Best Charcoal Briquettes Brand in 2025 For Grilling
When friends and family gather, great food aids bring everybody with each other. southernsmokebbq. will recommend the best charcoal briquettes brand for you to use for your grill. When you choose the best charcoal briquettes brand your food obtains the precise flavor that you are looking for.
Contents
- 1 Overview
- 2 Our Favorite: Best Charcoal Briquettes Brand To Bake
- 3 Out Top Picks:
- 4 Best Charcoal Briquettes Brand Review
- 5 Best Charcoal For Grilling
- 6 Best Charcoal for Flavor
- 7 Best Charcoal for Smoking
- 8 Best Charcoal for Ceramic Grills
- 9 Compare Products
- 10 How We Tested Charcoal
- 11 Things to Think About
- 12 Final Thought
Overview
The utility of charcoal is underappreciated. Charcoal, a product of burning wood in the absence of oxygen, is a remarkable technical advancement since it outperforms the wood itself in terms of burn time and temperature. This allowed people to reach the temperatures required for metal smelting, which ushered in the Iron and Bronze Ages. It’s not a stretch to claim that contemporary society couldn’t have emerged without charcoal. Check out a variety of flavorful briquettes, including the best charcoal briquettes brand, different forms, and also various sizes that will fit your grill completely.
When searching for the best charcoal briquettes brand, you can find options that suit your barbecuing style and will certainly meet your needs. What is essential is that you discover the best charcoal briquettes brand for smoking or any other kinds of grilling that you intend to do. However, in modern times, charcoal is most often seen in charcoal grills as a cooking medium.
Grilling with it is easier than with wood and produces a more robust charred and smoky taste than with propane. A wide variety of charcoals are available, with dozens of manufacturers producing lump, briquette, and other specialized varieties. As a team at Food & Wine, we’ve been passionate grillers for over 50 years, so we decided to test twelve different kinds of charcoal to see which one was the best charcoal briquettes brand. Now that you have the finest charcoal, all you need are your grilling implements and begin grilling.
Our Favorite: Best Charcoal Briquettes Brand To Bake
When it comes to grilling, the right charcoal briquettes can make a significant difference in flavor and cooking performance. Here are some of the best brands you might consider. We recommend The Good Charcoal Company Lump Charcoal because of its high quality and the company’s dedication to environmental and financial sustainability. It burnt cleanly and uniformly, and we were able to keep the temperature where we wanted it.
- Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes: Known for their consistent quality and even burning, Kingsford briquettes are a popular choice among grillers.
- Weber Briquettes: Made from natural ingredients, Weber briquettes offer a long burn time and are designed for high heat grilling.
- Royal Oak Charcoal Briquettes: This brand provides a strong heat output and is made from 100% natural hardwood, enhancing the flavor of your food.
- Lazzari Hardwood Charcoal: Made from pure hardwood, Lazzari briquettes are free from additives and provide a great smoky flavor.
- Char-Griller Charcoal Briquettes: These briquettes are designed for easy lighting and provide a steady burn, making them ideal for long cookouts.
- B&B Charcoal Briquettes: Known for their quality, B&B briquettes burn longer and hotter, perfect for searing meats and achieving that perfect crust.
Choosing the right brand can enhance your grilling experience and ensure your food tastes fantastic. Happy grilling!
Out Top Picks:
- Top Pick – Royal Oak. NAT Lump Charcoal
- Runner Up – Big Green Egg Premium 100% Natural Lump Charcoal
- Best Budget – Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
- Top Choice – B&B Charcoal Oak Lump Charcoal, Flavor Oak
- Best Charcoal – FOGO Super Premium Lump Charcoal
Best Charcoal Briquettes Brand Review
Best Charcoal For Grilling
1. Royal Oak. NAT Lump Charcoal
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Charcoal from Royal Oak is made from a combination of American hickory, oak, and maple trees that are harvested in a sustainable manner. It gives out a lovely smoke that may be used to softly scent your meal and the area around your patio or yard. The grill was heated up and ready to go for our low- and high-heat testing in about 20 minutes, and it lighted in approximately 5 minutes using a chimney starter. The chunk sizes varied from tiny to medium, and the string-closure bag had very little dust.
Advantages:
- 100% All Natural: Made from renewable sources like oak, hickory, maple, and walnut.
- No Chemicals/Additives: Safe for health-conscious grilling.
- Quick Heating: Ready to use in about 15 minutes.
- Even Burning: Provides consistent heat for perfect grilling.
Disadvantages:
- Price: May be more expensive than briquettes.
- Availability: Can be harder to find in some locations.
