How to Make a Charcoal Grill From a 55 Gal. Drum

Recycle a 55-gallon drum into a functioning upright charcoal grill. With a little help from a professional and a few basic cuts and welds, you will have a sturdy charcoal grill that you can be proud of. Impress friends and family at your next cookout by preparing their steak on your custom-made 55-gallon-drum grill.

Things You'll Need

• 55-gallon drum
• Drill
• 4 bolts
• 4 washers
• 2 empty food cans
• Wood
• Water
• Charcoal
• Fireplace matches
• Large circular grill grate

Instructions

1. Locate a 55-gallon drum that has not been used to hold anything toxic or dangerous. Chemicals that remain in the drum's lining will leech out into foods during cooking. Try asking your local farm-equipment and feed store if they have any empty grain or feed drums available.

2. Seek the help of an experienced welder and plasma cutter to completely remove the metal from the top of the drum, add handles, and cut four two-inch round vents in the side, evenly spaced around the base.

3. Drill a series of holes, two inches above the air vents at the base of the drum. Use bolts and washers to attach metal lids, cut from empty food cans, to function as adjustable vent covers. Large tomato cans have nice large tops and bottoms to use for this purpose.

4. Clean the drum completely prior to setting it up for your first cook. Start a raging wood fire inside the drum, large enough to heat the whole thing and burn off any residual grime on the inside surface. When the fire dies down, empty all the ashes and rinse out the drum, using only water.

5. Stack charcoal in a mound in the base of the drum and slide open the air vents before lighting it. Poke a long fireplace match through one of the vents to avoid burning your arm during the ignition process.

6. Place a circular grate over the open top of the drum and allow it to get hot over the charcoal before you place food on your new grill.

Tips & Warnings

• For faster cooking times, cover the grill grate with a large metal bowl. This will trap heat and moisture and will raise the temperature on the grill's surface. For extra smoky flavor, soak some hardwood chunks in water and toss them on the smoldering charcoal fire. Be sure your air vents are open, to allow for the smoke to circulate past your food.

• Cutting and welding may leave sharp edges on your grill. Use a metal file to smooth any sharp corners and prevent injury.

References

• How to Build a Grill Out of a 55-Gallon Drum