How to Make Your Own Charcoal at Home

With the Kadai Charcoal Maker, you can turn hardwood scraps into clean-burning charcoal. No additives or chemicals, just fire, time, and tradition.

1. Fill it with Hardwood

Gather small, dried hardwood pieces. Stack them tightly into the Charcoal Maker drum. oak, beech, fruitwoods all work well here.

2. Seal and Ignite

Place the lid securely on the drum before placing in the embers of your fire after cooking or relaxing. Add a few logs around the Charcoal Maker to build the fire around it. Steam will begin to escape as moisture is driven out. At this point you can sit back and enjoy the flames with your favourite tipple in hand.

3. Burn Low and Slow

Leave the Charcoal Maker nestled in the heat for around 2 hours. The initial smoke turns white or bluish, signalling the carbonisation process is nearing completion.

4. Cool Completely

Remove the drum and wait until it's fully cold before opening, this prevents the charcoal from igniting unexpectedly. Alternatively simply leave the Charcoal Maker to cool overnight in your Kadai Fire Pit.

5. Harvest & Enjoy

Your charcoal is now ready. Use it in your Kadai firebowl for clean, hot burns with real flavour, ideal for grilling, searing, or low-and-slow cooks.

Why It Matters

Clean Fuel: Homemade lump charcoal is chemical-free, with robust heat and minimal smoke, perfect for flavourful cooking.
Eco-Friendly: You're recycling your own wood waste, no plastic packaging or unclear sourcing.
Empowering: Making your own fuel lets you take control of the cooking process, from materials to flame and you can enjoy the pleasure of making your own charcoal.

Top Tips:

Use small, consistently-sized wood to ensure even carbonisation.
Aim for tight stacking inside the drum for best result
Watch for the change from grey to blue-white smoke, that's your cue that it's done

So, how to make your own charcoal at home? It's simple: fill the Charcoal Maker with hardwood, burn slowly for 2 hours, cool, and enjoy clean fuel that's kind to the planet, made by you.
With a bit of care, your Kadai Charcoal Maker pays for itself, and delivers unmatched flavour, sustainability, and control. Ready to start?