Considering its high quality, this charcoal is an excellent buy for a variety of uses, making it one of the best charcoal briquettes brands. Be careful not to raise the bag while it’s wet; the paper isn’t particularly waterproof and will release charcoal all over. Royal Oak Lump Charcoal offers a premium grilling experience with its natural ingredients and consistent performance. Upgrade your grilling game today—try Royal Oak for your next barbecue!
2. Big Green Egg Premium 100% Natural Lump Charcoal
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The Big Green Egg is our favorite kamado grill, and its charcoal is perfect. Testing showed that it lighted rapidly and burnt fiercely, scorching a hefty ceramic kamado in 5 minutes. Because the grill vents could be adjusted to lessen the temperature, this charcoal was also suitable for slow-cooking. Its American hickory and oak woods produced minimal dust and no sparking or popping when lighted. It tastes smokey but not too so. Despite its odd name, Big Green Egg makes quality charcoal.
Due to its high heat, this charcoal burns quickly. After starting the coals and preheating the grill in testing, over half the charcoal had burnt. For longer cooks, light a second batch as soon as you start the first. Unfortunately, this gasoline is costly and you may use a lot.
Advantages:
- Natural Ingredients: Free from chemicals and additives.
- Quick Lighting: Ready in just 10 minutes.
- Sustainable Sourcing: Environmentally friendly from certified forests.
Disadvantages:
- Higher Cost: Premium quality comes with a price.
- Less Consistent Size: Lump charcoal can vary in size, affecting burn time.
Experience the superior grilling performance of Big Green Egg Premium 100% Natural Lump Charcoal. Made from organic oak and hickory wood sourced from FSC-certified forests, this charcoal offers an eco-friendly choice for your BBQ needs. Elevate your grilling experience with Big Green Egg charcoal. Try it today and enjoy the rich flavors of natural wood!
3. Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
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Jealous Devil’s lump charcoal is pure and manufactured from a 30% denser South American hardwood than oak. Quebracho means “axe-breaker” in Spanish. This produces clean, efficient burning with less smoke and little ash to dispose of. Despite its extreme heat, it won’t ignite or explode.
This charcoal’s gentle smoke taste complements beef but not fish or poultry. But make sure it’s completely lighted and blazing before you place anything on the grill—it smoked a lot at first in our tests. Jealous Devil costs more than its rivals, but its intense heat and clean burning let you to use less.
Advantages:
- 100% Natural: Made from pure South American hardwoods with no chemicals or fillers.
- Professional Quality: No sparking or popping; low ash production makes it ideal for any grilling setup.
- Superior Burn: Delivers over 7000 kcal/g, reaches temperatures above 1170°F, and lasts over 4 hours on open grills.
- Pure Flavor: Adds a mild, enhancing aroma that complements various meats without overwhelming their natural taste.
Disadvantages:
- Price: Higher cost compared to standard charcoal brands.
- Availability: May be harder to find in local stores.
For serious grillers and chefs, Jealous Devil Lump Charcoal offers unmatched performance and flavor. Don’t settle for less—elevate your grilling experience today! Get yours now!
Best Charcoal for Flavor
4. B&B Charcoal Oak Lump Charcoal, Flavor Oak
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If you like smokey flavors, you should try B&B. We didn’t find it to be very smokey, but the smoked flavor it imparted to burgers and chicken legs was delicious. Without being overpowering like mesquite or too sweet like apple, the oak taste provides a subtle undertone that complements a wide variety of grillable foods. We discovered that the charcoal ignited rapidly (in around 5 minutes) and was prepared to cook in less than 20 minutes when we used a propane torch instead of a chimney for lighting.
It didn’t seem like there was much dust in the bag, but there was some sparking and popping, which might indicate moisture or gathered charcoal particles. Other than that, it burnt cleanly, producing just around half a cup of ash at completion of cooking.
Advantages:
- 100% natural with no additives or fillers
- Environmentally friendly choice
- Provides authentic Texas-style flavor
- Burns hotter and longer than briquettes
Disadvantages:
- Higher price point compared to some brands
- May require more effort to ignite
B&B Charcoal delivers a superior grilling experience with its natural composition and robust flavor. For BBQ enthusiasts seeking quality, this is an excellent choice. Elevate your grilling game—try B&B Charcoal Oak Lump Charcoal today!
5. FOGO Super Premium Lump Charcoal
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The uneven burning caused by the charcoal’s inconsistent size from the Salvadoran oak bits made for a lot of popping and smoke when cooked on an open grill. Compared to other brands we examined, chimney lighting required more time and care (12 minutes).
