How to Build an Outdoor BBQ Grill

Make your own grill using some basic items.

Since barbecue grills are often expensive, you can consider making your own. You also might need to construct your own grill when camping or somewhere else without barbecue grills. Whatever the situation, making your own grill is something eminently doable for most. Just remember to keep the grill away from flammable items and ensure your coals are no longer glowing or smoking before leaving the fire.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Concrete blocks
• Cooking grate
• Charcoal

Instructions

1. Use an area away from flammable items where it is fine to dig. For example, you would not want to build a grill next to your favorite flower garden. Instead, an out-of-the-way area of the yard would be appropriate.

2. Dig a shallow hole about 3 inches to 6 inches deep. The precise hole size will depend on the size of fire you desire. You can keep it quite small or go large, depending on your preferences. You will build your cooking fire inside the hole, so digging will help keep the fire away from wind and make sure that nothing on the surface, like grass, can cause a fire to spread.

3. Surround the area you dug with concrete blocks. This will help keep the fire protected from the wind and will help make sure it does not spread. Lay the concrete blocks on their sides and surround the area.

4. Place your cooking grate atop the concrete blocks. You can purchase a simple grill grate from a home-and-garden store or simply use a removable shelf from your oven.

5. Build your cooking fire underneath the grate and grill your favorite foods.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind this grill does not have a cover so it might not be the best option for cooking foods that require a closed grill, such as pork butt. Burgers, chicken pieces and hot dogs would all be easy to cook in this manner.

• If using propane bottles, make sure they are turned off between uses

• Ventilation, ventilation !

References

• Savvy Homemade: Crafting a Homemade Barbecue Grill
• Bonfeu-BBQ: Homemade Charcoal Grills!