Grill, eat, be happy! That is my motto, and I hope it is the motto of many others worldwide as well!
Without a doubt, you, like me, know how to make the best-grilled meat on a charcoal grill. It’s quite simple, and only the spirit of a true meat lover is required. But what do we do when it’s time to put out the fire?
A charcoal barbecue with a lid is relatively simple to put out – simply closing the lid! Poof! But how to put out a charcoal grill without a lid? Well, the procedure is considerably different.
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How to Put Out a Charcoal Grill without a Lid?
Using a charcoal grill will give you a pretty wonderful flavor for sure! It is really simple to use and even more simple to put out – if it has a cover!
On the other hand, it’s possible that you don’t have a lid if your charcoal grill is older. This is problematic because it makes putting out the fire more difficult. There are five methods for how to put out a charcoal grill without a lid securely and without difficulty!
1. Allow the Coal to Burn Out in the Grill
When it comes to putting out a charcoal grill, this is probably the best way.
When the charcoal is hot, you don’t want to leave an open barbecue unattended – it could start a fire. Follow the three steps outlined below to extinguish your grill without a lid safely:
- Place the grill in an area where it won’t be touched
- Fully open the grill vents
- Wait until the coals burn to ash
This procedure will not damage your grill, and all you have to do is check it from time to time. As a result, this may be one of the safest options.
When the charcoal has burned to ash, simply clean up your grill and get ready for your next BBQ. Keep in mind that you might have to wait up to 48 hours for the charcoal to burn out on its own.
2. Smother the Charcoal in a Trash Can
Put out your charcoal grill using the procedures listed below. You’ll need a metal shovel or spade, heat-resistant gloves, and a heavy-duty trash can with a lid to get started.
- Remove anything that is blocking your path to the coals to ensure you have easy access.
- Put on your heat-resistant gloves and scoop the smoldering coals into the metal trash can.
- Put the trash can lid on and find a safe spot to place it
This procedure will deplete the oxygen supply to the coals, causing them to go out.
Keep in mind that the charcoal may take up to 48 hours to entirely burn out. Check to see if the charcoal can be used again once it has cooled down.
3. Put Charcoal Down in a Can filled with Water
This is the riskiest option, but it can also be quite effective if done correctly. This is, nevertheless, less hazardous than storing the coals in a trash can for a few days!
If you follow the methods below, you’ll be able to safely put out your charcoal grill with water. Again, heat-resistant gloves, a metal shovel or a spade, a solid metal bucket, and access to water are required.
- First and foremost, ensure that you have clear access to the coals.
- Put on your heat-resistant gloves and scoop the smoldering coals into the metal trash can.
- Move the trash can to a safe location
- Fill the can with water
Simply keep filling the trash can with water until the coals are completely extinguished. When you’re finished, congratulate yourself on your achievement and prepare the grill for your next BBQ!
4. DIY a Lid for Your Charcoal Grill
Even if you have an older grill or you misplaced your lid, you can always get a new one! You can either purchase one online, or to make things even more fun – DIY it! There are multiple options for making a lid. However the most important thing to keep in mind is that the material needs to be fireproof!
If you are crafty enough and have the right tools, you can get a metal plate and bend it into a shape fitting for your grill. If you prefer to get hands on with grilling and not so much with DIY, you can always get a metal container or even a terracotta or metal flower pot. As long as it covers the entire grill and is fireproof, you are good to go!
In comparison to the others, this is the safest way because there is no risk of harming yourself or others.
5. Put off the Charcoal in the Grill with Water
This is also a pretty easy solution if you want to preserve your charcoal for reuse! But I do not prefer it since there is a big chance you can damage your grill when you pour water over the charcoal directly.
Follow the methods below and proceed with caution. Make sure you have heat-proof gloves, a bucket or metal jug, water and face mask before starting this approach.
- Make sure you have easy access to the coals; if something is blocking it, remove it.
- Put on your heat-resistant gloves, wear the face mask and fill the bucket or jug with water.
- SLOWLY pour water over the charcoal, being cautious not to put your face over the grill due to the scorching steam.
With this procedure, you should have completely cooled down charcoal in a few hours, but it will take a few days for them to completely dry out, and be reusable. Do it gently and carefully – it will be safe and damage-free for both the grill and you!
Can I Pour Water on my Charcoal Grill?
Despite the fact that it is plausible, it should not be your first option!
Pouring water on a hot charcoal grill can damage the grill – it can cause cracks and holes in your barbeque.
It can also be damaging to your own health. When you pour water onto a hot charcoal grill, it creates a cloud of steam which may cause severe burns. You can also inhale smoke that could be harmful to your lungs.
So avoid pouring water directly onto a hot charcoal grill – it is not a good idea!
Does Salt Put out Fire?
Yes! When it comes to culinary ingredients, salt and even sand can be really useful in extinguishing a fire.
Salt smothers the fire almost as efficiently as covering it with a lid! Throw salt on your charcoal grill and wait for it to go out! Because the compounds in the salt crystalize the soot, the fire simply falls down and vanishes.
However, avoid using flour or baking powder because it can snuff the flame rather than extinguish them. Before attempting to use salt to extinguish your fire, think about the five methods, we outlined before.
How to Clean the Charcoal Grill After Putting Out the Fire?
It’s time to clean up your grill after you grilled your favorite supper and after you’ve put out your charcoal grill.
Don’t leave food residue on your grates from your last meal. The next time you ignite your grill, it will burn, and the scorched bits are not only extremely unappetizing but also very harmful to your health!
Follow these steps to clean your charcoal grill without leaving any debris and grease behind:
- Collect the following cleaning materials: plastic or paper bags, foil, a grill brush, and a fork.
- Take off the grill grate and use a grill brush to clean it. You should repeat this process several times.
- Scrub using the aluminum foil– Clean any leftover grease or debris from the grate using a ball of aluminum foil.
- Clean the grill’s bottom as well as the lid– Brush any dirt from the grill’s bottom and empty the ash catcher if one exists.
- Reassemble the grill– Put the grill back together and put it in a clean place.
It is that simple to clean your charcoal grill! Check to see if it is clean and free of dirt. You’ve cleaned your grill, and it is ready for your next cookout.
Final Thoughts
Certain strategies are required to put out a charcoal grill without a lid. It should be much easier to extinguish the coals now that you know what you’re doing!
It wouldn’t be wise to act rashly and end up badly burned. It’s also possible that starting a fire will be disastrous!
However, you won’t have any troubles if you are attentive and follow the tips before.
We’ve shown you five different ways how to put out a charcoal grill without a lid quickly and easily. However, I believe that purchasing a new lid is one of the finest solutions!
When utilizing a grill, whether with or without a lid, be sure you do it in a safe location.
Eating is a must, and grilling is a form of art!
