal tongs to move them about with.

You might have more pressing issues if you’re thinking about reusing charcoal. Money’s tight for me too but…

Briquettes are made from all kinds of yucky stuff – petroleum and furniture scraps, to start.

A better bet is lump charcoal – real hardwood. You’ll get higher heat, better flavor, and can re-use them or add more to the fire without worrying about toxic smoke that will make your food taste bad.

Wal-Mart carries Royal Oak lump charcoal in the red bag.

Oh, and avoid lighter fluid unless you like eating gasoline. Try a chimney starter!

@PupnTaco That is a very good tip as I was looking into something healthier. Two questions:
1. How much per bag is the Royal Oak???
2. What is chimney starter???

@YARNLADY

Thank you so much for the tips!! That is Exactly! what I was looking for.

@SeventhSense

I certainly do, lol. But you’ve got to enjoy life when you can right?

@RedPowerLady
I have coupons email me :)

@SeventhSense
Are you saying that you have coupons that come in your email or are you saying I should email you? LOL

‹(•¿•)›

@SeventhSense Don’t mind me, I’m half asleep and trying to have fun on the internet, lol

me too. and if you need the coupons, I’m here for you :)

You can re-use them. Best bet to do so? Shut off the dampers on the grill, both top and bottom, when finished grilling. This will cut off airflow to the grill and the coals that are not completely burnt will be extinguished. Next time you grill, use new coals as the base of your fire and then feed the partially burnt coals onto this new fire. In my case I use a chimney starter. I put the new coals in first and then top off with the old. Good luck.

@TheLoneMonk Thank you. Fantastic advice!

Here’s a different take on it. Cook the steaks/hamburgers/shrimp first, then while everyone is eating, put in a couple of herbed chickens, close the lid. By the time you are finished eating, you will have tomorrows dinner all done.

@YARNLADY That is such a good idea. I would LOVE to do it that way! :)