The charcoals burned far more cleanly and at a higher temperature when we transferred them to a closed Kamado-style grill and controlled the airflow. FOGO’s intense heat and discernible smokeiness make it the perfect complement to our beloved New York strip steak. For those who like a ceramic model, this is the perfect brand, but it may not be the best choice for those who use a conventional charcoal grill.
FOGO Super Premium Lump Charcoal offers a high-quality grilling experience. Here’s what you need to know:
Advantages:
- Delicious Smoked Flavor: Enhances the taste of grilled foods.
- Quick Lighting: Saves time during prep.
- Longer Burn Time: Ideal for extended grilling sessions.
- Large Chunks: Hand-selected for consistent performance.
Disadvantages:
- Price: More expensive than some alternatives.
- Availability: May be harder to find in local stores.
Conclusion
For serious grillers seeking restaurant-quality results, FOGO Super Premium Lump Charcoal is an excellent choice. Upgrade your grilling game today!
Best Charcoal for Smoking
6. Duraflame Cowboy Natural Wood Briquettes
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The Duraflame Cowboy Natural Wood Briquettes supply a genuine timber taste on the foods that you are cooking. You do not need to make use of any type of beginning fluid to light these briquettes so that there is not weird fuel taste on the foods that you prepare.
Features :
- Excellent timber taste
- Natural
- 14-pound bag
- One bag
Pros
- These briquettes have a regular melt temperature
- You can utilize them for grilling or smoking cigarettes
- There is no demand for starter liquid
Cons
- These may take somewhat longer to fire up contrasted to comparable briquettes
7. Cowboy Easy Light Natural Hardwood Lump BBQ Charcoal Briquettes
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The combination of oak, hickory, and maple adds a subtle smoke taste that complements slow cooking at lower temperatures, making it ideal for authentic barbecue. Our test chicken had a flavor similar to that of a bonfire without the unpleasant charred overtones. After just five minutes of lighting with a propane torch, Cowboy’s lump charcoal was prepared for low-and-slow cooking. If you want to flip the bag’s end over and store the excess charcoal outside next to the grill, you’ll appreciate the bag’s heavier-duty construction.
There was a lot of popping and sparking and smoke when you lit this charcoal, which was a concern. At the outset, you should prepare a pair of heatproof grill gloves and ensure that children are not around. The problem subsided, however, as the fire subsided and the coals burned more slowly and cleanly. Following our low-and-slow testing, we found that there was an abundance of additional charcoal and little ash to be cleaned up.
Advantages:
- Natural Ingredients: 100% hardwood lump charcoal ensures no additives, preserving flavor.
- Superior Performance: Lights faster and burns hotter, reducing cooking time.
- Minimal Ash Production: Easy cleanup after grilling.
- Eco-Friendly: Made from renewable resources, promoting sustainability.
Disadvantages:
- Price: Often more expensive than traditional briquettes.
Conclusion: For a cleaner, flavorful grilling experience, choose Cowboy Easy Light Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal. Elevate your BBQ game today!
Best Charcoal for Ceramic Grills
8. Bayou Classic Natural Charcoal Briquets
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The Bayou Standard Natural Charcoal Briquets use a high-density wood that is easy to collaborate with when you are smoking or grilling. These briquets light quicker to ensure that you do not need to wait to start food preparation.
Features :
- One hundred percent natural
- Superior food taste
- 16-pound bag
- One bag
Pros
- The food has a good flavor
- These briquettes are simple to work with
- You can control the temperature quickly
Cons
- These briquettes have more dust in the bag than similar briquettes.
9. Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes
The Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes make use of 100 percent all-natural active ingredients to ensure a clean burn and also taste for all of your foods. These briquettes are constructed from real timber so that your food has a great smoky taste.
Features :
- Natural components
- Smoky taste
- 7.7-pound bag
- Two bags
Pros
- They do not create a solid odor
- These briquettes maintain a consistent temperature
- The briquettes shed for a long time
Cons
- The bags are smaller than brands at equivalent rates
10. FOGO Super Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal
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Discover the ultimate grilling experience with FOGO Super Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal. Sourced exclusively from dense Central American hardwoods, this natural lump charcoal is hand-picked for quality, ensuring only the finest pieces are included in each 35-pound bag.
Key Features:
- Quick to Heat: Lights in just 15 minutes, allowing you to start grilling without delay.
- Large Sized Pieces: Approximately 80% are 4 inches or longer, perfect for low and slow cooking.
- Mouthwatering Flavor: Infuses authentic smoky taste into meats, vegetables, and more.
- Versatile Use: Compatible with all major grills and smokers, providing even burning and long-lasting heat.
- Sustainable Production: Made from responsibly sourced tree trimmings and timber marked for removal.
