How to Store Charcoal Properly (So It Doesn’t Go Bad or Ruin Your BBQ)

🔥 Don’t Let Damp Charcoal Ruin Your Cookout

I’ll be honest — I learned this the hard way. A few summers back, I fired up the grill, threw a few chunks of charcoal into the chimney starter, and… nothing. No flame, no heat, just a sad little puff of smoke. The culprit? Damp charcoal that I’d lazily left in a half-open bag in the garage.

Ever since then, I’ve taken charcoal storage a bit more seriously. If you’ve ever struggled to light your grill or wondered why your coals just don’t seem to burn like they used to, this one’s for you.

🌧️ Why Charcoal Goes Bad (Yes, It Can)

Technically, charcoal doesn’t expire, but it can absorb moisture, and once that happens, lighting it becomes frustrating — and it never quite burns the same. Especially if you're using lump charcoal, which is porous and acts like a sponge for humidity.

Even worse? Some briquettes contain fillers and starches that clump or break down when they get damp. Once they’ve gone soft or flaky, you might as well toss them.

✅ Best Ways to Store Charcoal (Tried and Tested)

1. Keep It Dry — Really Dry

This seems obvious, but it’s worth repeating: moisture is your enemy. The moment you open that bag, charcoal starts pulling in ambient humidity. If you're storing it in a shed, garage, or basement — even if it's out of direct rain — you’re still at risk.

My solution: I use a heavy-duty storage bin with a tight seal. I’ve seen people use old metal trash cans with a lid, and that works great too. Bonus points if it’s airtight.

2. Avoid Plastic Bags Unless They Seal

The original bag your charcoal comes in isn’t made to reseal. If you’re going to leave it in there, at least roll the top down tight and clip it. Or better yet, pour the contents into something more solid.

What’s worked for me:

• Large dog food containers

• Contractor-grade plastic bins with rubber gaskets

• Steel ammo cans (for small batches of lump charcoal)

3. Store Off the Ground

Especially if you keep your stash in the garage or shed, don’t store your charcoal directly on the floor. Concrete sweats with temperature changes, and that moisture can transfer into the bag. A wood pallet, cinder blocks, or even a couple bricks underneath make a big difference.

4. Label Your Charcoal if You Use Multiple Types

I do a lot of different grilling — low and slow one weekend, high heat searing the next — so I keep multiple types of charcoal on hand. Briquettes for slow cooks, lump for fast, fruitwood blends when I want a touch of sweet smoke.

If you dump everything into the same bin without a label, you’ll forget what’s what. Trust me. A piece of tape and a marker saves you the guessing game later.

🔥 Bonus: How to Revive Damp Charcoal (Sometimes)

If you find your charcoal has gone a little soft but not totally mushy, leave it out in the sun for a day or two. Spread it on a metal sheet or grill grate. In dry weather, it can recover enough to use — though it may burn less cleanly.

I wouldn’t use it for low-and-slow cooks, but it’s fine for a quick burger or hot dog night.

Final Thought

It’s easy to spend all your time thinking about rubs, marinades, wood chips, and grilling gadgets — but forget that charcoal is the heart of your BBQ. Treat it like food: store it clean, dry, and sealed.

I keep mine in a plastic tote with a locking lid, sitting on a couple 2x4s in my shed. It’s a small setup, but I haven’t had a soggy briquette since.

A little effort goes a long way. Your fire will burn hotter, your food will taste better, and you’ll save yourself the stress of fighting damp, useless charcoal when all you wanted was a good cookout.