Charcoal Maker
Charcoal is made by heating wood in the absence of oxygen and driving off all the moisture and then burning off the impurities, leaving a near pure form of carbon. You can use any wood but preferably hardwood as this will produce a better grade of charcoal than softwood and will burn for longer. Suggested hardwoods are oak, hazel or beech.
How to use your Charcoal Maker
- Split some dry, well-seasoned logs into 3-8cm wide strips, or gather some branches and sticks from your garden.
- Use the opening tool provided to prise off one end cap and pack the wood tightly into the Charcoal Maker - 6.5kg of wood will produce approximately 1.5kg of charcoal.
- Clear any residue from the chimney holes with the spike provided.
- Build up a fire in the Firebowl to get a good bed of hot embers, then nestle in the Charcoal Maker as low as possible.
- Carefully build up the fire around it and try to maintain a moderate heat for around 2 hours. NB: Be aware that if the fire gets too hot it may damage the Charcoal Maker.
- During the first hour steam will come out of the chimneys, then during the second hour the burnt off gases will produce a yellow flame. Carefully remove the Charcoal Maker from the fire once the flame is no longer yellow and leave up to 12 hours to completely cool.