Abstract: A retort (10) for producing charcoal, and a method of use thereof, the retort (10) having an inner vessel (140), for receiving wood to be converted into charcoal, and an outer vessel (20) containing the inner vessel (140) and defining an intermediate region between the inner vessel (140) and the outer vessel (20). The intermediate region including a burning region configured for burning fuel to heat the inner vessel (140); a flue (60) from the inner vessel (140) to a region outside the outer vessel (20), for conveying gas from the inner vessel (140) to the atmosphere; a feed pipe (210) from the inner vessel (140) to the intermediate region, for conveying gas from the inner vessel (140) to the intermediate region, wherein the entire length of the feed pipe (210) is located within the outer vessel (20).