How to Make Coconut Shell Charcoal Briquettes

Ever thought about making your own charcoal briquettes? Maybe it sounds complicated, but trust me, it’s easier than you think—especially when you have the right guide! Coconut shell charcoal briquettes are not only eco-friendly but also really efficient for BBQs and shisha. So, whether you’re looking to start a small business or just make use of discarded coconut shells, here’s a step-by-step guide to getting it done.

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Why Should You Make Coconut Shell Charcoal Briquettes?

‍Picture this: a fuel source that’s sustainable, burns longer, and doesn’t produce thick clouds of smoke. That’s what coconut shell charcoal briquettes can offer! Plus, by making your own, you’re recycling waste and saving money. It's a win-win! Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

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What You’ll Need:

Before we jump into the fun part, make sure you have the following:

• Dried coconut shells (yes, those things you’d usually toss out!)
• A carbonizing stove or a sturdy metal drum
• Something to crush with, like a hammer
• A little starch (you’ll see why in a bit)
• And if you have one, a briquette press (but don’t worry if you don’t)

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The Step-by-Step Process

Carbonize the Coconut Shells

First, we need to turn those coconut shells into charcoal. Place them in a carbonizing stove or even a metal drum (you don’t need fancy equipment). Heat the shells with limited oxygen until they turn black. This process, called pyrolysis, gets rid of moisture and converts the shells into charcoal. Tip: Be patient and keep an eye on the heat—don’t let them burn to ash!

Cool and Crush the Charcoal

Once you’ve got your charcoal, let it cool completely (hot charcoal is no joke!). Then, break it down into a fine powder using a hammer or crusher. The finer, the better—it’ll help the briquettes stick together more effectively.

Add a Binder

Here’s where the starch comes in. Mix your charcoal powder with a little starch and water to make a sticky, dough-like mixture. The starch acts like glue, keeping the briquettes together. Don’t overdo it—just enough to make everything hold.

Shape Your Briquettes

If you have a briquette press, use it to form uniform shapes. If not, just mold them by hand! Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect—just make sure they’re compact. They’ll still do the job!

Dry the Briquettes

Finally, lay out the briquettes to dry in the sun for 1-2 days. If the weather isn’t cooperating, you can also use an oven set to a low temperature. Proper drying is key; otherwise, they won’t burn well.

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