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Can You Use Charcoal In A Wood Fire Pit?

Can You Use Charcoal In A Wood Fire Pit?

If you have a wood fire pit, you may have wondered if you can use other types of fuel to start your fire. The answer is yes. In a wood fire pit, you have two options for fuel: charcoal and wood. Because many people aren't aware they can make a coal fire in their wood fire pit, we want to spend some time discussing how to do just that.



Wood and coal can be used interchangeably in a wood fire pit. The only thing you need to keep in mind is removing the previous fuel from the fire before starting a new one. The great thing about having coal as another option is, it is much cheaper than wood and way less labor intensive.

I mean, how hard is it to go to Walmart & get a few bags of coal, right? Depending on where you live & how chaotic your neighborhood Walmart is, you may prefer chopping wood by hand, but the point is still the same.

Can You Use Charcoal In A Wood Fire Pit
charcoal in wood fire pit

Coal fires are also much easier to tend to than wood fire pits. Coal lights faster and stays lit without kindling or putting much effort into the placement of the coals. With a wood fire pit, you need to place a mixture of sticks and balls of paper beneath a teepee or cabin log style stack of wood to begin the burn.

For some fire pits, manufacturers include a drop-in grill which, when paired with charcoal, can turn your wood fire pit into a charcoal grill. If you like experimenting with the different types of flavors infused by the different fuels, this is a great way to do that.

Can You Use Charcoal In A Wood Fire Pit
drop in grill

There are many benefits to having a coal fire versus a wood fire. Thankfully, you can do both in any wood fire pit. Transitioning to coal is as simple as removing the wood ash, placing your lump charcoal in the fire pit, covering it with kerosene and lighting it.... carefully, I might add.

Should you have any questions on how to light a charcoal fire or how to start a fire in general, you are welcome to give us a call at 800.203.1642

About the Author

Collin Champagne

With over 13 years in the industry, Collin is a National Fireplace Institute (NFI) certified technician and managed content for the eFireplacestore and eCanopy brands. He has achieved the highest NFI certification possible as a Master Hearth Professional and is certified in all three hearth appliance fields: wood, gas, and pellet. With experience with sales and in-field installations, his expertise shines through his technical knowledge and way with words.

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Customer Q&A with Product Specialists

David J. from lavallette nj asked:
Can you use coal in place of wood?
Can you use coal in place of wood?
Yes. Wood and coal can be used interchangeably in a wood fire pit.
Answered by: Tyler M. - NFI Master Hearth Professional

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