Are there dangers to using solid fuel on a propane grill?
In another question, a user proposed burning briquettes on a propane grill in order to get charcoal flavor on the meat.
I don't grill myself, so I don't know enough to judge whether this is a great or a terrible idea. But my mom always told me that playing with fire is dangerous :)
So, are there safety problems with this approach, anything one should look out for?
Best Answer
Propane grills mix air with gas before burning it. Ash from charcoal and other contaminants can clog the flue and produce inefficient burning of the gas, possibly produce carbon monoxide (poison) or even gas build up.
As long as the gas parts (igniter, flue, pipes, etc) are clean and unaffected, the charcoal, hickory stick, etc, should not cause any issues to my knowledge.
On the whole, this idea is more on the terrible side than great. A charcoal BBQ is relatively inexpensive and with the aid of a hair-dryer can light up in little time :)
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Quick Answer about "Are there dangers to using solid fuel on a propane grill?"
Propane grills mix air with gas before burning it. Ash from charcoal and other contaminants can clog the flue and produce inefficient burning of the gas, possibly produce carbon monoxide (poison) or even gas build up.Is it unhealthy to grill with propane?
Plus, the only way propane itself can be harmful to your health is if you grill with it for a long time and let the smoke build up in a small space, which can lead to indoor air pollution and, consequently, carbon monoxide poisoning. Buuuut most grills are designed for outdoor use, so this shouldn't be a major concern.Can you use lighter fluid on a propane grill?
I would caution about using too much lighter fluid; use the minimum necessary. And put the lighter fluid on before the coals are lighted; don't squirt lighter fluid on already burning charcoal. Too many people decide to use gasoline if they don't have lighter fluid.Why should you never operate a gas charcoal barbecue indoors?
CARBON MONOXIDE HAZARD... Burning charcoal inside can kill you. It gives off carbon monoxide, which has no odor. NEVER burn charcoal inside homes, vehicles or tents." The new label also conveys the written warning visually with drawings.Are gas grills safe inside?
A propane grill should not be used indoors. Because carbon monoxide can build up and propane tanks can leak. At this time, the carbon monoxide detector does not detect it, people will die by inhaling this gas. It can even cause a fire because propane grills give off a lot of heat.Charcoal vs Gas .. can you taste the difference?
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Answer 2
It is a common practice on gas grills to smoke using wood chips in a manner similar that described in the referenced question: placing the wood chips in a foil pouch or pan, and allowing them to sit above the gas flame, smoldering, and thus producing smoke.
Note that in the described scenario, the method is the same, except for the fuel: the charcoal is in a foil pouch on top of the grill grate. It is in not down near the lines or elements for the gas flames. Although it may combust more thoroughly than wood chips, the purpose, effect, and outcome are essentially the same: producing smoke.
Aluminum melts at about 1,220 F (660 C); charcoal can burn at a about 1000 F. Furthermore, thin aluminum (such as foil) can burn as well, with an ignition temperature of about 1,440 F (760 C). So there may be some minor risk is that a hot spot from the charcoal could locally melt or burn the aluminum pouch. Both seem unlikely as long as the charcoal is only smoldering, and not burning with a full flame with good air pumping through through to create the highest temperatures.
So, while not traditional, and perhaps not as effective as simply using wood chips, this technique does not sound on the face of it to be completely crazy. For sanity, the air flow to the charcoal should be restricted (not too many holes in the pouch) which will limit the rate at which it can burn or smoke, and minimize the risks.
Still, being conservative, I would not do it; I would stick to wood chips.
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