How to Build a Grill

Nothing beats a get-together with friends and family at a cookout. The grill is hot, and the weather is probably nice enough to let everyone relax and wait for the meat to cook. Grills can be expensive, cheap or rented. But for the most memorable kind of cookout, take a little time to build your own grill. You can add a little pride to your fun-filled cookout party.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Measure the area where you will place your grill. Use these measurements to draw a plan. The plan should include the height, depth and width of the grill you want to build. Design one or two shelves for cooking, perhaps you like meat on one shelf and veggies or bread on a higher level.

2. Pour a concrete pad over the spot where you will build your grill. Purchase enough bricks and mortar to reach the required measurements you planned. Wait for the mortar to dry completely before your first cookout.

3. Use a 50-gallon metal trashcan to build a smoker or grill. Simply place the can over a cement pad, fill with charcoal and make an insert to hold the grill for your meat.

4. Dig a hole in the ground large enough to hold your meal. Make sure that there are no fire hazards nearby, such as dry grass or trees. You can make this permanent in your yard, or dig in a large open field where you will not run into any municipal zoning regulations.

5. Build a fire in the hole out of coals or wood. Let the fire burn down so the pit is very hot and place your food inside.

6. Wrap meat, potatoes and vegetables separately in tin foil. Cover the food with dirt and more coals, and wait a few hours. Dig up the food and enjoy a great caveman-style cookout.