How to Store Charcoal Properly to Keep It Dry and Ready to Burn

How to Store Charcoal Properly to Keep It Dry and Ready to Burn

There’s nothing worse than firing up the BBQ, only to find your charcoal has gone damp, mouldy, or won’t light properly. Good charcoal like our kiln-fired Mallee root lump deserves the right storage to preserve its performance.

In this post, we’ll break down the best ways to store charcoal so it stays dry, clean, and always ready to burn whether you’re grilling every weekend or storing a few bags for the season ahead.

Why Moisture Is a Problem

Charcoal is highly absorbent by nature. While this helps it burn efficiently, it also means it can quickly absorb moisture from humid air, rain, or even just damp storage spaces. The result?

  • Struggles to ignite

  • Produces more smoke than heat

  • Can crumble or go mouldy

  • Loses its consistent burn quality

Keeping your charcoal dry means protecting your investment and making sure every BBQ goes off without a hitch.

Best Ways to Store Charcoal

Here are some practical tips to keep your charcoal in top condition:

1. Keep It in a Sealed Container

Store charcoal in an airtight bin, drum, or heavy-duty plastic storage container with a tight-fitting lid. This prevents exposure to humidity and stops water from seeping in.

Bonus tip: If you're storing multiple bags, consider decanting the charcoal into containers and keeping bags as backups.

2. Use a Dry, Sheltered Area

Choose a spot that's:

  • Under cover (e.g. garage, shed, or veranda)

  • Off the ground

  • Away from weather exposure and temperature fluctuations

Avoid leaving bags directly on concrete floors concrete can draw moisture up, especially during cooler months.

3. Avoid Open Bags

Once opened, charcoal bags should be re-sealed tightly. Use heavy-duty clips or roll down the bag and secure it with tape or a rubber strap. Better yet, transfer the contents to a waterproof container.

4. Add a Moisture Absorber

For long-term storage or during rainy seasons, consider placing silica gel packs or charcoal-safe desiccants in your storage container. These help absorb any stray moisture and keep your fuel in prime condition.

5. Don’t Mix Old and New

If you’re topping up your container with new charcoal, don’t mix it in with older, potentially damp or degraded pieces. Always rotate stock and use the oldest first just like in a commercial kitchen.

What We Recommend at Wattle & Flame

Our kiln-fired Mallee root charcoal comes in heavy-duty paper bags designed to breathe while still offering protection but for long-term storage, we always suggest transferring to sealed bins or drums.

Here’s what works best for our customers:

  • A 60–100L plastic storage bin with a clip-on lid

  • Metal drums with rubber-sealed lids

  • Weatherproof storage boxes on trolleys for easy movement near the BBQ

Storing Indoors vs Outdoors

Indoors (Garage/Shed):

  • Best for protection from humidity and rain

  • Be mindful of temperature extremes or pests

Outdoors (Under Cover):

  • Use watertight bins and elevate off the ground

  • Ideal for quick access during BBQ season

The Result? Charcoal That’s Always Ready to Perform

When stored properly, charcoal lasts indefinitely. That means:

  • No waste

  • Consistent heat

  • Less smoke

  • Fewer frustrations

By taking a few simple steps to store your charcoal correctly, you’re setting yourself up for better BBQs all year round.

 

A little storage planning goes a long way. Protect your charcoal like you’d protect your grill or utensils because nothing should stand between you and a perfect cook-up.

Ready to stock up?
Explore our full range of premium, kiln-fired Mallee root charcoal and make sure your storage setup is up to the task.

Back to blog