Pros:
- Exceptional flavor enhancement
- Fast lighting and high heat
- Long-lasting performance
Cons:
- Larger pieces may require more time to break down for certain cooking styles.
Elevate your grilling game—try FOGO Super Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal today!
Compare Products
B & B Charcoal 00106 Competition Char-logs Charcoal Briquettes, 30 Lbs
-
SCORE
9.4
Southernsmokebbq
-
Brand
B&B Charcoal
Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes, BBQ Charcoal for Grilling 12 Pounds Each (Pack of 2) (Package May Vary)
-
SCORE
9.4
Southernsmokebbq
-
Brand
Kingsford
B&B Charcoal Slow Burning Oak Charcoal Briquettes with All Natural Smoky Flavoring for Grills, Barbecues, and Pitmaster Competitions, 17.6 Pounds
-
SCORE
9.4
Southernsmokebbq
-
Brand
B&B Charcoal
Kingsford Professional Competition Briquettes 2 Pack of 18 lb Bags
-
SCORE
9.2
Southernsmokebbq
-
Brand
Kingsford
Mr. Bar-B-Q 06000Y Ceramic Gas Grill Self Cleaning Briquettes, Replacement for Lava Rocks, Cleaner Cooking, Gas Grill Briquettes for BBQ Grill, EMW8015680, 60 Count
-
SCORE
9.2
Southernsmokebbq
-
Brand
Mr. Bar-B-Q
-
Prime
Duraflame Cowboy 26014 Cowboy Brand Natural Hardwood Briquettes, 14lb
-
SCORE
9.0
Southernsmokebbq
-
Brand
Duraflame
How We Tested Charcoal
For this compilation, we tested 13 lump and briquette charcoals. The charcoal was assessed and tested in real-world cooking scenarios.
Packaging: Before lighting anything, we checked the charcoal bags. To evaluate whether someone with strength or mobility limitations would have trouble, we lifted and carried them and checked if we could unzip the bags without ripping them to store the unused charcoal. We examined for broken pieces or dust in the bags and soaked them to determine whether they were mushy and easy to rip.
Starting: We fired a batch of charcoal using a chimney starting or natural fire starter and timed how long it took to catch fire and reach a constant temperature.
High-temperature cooking: We loaded a grill with charcoal, opened the vents, and timed it to 475°F. We then seared steak or pork chops, observing how nicely and evenly. After cooking, we sampled the products and observed the charcoal’s smoky flavor. Charcoal burnout time was also measured.
Low-temperature cooking: We placed a batch of charcoal on one side of a grill and cooked half a chicken over the other. We monitored how long it took the chicken to reach 165°F, whether it was dry and burnt or moist and smokey, and how long the charcoal burned after cooking.
After finishing our other tests, we disclosed retail pricing and examined value for money. We compared total and per-pound charcoal pricing since it comes in several bag sizes.
Things to Think About
Lump vs. Briquettes
The two primary varieties of charcoal are lump, uneven chunks created from entire wood, and briquettes, similarly shaped pieces manufactured from crushed charcoal in a mold. Briquettes smoke more and taste food better than lump charcoal, but they are simpler to ignite and burn longer. (Some briquettes include binders, lighter fluid, and other harmful compounds.) Lump charcoal burns hotter than briquettes and generates clear, moderate-flavored smoke, but it’s harder to ignite.
Burn Time
Many charcoals reviewed here have extended burn durations and may be extinguished and reused. The bag of charcoal lasts longer, increasing its value. Others burn hot and fast, so you can cook burgers and hot dogs in the park without waiting hours for the embers to die out. Each kind suits different scenarios.
Wood Type
Charcoal may be created from several woods, each with a distinct taste. Apple, maple, and cherry woods are sweet and delicious, while mesquite is burned. Oak, a popular option, falls in between. The tree it’s manufactured from matters more than the charcoal’s kind or size.
Grill Size
Consider grill size before purchasing charcoal. A low-clearance portable charcoal barbecue may not fit a huge lump of charcoal. Small chunks of hardwood charcoal burn fast on a bigger barbecue, leaving you hunting for hot places.
Final Thought
It is been really fun reviewing some of these awesome best charcoal briquettes brand. Now, it’s up to you to decide which product is right for you. If after looking at these products and certain ones catch your eye, we encourage you to do more research. The idea is to learn as much as you can about the smoker before you purchase it.
The best charcoal briquettes brand of 2025 are those that will provide you with the most value. All of the products on our list are great options, but we believe that the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 22-Inch is the clear winner. It’s durable, efficient, and produces amazing results each time you use it. If you’re looking for a smoker that will last for years to come, then we highly recommend investing in the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker. Thanks for reading!