How to Convert a Gas Barbecue to Burn Charcoal
Converting a gas barbecue to burn charcoal is a relatively easy process and is a very good option if your current gas-burning grill is no longer working. Before converting your old gas barbecue be sure to check the grill for rust. If the rack on top of the grill is in poor repair consider purchasing a new rack. The mechanical components of the gas grill will no longer be in use, but the ability of the grill's interior to maintain a constant heat remains important. If the exterior of the grill has rusted and contains holes the gas grill cannot be converted to a charcoal burning grill. If your grill is in good enough shape, the following instructions will allow you to convert a gas barbecue into a charcoal or wood chip burning grill.
Step 1 - Remove Gas Components
Remove the gas tank (natural gas or propane) from the grill. Disconnect the hose leading to the venture tubes, located underneath the grill. Also remove the venturi and lead pipes. You can find these by removing the rack from the grill, looking at the burner you'll see screws holding it in position at the base of the grill. Unscrew the screws and remove the burner and venturi assembly from the grill.
Step 2 - Add the Sheet Steel
Begin by cutting the sheet steel large enough to cover the bottom of the grill base, where the burner once resided. Attach the sheet metal to the bottom of the grill using the sheet metal screws. A few screws on each side should allow you to securely cover the burner hole. By doing this you will have a base to put charcoal or wood chips inside the grill without having them fall through.
Step 3 - Light the Grill
Fill the grill with charcoal briquettes or wood chips, light the flammable material, and replace the rack on top. Once it has reached a sufficient temperature the grill will be ready for cooking.
Gas vs Charcoal Grills
This may not be a problem, if your gas grill is too far gone to use as anything but a charcoal grill, but you might consider the pros and cons of the two grill types. Gas grills are much faster to heat and generally more convenient to use, as it only take the press of a button to get one going. Charcoal grills, however, are generally less expensive to purchase and fuel. If you are converting an old gas grill, it is practically free to obtain a working charcoal grill. Some serious barbecuers swear they can tell the difference between a gas and charcoal grill, and are generally in favor of the charcoal grill's taste. However, newer and more expensive models of gas grills add a ceramic bar that mimics the charcoal grill's ability to catch grease and releases them back onto the food as smoke. This allows the food to gain the smokey taste most would relate to the best type of barbecue meal.