Here are the 6 strangest improvised grills on the Internet

There’s a scene rooted in a backyard barbecue. Even if you’re flipping burgers or hot dogs, everyone is watching you prepare dinner. While some may be horrified by the idea of being stared at while grilling a steak, others are completely receptive to the theatrics. Enter the wonderful world of improvised grills, where the most innovative among us transform random household items into cooking surfaces that actually work.
A quick Google search for “improvised barbecue” yields a dizzying array of results, one more ridiculous than the next. In tribute to this combination of creativity and downright confusing choices, here are the seven most ridiculous grills we’ve found online, ranked from “pretty reasonable” to “completely bizarre.” And who knows: Although it makes sense to buy a grill from the store now, this information could really come in handy when we’re all trying to survive the apocalypse.
Flower pot grill
This improvised grill, made from a clay pot, is the most practical of the DIY options. Clay oven cooking has been around for centuries, and even if your oven isn’t as impressive as a tandoor, you’ll at least be able to grill up some s’mores in your backyard without much effort.
Altweed Grill
This small cooking surface is fashioned from a mint can and is powered by a single briquette of charcoal. It doesn’t seem particularly practical, unless you’re cooking for a small family of mice, but the design is claimed to be sturdy enough to grill an entire hot dog, which is pretty impressive considering its size.
Grill soda can
Aluminum soda cans are surprisingly versatile. Besides making adorable improvised bongs and DIY cookie cutters, they can be turned into personal mini grills. On some level, this makes perfect sense, as the case is shaped like a cylinder, just like many grills. But on another level, it raises a lot of questions — namely: Who first decided to hack a can of Bud Light because they were hungry on a camping trip?
Wheelbarrow grill
According to at least one 1997 article in Deseret News, probably the best improvised grill you have in your garage right now. The humble wheelbarrow can be converted into “a grill, a grill, or just a big charcoal bed to sit on and roast marshmallows while you talk.” Unfortunately, you will also need to pile about 6 inches of dirt or gravel on the bottom to prevent a fiery accident.
Washing machine drum grill
This is where things really start to go off the rails. To make your own grill from a washing machine drum, you’ll need power tools — and a lot of patience. But again, this is a DIY hack that’s rooted in at least some degree of practicality. The holes on the side of the drum that allow water to pass through the washer should also provide excellent ventilation.
Car grill
In 2017, Texas Monthly Barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn discovered a Craigslist listing for what may be the most impressive barbecue in history: a smoker made from a 1988 Cadillac DeVille. The entire interior was torn out and replaced with racks to hold up to 1,300 pounds of meat, and a trailer hitch was installed in the back so It can be pulled anywhere you like well. If this is your BBQ, please reach out — I need to know more.