Best Charcoal Briquettes For Grilling
Jellyfishchicago will recommend the Best Charcoal Briquettes for you to use for your grill. When you choose the Best Charcoal Briquettes your food obtains the precise flavor that you are looking for.
Contents
- 1 Overview
- 2 Out Top Picks:
- 3 best charcoal briquettes Review
- 3.1 1. Hydro Coconut Charcoal – Ultimate Grilling & BBQ Experience
- 3.2 2. FOGO Brazilian Eucalyptus Blend Hardwood Lump Charcoal
- 3.3 3. Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes: Ignite Your BBQ Experience!
- 3.4 Key Features:
- 3.5 Pros:
- 3.6 Cons:
- 3.7 4. Kingsford MatchLight Instant Charcoal Briquets
- 3.8 5. Cowboy Easy Light Natural Hardwood Lump BBQ Charcoal Briquettes
- 3.9 6. Duraflame Cowboy Natural Wood Briquettes
- 3.10 7. Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal – 35LB
- 3.11 8. Bayou Classic Natural Charcoal Briquets
- 3.12 9. Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes
- 3.13 10. Mr. Bar-B-Q 8 LB All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
- 4 How We Tested Charcoal
- 5 Things to Think About
- 6 Final Thought
Overview
When friends and family gather, great food aids bring everybody together. Check out a variety of flavorful briquettes, different forms, and also various sizes that will fit your grill perfectly. Despite your barbecuing style, there are briquettes that will certainly serve your needs. What is essential is that you discover the best charcoal briquettes for smoking or any other kinds of grilling that you intend to do.
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, especially when considering the best charcoal briquettes that enhance the cooking experience today.
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, including the best charcoal briquettes. 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. Now that you have the finest charcoal, all you need are your grilling implements and begin grilling.
Out Top Picks:
- Top Pick – Hydro Coconut Charcoal – Ultimate Grilling & BBQ Experience
- Runner Up – FOGO Brazilian Eucalyptus Blend Hardwood Lump Charcoal
- Best Budget – Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes
- Top Choice – Kingsford MatchLight Instant Charcoal Briquets
- Best Charcoal – Cowboy Easy Light Natural Hardwood Lump BBQ Charcoal Briquettes
best charcoal briquettes Review
1. Hydro Coconut Charcoal – Ultimate Grilling & BBQ Experience
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Introducing Hydro Coconut Charcoal, the perfect choice for grilling enthusiasts seeking an exceptional BBQ experience. Made from 100% natural coconut shells, these long-lasting, odorless charcoal cubes elevate your cooking game.
Key Features:
- Natural Ingredients: Crafted from coconut shells, ensuring a clean burn.
- Long-Lasting: Each cube offers extended grilling time, perfect for longer cookouts.
- Odorless: Enjoy the true flavors of your food without any unwanted smells.
- Easy to Use: Convenient cube form for quick lighting and hassle-free grilling.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly and sustainable.
- High heat output for perfect searing.
- Minimal ash production for easy cleanup.
Cons:
- Requires a chimney starter for optimal lighting.
Transform your grilling experience with Hydro Coconut Charcoal. Perfect for family gatherings or backyard BBQs! Get yours today and savor the difference!
2. FOGO Brazilian Eucalyptus Blend Hardwood Lump Charcoal
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Elevate your grilling and smoking experience with FOGO Brazilian Eucalyptus Blend Hardwood Lump Charcoal. Crafted exclusively from premium Brazilian eucalyptus hardwood, this charcoal offers an unbeatable combination of quality and flavor.
Key Features:
- Natural Ingredients: Made with no additives, ensuring a pure grilling experience.
- Quick Lighting: Ready to use in just 15 minutes, perfect for spontaneous cookouts.
- Optimal Sizing: 70% medium-sized lumps (2-3 inches) and 30% small lumps (1⅓-2 inches) for versatile cooking.
- Flavor Infusion: Delivers a mild, smoky flavor that enhances steaks, burgers, vegetables, and more.
- Compatibility: Works with all major grill and smoker brands.
Pros:
- Fast lighting and high heat for efficient grilling.
- Long-lasting and even-burning for perfect searing.
- Hand-picked quality for consistent performance.
Cons:
- Limited to a specific wood flavor that may not suit all tastes.
Don’t miss out on transforming your outdoor cooking! Grab your 17.6-pound, 2-pack of FOGO Hardwood Lump Charcoal today and taste the difference!
3. Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes: Ignite Your BBQ Experience!
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Elevate your grilling game with Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes. Designed for the ultimate BBQ enthusiast, these 12-pound bags of premium briquettes are crafted from 100% natural ingredients and real wood, delivering an authentic smoky flavor to all your favorite dishes.
Key Features:
- Ready in 15 Minutes: Get grilling faster—25% quicker than other brands!
- Natural Ingredients: Made from 100% natural materials for peace of mind.
