Introduction: $2 Charcoal Grill
Basically, I needed a small grill really quick and cheap. It's pretty simple to put together, and easy to use. All steps in this guide are for informational purposes only. I am not responsible for any damages, explosions, or radioactive fishmen they may attack you and/or eat your first born.
Step 1: Gather Materials
Run to a Dollar Tree and pick up cooling racks (for baked goods, cookies, cakes, etc) and lasagna pans. The racks and pans were both 2 for $1, so I ended up with two pans, and two racks. I guess that makes this a $1 Grill, but who's counting?
Step 2: Assemble
The cooling racks have 4 triangle shaped indentions pointing downwards that line up almost perfectly with the lasagna pan. Line up the indentations with the pan, the cooling rack holds itself in place, and thats all folks. .
Step 3: Grilling
You want to put the grill on something heat resistant, or better yet, fire resistant. I used some cinderblocks as a base to prevent burning, melting or fire. But even the bottom of the cinder blocks, the part inside the hollow opening was extremely hot, so would reccomend cinderblocks or a stack of bricks atleast 2 bricks tall. Then follow the directions on your bag of charcoal or on the back of your lighter fluid. Stack the bricks in a pyramid, add fluid, yada yada yada. I also let the charcoals burn with only the grill just incase there was some kind of coating on the cooling rack, which I don't think there would be considering it was meant to cool hot food on in the first place. Be sure that whatever surface you do place your grill on has enough surface area to support the bottom of the tin pan, or you will have some trouble on your hands.
Obviously, the grill isn't as strong as one you would buy at the store, and only uses one layer of coals. I was able to cook the steaks (1/2 a pound total weight, inch thick) to medium well done without problem, and some hot dogs. Be sure to watch for flare ups, and follow basic rules of fire safety and common sense.
Obviously, the grill isn't as strong as one you would buy at the store, and only uses one layer of coals. I was able to cook the steaks (1/2 a pound total weight, inch thick) to medium well done without problem, and some hot dogs. Be sure to watch for flare ups, and follow basic rules of fire safety and common sense.