Charcoal shelf life?

motoeric · 05-03-2008, 02:49 PM

Hi,

Is there a problem with charcoal being left in a shed over the winter? As long as it's kept dry, are there any problems?

Thanks,

Eric

milehigh · 05-03-2008, 03:09 PM

As long as it did'nt get wet, you should be fine Eric. If the bag was opened it will draw some humidity out of the air, but not enough to bother.

Paul

LMAJ · 05-03-2008, 03:53 PM

Hey Eric - we typically do a lump charcoal run and stock up. It often lasts us 12-18 months and we have never had any issues. We store it in the shed and keep it dry.

OSD · 05-03-2008, 04:16 PM

I agree with the others, shouldn't be any problems unless the bags get wet. I store mine in a shed on a pallet all the time.

MilitantSquatter · 05-03-2008, 04:20 PM

Last week, I used some Nature's Own lump that was in my garage for approx 2 yrs unopened. Put in a Weber fire cube and it lit up no problem.

Jeremiah · 05-03-2008, 04:46 PM

My dad has some pathmark brand briquettes in the garage for like 5 years, they didn't burn too well on my la caja china I think they grabbed some moisture from sitting around all that time.

I have some Rancher left which I've been storing in doors. It could just be that my perception is off, but they don't seem to burn as consistently now as they did prior to the winter. They seem a bit more brittle too (before ignition).

My wicked good lump that was also stored with the Rancher is absolutely fine.

Harbormaster · 05-03-2008, 06:37 PM

If you make sure it's not on concrete you should be OK.

If not, I have about 35 bags of Rancher that are in trouble

yelonutz · 05-03-2008, 06:43 PM

I have found that if I put an open bag of Rancher in the firebox of my Gator pit it the seal it up, it really seems to help keep down the condensation problem. When I use it I have the propane ignition and use 1/2 a bag for a base to put my Almond wood on. If you were to use it in a WSM or similar, it might not work as well.

NUTZ

chibi · 05-04-2008, 08:23 AM

I have 28 bags of Rancher in my shed. used one yesterday and had no problems. So as long as it is not raining in your shed you should be fine.

05-03-2008, 02:49 PM	#1
motoeric Babbling Farker Join Date: 08-07-06 Location: huntington, ny	Charcoal shelf life? Hi, Is there a problem with charcoal being left in a shed over the winter? As long as it's kept dry, are there any problems? Thanks, Eric __________________ Smoke Signals Current Issue A BBQ Brethren Publication 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Exodus 12:9

05-03-2008, 03:53 PM	#3
LMAJ somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 07-01-07 Location: Southeastern Pa	Hey Eric - we typically do a lump charcoal run and stock up. It often lasts us 12-18 months and we have never had any issues. We store it in the shed and keep it dry. __________________ L-M Official Pennsylvania MOINK Ball maker 1 Large BGE - 7/5/08 1 Large BGE and table - 8/29/12 1300 Timberline 5/26/17 1 18.5 WSM Super Fast BLUE and REDThermopen 1 - Fantastic hubby - the original Big Al Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. - Robert Brault

05-03-2008, 04:16 PM	#4
OSD is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 12-22-05 Location: Pinellas Park, Fl.	I agree with the others, shouldn't be any problems unless the bags get wet. I store mine in a shed on a pallet all the time. __________________ Jim

05-03-2008, 04:20 PM	#5
MilitantSquatter Moderator Join Date: 09-17-05 Location: Mooresville, NC	Last week, I used some Nature's Own lump that was in my garage for approx 2 yrs unopened. Put in a Weber fire cube and it lit up no problem. __________________ XL BGE (#2) & Performer Platinum Former owner: Jambo Backyard, Klose BYC, Lonestar Vertical offset w/ Insulated Firebox, Medium Spicewine, Pitts & Spitts, XL BGE (#1) & (2) Medium BGE's, 22" WSM & (2) 18" WSM's, 18" & 22" Weber Kettles

05-03-2008, 04:46 PM	#6
Jeremiah is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 09-10-07 Location: Brooklyn, NY	My dad has some pathmark brand briquettes in the garage for like 5 years, they didn't burn too well on my la caja china I think they grabbed some moisture from sitting around all that time. I have some Rancher left which I've been storing in doors. It could just be that my perception is off, but they don't seem to burn as consistently now as they did prior to the winter. They seem a bit more brittle too (before ignition). My wicked good lump that was also stored with the Rancher is absolutely fine. __________________ Heavy Metal BBQ

05-03-2008, 03:09 PM	#2
milehigh is One Chatty Farker Join Date: 10-23-07 Location: Butte MT	As long as it did'nt get wet, you should be fine Eric. If the bag was opened it will draw some humidity out of the air, but not enough to bother. Paul

05-03-2008, 06:37 PM	#7
Harbormaster somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 07-14-06 Location: Wyocena/Pardeeville, WI Name/Nickname : Clark	If you make sure it's not on concrete you should be OK. If not, I have about 35 bags of Rancher that are in trouble __________________ Clark My Boys: Joseph (EI); Andrew (EE); Daniel (EE) My Toys: 10 WSMs (B, C, E, DH, DA, EZ, DZ, EO, DU, DR); 5 - 22.5" Bar-B-Q-Kettles; 2 - 18.5" Bar-B-Q-Kettle; 4 WGAs (EZ, DE, N, B); 2 SJPs ( DR, DR); 2 Smokey Joes (A, K); Brinkman Cimmaron. "For when democracy becomes tyranny, those of us with rifles still get to vote"

05-03-2008, 06:43 PM	#8
yelonutz is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 06-02-07 Location: Chico, Ca	I have found that if I put an open bag of Rancher in the firebox of my Gator pit it the seal it up, it really seems to help keep down the condensation problem. When I use it I have the propane ignition and use 1/2 a bag for a base to put my Almond wood on. If you were to use it in a WSM or similar, it might not work as well. NUTZ __________________ Weber Smokey Mountain 18 & 22.5 in Gator Pit Trailer mount MAK 2 Star General Pellet Pooper Medium Green Egg Mini Green Egg New Black stoker with built in wi-fi KCBS CBJ #20258 Drunk Uncles BBQ Team, Ruining Family Gatherings for Over 20 Years. DAMN IT ANDY!!

05-04-2008, 08:23 AM	#9
chibi Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 06-14-06 Location: ftcollins,Co	I have 28 bags of Rancher in my shed. used one yesterday and had no problems. So as long as it is not raining in your shed you should be fine. __________________ CHIBI-Q comp team. Vertical insulated charcoal dropping clone. Homemade offset. Traeger LilTex for winter cheating. <>< Remember when you get in the storms of life that's when you have to learn to dance in the rain.

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