Is Charcoal Still Good if It Gets Wet?

Many a homeowner has faced the frustration of a cooking fire suddenly being doused by unexpected rains, leading to soggy and potentially unusable charcoal. In this article, we explore the effects of water on charcoal, whether it can be salvaged, and tips on drying it out for future use.

Types of Charcoal

Charcoal can be broadly divided into two categories: natural lump charcoal and manufactured briquettes. Each type reacts differently when exposed to water, and thus the survival rate of these charcoals varies.

Natural Lump Charcoal

Natural lump charcoal is made from wooden pieces that are slowly pyrolyzed, allowing the wood to turn into charcoal. This process preserves the original structure of the wooden pieces, which is beneficial when the charcoal gets wet. If left for a sufficient amount of time, lump charcoal can regain its usability.

Manufactured Briquettes

Briquettes, on the other hand, are typically made with a combination of sawdust and binders to hold them together. The addition of binders means that water can dissolve these additives, leading to the breakdown of the charcoal. In extreme cases, the briquettes may turn into a wet, powdery mess. Even so, with diligent drying, some briquettes can regain their structure and usability.

Drying Out Wet Charcoal

The process of drying out wet charcoal is critical to its reuse. Since charcoal and wood can take considerable time to dry out, it is essential to use the right techniques to ensure that all moisture is removed.

Drying Lump Charcoal

Lump charcoal with large pieces can take a while to dry out completely. It is recommended to lay out the damp charcoal in a dry area, ideally in the sun to speed up the process. If the pieces are particularly large, it might be useful to place them on a grid over a small fire to encourage faster drying without starting the charcoal off the fire.

Drying Briquettes

Drying briquettes requires more attention to detail. Begin by draining all the water from the charcoal. You can place the wet charcoal in a large, dry cast iron pot. Cover the charcoal with a lid and roast it over a fire. As the charcoal heats up, the moisture will be driven off in the form of steam. Once the charcoal is dry and the pot stops giving off steam, carefully remove it from the fire and allow it to cool. Once it is cool enough, you can remove the lid to complete the drying process.

Cautions and Special Considerations

Some types of charcoal, particularly those with added binding or organic materials, may be more challenging to dry out. These types of charcoal may not regain their original structure and could turn into a mess. However, they can still be useful in starting the fire with the help of a lighter or a starter fluid.

Final Thoughts

While it is possible for charcoal to become wet and lose its usability, it is often possible to recover it with careful drying. Whether you have lump charcoal or briquettes, understanding the proper techniques can help you salvage these valuable resources, ensuring that your next cooking adventure is not derailed by unexpected rains.