To cool heat beads after use, you should pour water over them if possible, or cover them with sand or dirt if water is not available.
Properly cooling hot heat beads (charcoal briquettes) after cooking is essential for preventing fires and ensuring safety. You should never leave hot coals unattended. The primary methods involve either dousing with water or smothering.
Using Water (Primary Method)
The most effective way to quickly cool and extinguish hot heat beads is by using water. According to safety guidelines for extinguishing fuel:
"TO EXTINGUISH: Where possible pour water over fuel."
Pour water carefully but thoroughly over the hot coals until all signs of heat and embers are gone. Ensure the beads are completely saturated and cool to the touch before disposal.
Using Sand or Dirt (Alternative)
If you do not have access to water, you can use sand or dirt to extinguish the hot beads. The reference states:
"If water is not available, cover hot briquettes with sand or dirt."
Covering the hot beads completely with a layer of sand or dirt smothers the fire by cutting off oxygen, allowing them to cool down safely over time.
Safety First: Ensuring They Are Cold
Regardless of the method used, a critical safety instruction is:
"Ensure fuel has cooled down before leaving the BBQ unit unattended."
Always verify that the heat beads are completely cold before disposing of them or walking away from the barbecue area. This prevents accidental reignition or burns.
Here are the steps summarised:
- Preferably: Pour water over the hot heat beads until they are thoroughly extinguished and cold.
- Alternatively: If water is unavailable, cover the hot beads entirely with sand or dirt.
- Always: Confirm that the heat beads are completely cool before leaving the BBQ or disposing of the coals.
