Given the relative cheapness of smokeless coal, I was wondering why it is unsuitable to use for barbequeing food. Obviously it is unsuitable, or everyone would be doing it... but why? Does anyone know please?
Okay, if your so smart why did you have to ask in the first place?
Perhaps it's because coal is harder to light, heavier to carry and more suitable for a long sustained burn whereas charcoal's properties make it ideal for carrying, quick lighting and short, hot burning.
Quote: Originally posted by Jon Mace on 16/08/2005
Okay, if your so smart why did you have to ask in the first place?
Perhaps it's because coal is harder to light, heavier to carry and more suitable for a long sustained burn whereas charcoal's properties make it ideal for carrying, quick lighting and short, hot burning.
What do you think?
Fair enough.... don't think I was trying to be smart....
The reason I asked was that I have a brazier/bbq which I would like to use in the garden... I thought that if I used smokeless coal I could do this without annoying my neighbours with wood smoke. Then I thought maybe I could bbq on it too. If it's basically toxic to do so then I suppose I could start with charcoal, cook the food and then start adding the coal.
Caz - used to do that in our last house. Winter Saturdays, we used to light the coal fire, Richard would drag TV and vidoe in from the other room and we would snuggle up together - then we got married Love a coal fire and am in the middle of opening up the chimney in my main room.
I have seen these combined BBQ/fire things,but am not too sure how they work.
Oh dear! I think I must have been dead for the last three years!!!
When I moved to this house three and a half years ago, I had virtually nothing, including a cooker. I had a microwave, but cooked all my meat (and toast) over the fire for the first three months until I could afford to buy a cooker. I'm still here, and felt no ill effects at the time. Why?
Ah memories. When I was growing up my Gran did all her cooking on a range that burnt coal. She lived to 71 and my Grandad to 79 so it can't have done too much harm.
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
Interesting variety of views, thanks people. I suspect that a Chimnea, unless cast-iron couldn't cope with coal/wood. As for the toxic/danger- well it sounds like it's not a huge danger- after all we obviously sit in coal-fired rooms- but yes there's obviously a difference between that and eating it... and obviously there wouldn't be any flavour added.... guess I'll do as I suggested above, start with charcoal, then add the coal for a fire afterwards. I just find charcoal stupidly expensive- I object to spending £1-£1.50 per BBQ in charcoal 'fees' every time I want to spark it up.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: BBQ fuel- why not coal?
!! !! view website for caravan renovation!
Love a coal fire and am in the middle of opening up the chimney in my main room. 
