How to Convert Gas Grill to Charcoal?
Embarking on the adventure of converting your gas-burning grill into one that burns charcoal is a thrilling process.
The allure of charcoal grilling, with its smoky flavor and traditional appeal, often calls to those of us who have grown a bit weary of the convenience of gas.
My journey began with a gas barbecue that was no longer working as it once did but was still in good enough shape to warrant a transformation rather than a retirement.
This option to convert came as a revelation, presenting a relatively easy set of instructions that promised a great new lease on life for my current grill.
How to Convert a Gas Barbecue to Burn Charcoal?
Required Tools
- 1/2-Inch Drill Bit
- Power Drill
- Heavy-Duty Chicken Wire
- Wire Cutters
- Pliers
Step 1 – Initiate by Cleaning the Gas Grill
Initiating the transformation of your old gas grill into a charcoal sanctuary begins with a thorough cleaning. Check for rust or signs of poor condition within the grill’s interior, which faces constant heat and exposure.
This initial assessment is crucial; purchasing a new rack or other mechanical components might be more cost-effective than attempting to convert if the grill is too far gone.
For those mechanical components no longer in use, it’s essential to maintain the grill’s ability to withstand the demands of charcoal grilling. Be sure to consider the state of the existing rack.
Investing in a new one could enhance your gas barbecue’s transformation if it’s compromised. This step is not just about cleaning but about ensuring your grill can handle its new life under constant heat.
Step 2 – Dismantle Gas-Related Parts
The next phase involves safely removing all gas-related parts. Start by removing the gas tank from the grill, ensuring there’s no gas left to avoid any potential hazard.
Disconnect the hose and venturi tubes, which are typically located underneath the grill and are part of the lead pipes system that delivers gas to the burners.
When removing the rack for a clearer working area, take a moment to look for the burner and identify the screws holding it in position at the base of the grill. Carefully unscrew the burner and venturi assembly.
A word of warning: ensure all gas connections are fully functional and safe to dismantle. If there’s any gas left, it poses a potential hazard, so take precautions to store the gas tank safely away from your working area.
Step 3 – Install a Steel Sheet
To accommodate the new fuel source, installing an 18-gauge steel sheet at the grill base is essential. This sheet will cover the area previously occupied by the burner, providing a sturdy platform for charcoal and wood chips.
First, measure and cut the sheet to the right size and thickness to fit snugly at the bottom of your grill. Using a jigsaw or similar tool, carefully cut the steel to ensure it covers the bottom effectively, including over the burner hole at the base.
This prevents any charcoal or wood chips from falling through. The sheet should be large enough to extend slightly over each side of the base, depending on the grill’s size.
Attach it securely to the bottom of the grill using sheet metal screws, placing a few screws around the perimeter to allow for a stable and secure fit.
Step 4 – Ignite Your New Charcoal Grill
With the physical conversion complete, it’s time to ignite your new charcoal grill. Begin by filling the base with charcoal briquettes and wood chips, avoiding any flammable material nearby.
Light the charcoal using your preferred method, ensuring the grill is in a safe, open area. Once the charcoal is lit, replace the rack on top and wait until the temperature has reached a sufficient level for cooking.
This might take a few moments, but patience is key to achieving the perfect grilling conditions. Once the grill is ready, you can start cooking your favorite meals, enjoying the rich, smoky flavors that only charcoal grilling can provide.
Comparing Gas and Charcoal Grills
The debate between gas and charcoal grills is a long-standing one among barbecue aficionados, each side swearing by the difference in taste and convenience their preferred method offers.
When considering a conversion from a gas grill to charcoal, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each type, especially if your current grill is still in working condition and not too far gone to be usable.
This comparison becomes meaningless if your grill is beyond repair, but for those still working, the choice can significantly relate to the quality of a barbecue meal.
Gas Grill:
Gas grills are prized for their convenience. With the simple press of a button, they heat up faster and can be easier to clean, making them a less expensive option to purchase and maintain in the long run.
Their fuel is also more conveniently obtained than charcoal, which can be a deciding factor for many.
Charcoal Grills
On the other hand, charcoal grills offer a smokey taste that is often closely related to the traditional notion of a barbecue meal. The fuel, while not as convenient to obtain as gas, is often less expensive or even free if you have access to wood scraps or buy in bulk.
The ability of charcoal to catch and release grease as smoke back onto the food provides a distinct flavor that many favor.
Newer, more expensive models of charcoal grills might include features like a ceramic bar that mimics this ability, further enhancing the smokey taste.
If considering a switch, it’s crucial to add that some charcoal grills allow for more temperature control and can gain a wider range of smokey flavors.
This can be a significant advantage for those looking to explore different barbecue techniques and flavors, making charcoal grills the best type for culinary experimentation.
However, the most suitable grill type ultimately depends on personal preference and lifestyle. If speed, convenience, and minimal cleanup are your priorities, gas grills are the way to go.
But if you cherish the ritual of grilling and the complex flavors it can bring to your food, a charcoal grill might be your best choice.
Conclusion:
Converting a gas grill to a charcoal grill embodies a blend of tradition and innovation, offering a pathway to experience the rich, smoky flavors characteristic of charcoal grilling with the convenience of an existing gas grill.
This transformation involves a series of well-defined steps, from cleaning and preparing the grill for its new purpose to installing key components like a steel sheet and a charcoal tray to facilitate the switch.
It’s a journey that requires careful consideration of the grill’s condition, an understanding of the tools and materials needed, and a willingness to embark on a DIY project that not only revives an old grill but also enhances the grilling experience.
Whether driven by a desire for the taste that only charcoal can impart or the thrill of repurposing and customization, converting a gas grill to charcoal is a rewarding endeavor that marries the best of both worlds, proving that with a bit of effort and creativity, you can tailor your grilling equipment to fit your culinary preferences and aspirations.
FAQ’s
Can you convert a gas grill to a charcoal grill?
Yes, some gas grills allow for using them as charcoal grills through an optional accessory known as a charcoal tray.
This add-on option is designed to fit seamlessly into the grill grates, right above the burners. Charcoal trays serve as a drop-in component that replaces the burner system to convert your grill.
Once placed, you can ignite charcoal within it, combining the convenience of an easy-to-light gas grill with the authentic taste and experience of charcoal grilling.
Can I use the gas grill for charcoal?
In general, gas grills are not designed to handle the heat created by burning charcoal. Adding charcoal directly to a gas grill could damage the grill and its burners, as they are not designed for this type of heat.
It’s an important distinction to make for those looking to save money or repurpose older grills. The majority of gas grills should not be used with charcoal for many reasons, including safety risks and potential damage to the grill itself.
How do I make my gas grill taste like charcoal?
To mimic the taste of charcoal on your gas grill, you can use wood chips wrapped in foil to create smoke.
Soak a cup or more of wood chips, then enclose them in foil and poke a few holes in it. The goal is for the chips to smolder slowly and consistently, not burn quickly. This packet can then be placed directly on the burner or the grill area.
Use your usual method of grilling but let the smoke from the packet out to infuse your food with a taste like that of charcoal grilling.
