The best way to ensure your BBQ is completely out is to cut off the oxygen supply to the coals.
Here's a breakdown of methods you can use, ordered by preference (safest and most effective first):
Methods for Extinguishing BBQ Coals
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Closing the Vents (Recommended):
- Close the bottom vents completely.
- Close the damper (top vent) on the lid. This starves the coals of oxygen, causing them to extinguish.
- The time it takes for the coals to completely cool down depends on the amount of charcoal remaining. It can take several hours or even overnight. Never leave a grill unattended while it's cooling.
- Important: Before storing the grill, ensure the coals are completely cold to the touch.
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Water (Use with Caution):
- Use as a last resort. Rapidly cooling hot coals with water can create a cloud of steam and ash, potentially causing burns. It can also damage your grill.
- If you must use water, do it very gradually. Pour small amounts of water slowly and carefully over the coals.
- Stir the coals with a long-handled tool to ensure all embers are extinguished.
- Be prepared for a lot of steam and potentially flying ash. Wear eye protection and gloves.
- This method leaves you with a muddy mess to clean up.
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Sand (Less Common):
- Covering the coals with sand can help smother them.
- Like water, this can be messy, and you'll have to dispose of the sand and ash mixture properly.
- Ensure the sand is completely dry before using it, as wet sand can cause steam.
What NOT to Do:
- Never dump hot coals into a trash can, especially one made of plastic or containing flammable materials.
- Never leave a grill unattended while coals are still hot.
- Never store a grill with hot coals inside.
Safety Tips:
- Always wear heat-resistant gloves when handling the grill.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of emergency.
- Dispose of cooled ashes properly (see below).
Proper Disposal of Cooled Ashes:
- Wait for complete cooling: Ensure ashes are completely cold (at least 48 hours).
- Metal container: Place the ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. This is crucial to prevent any lingering embers from reigniting.
- Store safely: Store the metal container away from flammable materials.
- Disposal: Check local regulations for proper ash disposal. Some communities allow ashes to be mixed with regular trash, while others require them to be taken to a designated disposal site. Ashes can sometimes be used as fertilizer in gardens (check the ash composition and local regulations).
