How to Make Charcoal [Step by Step Guide] Smoked BBQ Source
Wait until you see the wood starting to blacken before moving on to the next steps. Making charcoal. Once you can see that all of your hardwood is starting to burn and blacken, it's time to put the metal lid onto the barrel to limit the oxygen supply. Allow your wood to smolder in the barrel for around 24 hours or longer, if needed.