Should You Be Reusing Your Charcoal On The Grill This Summer?

Outdoor grill stations are perfect for your entertaining space this summer, and if you've been grilling often you're probably going through a lot of charcoal. For those that use new coals each time, this can become rather expensive. You may be unsure if reusing charcoal briquettes is safe and practical. Luckily, our expert has some answers. Silvio Correa, a private chef, Brazilian Grill Master, and owner of Silvio's BBQ catering in southern California, spoke exclusively with House Digest about grilling with charcoal that's already been used. "Yes, you can reuse leftover charcoal for your next grilling session," he said.

While you can, and probably should, reuse charcoal when grilling, Correa explained that it may not work the same as fresh briquettes. "Reusing charcoal can save you money and reduce waste. However, keep in mind that reused charcoal may not burn as hot or long as new charcoal. You may need to add a few new briquettes to your reused coals to get them hot enough for grilling," Correa said. By using the same charcoal a few times, you'll be able to save a few bucks while grilling throughout the season and not have to worry about constantly running out of charcoal.

While knowing that you can reuse charcoal that's already been in your grill may inspire you to simply stir around the briquettes and relight them, it's not so easy. Silvio Correa explained to House Digest exclusively that, first, it's crucial to allow your coals to completely cool off before storing them for the next time you break out the grill. This can be done by setting the charcoal in a single layer onto a baking sheet or another metal pan that can withstand heat.

In addition to making sure the coals don't just keep burning after you grill, you want to be certain that you're picking out pieces that will still be effective. "Only reuse unburned charcoal briquettes. Discard any briquettes that have turned to ash or have been completely burned," Correa said. "You can reuse the gray, unburned briquettes." If any briquettes are falling apart, they can likely be thrown away and replaced with some new ones. Reusing your unburned charcoal is a great way to be more eco-friendly while keeping your grill safe and clean.

If you've been reusing charcoal and it's still not burning right after adding new briquettes, you may need to clean out your grill. Silvio Correa told House Digest exclusively how important it is to ensure that all parts of your grill are clean so that your coals burn properly. "Always clean the grill, remove burned ashes, and empty the ashtray before using it to better ventilate the grill. The air helps burn the charcoal better," he said. Though you are reusing charcoal, it's still important to take out any ashes that are leftover.

Correa also recommends using hickory and oak hardwood lump charcoal because it's natural, doesn't have added chemicals, and works great for barbecuing. "It is easy to light, burns hot and long with low ash, and is great for ceramic grills, smokers, and kettles," he said. Additionally, rather than using chemical-filled lighter fluid, Correa suggests alternatives like canola oil for lighting your charcoal. Once summer comes to an end, you might think of finding another option for using up your briquettes. Surprisingly, leftover charcoal can be used as mulch, making it a versatile item for more than just your grill.