Separating ash from coals

[V-wiz]

What do you use or what do you do to separate the insulating ash from the live coals. I notice when pushing the fire to one side once the dome has turned white the coals get buried with ash. Do you use a garden rake to separate the coals and just sweep out the ash? Thanks in advance.

[Tscarborough]

Re: Separating ash from coals

I use the turning peel and turn them over.

Edit- I msread you. A metal trash can with a hardware cloth sieve. The ashes drop through and the coals turn to charcoal.

[V-wiz]

Re: Separating ash from coals

Hmm interesting so you remove the coals from the oven then put them back? I was thinking of doing something like that but on a handle. That way the coals stay in the oven.


On another note at what temp should we put logs into the warm oven to dry wood? At what temp so it dries but does not turn to charcoal.

[Tscarborough]

Re: Separating ash from coals

No I remove most of them, leaving enough to keep a fire burning while cooking. I also usually put a scoop or two into the grill to precook some ingredients like fresh Italian sausage. Here is my oven while firing and then cooking last night.

[V-wiz]

Re: Separating ash from coals

I see ok thanks, what size is your oven?

[Tscarborough]

Re: Separating ash from coals

22"x32"x18".

[V-wiz]

Re: Separating ash from coals

Thanks Tscar,


I would be interested to see what others do. Ive tried the garden rake once. It worked so id like to see what other do.

[vtsteve]

Re: Separating ash from coals

I keep the fire on the side, about 2/3 of the way back, and just flick the ashes to the rear of the fire. I don't clean them out until I'm preparing for bread. Then I scoop everything into my ash pail and put the lid on; when it's cold, I separate the charcoal from the ashes with a hardware-cloth sifter similar to Tscarborough's.