- Fast Heating: Enhanced design with more edges and grooves for quick ignition and even burning.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for beef, chicken, pork, fish, veggies, and more.
Pros:
- Quick cooking time for spontaneous gatherings.
- Authentic wood-fired flavor enhances your meals.
- Multiple uses per bag—approximately 8 uses!
Cons:
- Packaging may vary.
- Requires proper storage to maintain quality.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment—ignite your BBQ passion today with Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes! Grab yours now and fire up unforgettable flavors!
4. Kingsford MatchLight Instant Charcoal Briquets
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Introducing Kingsford MatchLight Instant Charcoal Briquets, your ultimate companion for effortless grilling! Designed for those who value convenience without sacrificing flavor, these briquets ignite instantly, ensuring you’re ready to cook in just about 10 minutes.
Key Features:
- Sure Fire Grooves: Unique edges for quick and easy lighting.
- Instant Lighting: No need for lighter fluid—just light and go!
- Long Burn Time: Enjoy extended grilling sessions without frequent refueling.
- Unflavored: Perfect for those who want to maintain the natural taste of their food.
Pros:
- Quick ignition saves time.
- Easy to use for both beginners and seasoned grillers.
- Reliable performance for consistent cooking.
Cons:
- Unflavored may not suit all preferences.
- Requires proper storage to maintain quality.
Elevate your grilling experience today with Kingsford MatchLight Briquets! Light up your BBQ gatherings with ease—grab yours now!
5. Cowboy Easy Light Natural Hardwood Lump BBQ Charcoal Briquettes
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Elevate your grilling experience with Cowboy Easy Light Natural Hardwood Lump BBQ Charcoal Briquettes. Crafted from 100% hardwood, this premium charcoal offers an unbeatable flavor profile and performance for all your outdoor cooking needs.
Key Features:
- Natural Composition: 100% hardwood lump charcoal, free from additives.
- Quick Lighting: Ignites effortlessly without lighter fluid.
- High Performance: Burns hotter and longer, minimizing ash production.
- Flavor Enhancement: Imparts a rich hickory flavor without unwanted additives.
- Eco-Friendly: Sourced from renewable resources, promoting sustainability.
Pros:
- Fast lighting and high heat for efficient cooking.
- Clean burning with minimal ash cleanup.
- Enhances the taste of grilled foods.
Cons:
- May require more frequent refueling for longer cooks.
Ready to transform your grilling game? Grab a 20-pound bag of Cowboy Easy Light Charcoal today and enjoy the ultimate BBQ experience!
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. Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal – 35LB
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Elevate your grilling game with Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal. Sourced from 100% pure, ultra-dense South American hardwoods, this charcoal is free from chemicals and fillers, making it a top choice for barbecue enthusiasts.
Key Features:
- 100% Natural: No chemicals or scrap materials.
- Pro/Restaurant Quality: Low ash, no sparking or popping.
- Superior Burn: Over 7000 kcal/g, max temperature of 1170°F, with 4+ hours on open grills and 20+ hours in smokers.
- Pure Flavor: Mild aroma enhances flavors without overpowering.
Pros:
- Exceptional heat and burn time.
- Versatile for various meats, from brisket to whitefish.
Cons:
- Slightly higher price point compared to standard charcoal.
Transform your outdoor cooking experience with Jealous Devil. Don’t compromise on quality—grab your 35LB bag today and taste the difference!
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
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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. Mr. Bar-B-Q 8 LB All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
No products found.
Elevate your grilling experience with Mr. Bar-B-Q 8 LB All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal! Crafted from 100% natural hardwood, this premium lump charcoal is designed for BBQ enthusiasts who demand quality and flavor.
Key Features:
- Burns Hotter & Longer: Achieves optimal cooking temperatures while retaining heat for extended periods.
- Low Ash Production: Minimizes cleanup, allowing you to focus on what matters—great food.
- Easy to Light: Compatible with lighter fluid or charcoal chimney starters for effortless ignition.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for BBQ, grilling, smoking, and compatible with Kamado and kettle grills.
Pros:
- Provides a rich, smokey flavor that enhances the taste of meats and vegetables.
- Ideal for various grilling methods, including slow smoking and searing.
- Minimal ash reduces clutter and boosts efficiency.
Cons:
- Requires a proper starter method for best results.
Experience the difference in taste and performance today! Transform your grilling with Mr. Bar-B-Q’s natural hardwood lump charcoal—grab yours now and savor the flavor!
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 completing the other tests, we evaluated, looked at the retail price, and considered value for money. We compared the overall charcoal price and the price per pound of charcoal since charcoal comes in different bag sizes.
Things to Think About
Comparing Lump Charcoal with Briquettes
Briquettes, which are uniformly shaped pieces manufactured from powdered charcoal and placed in a mold, and lumps, which are irregular chunks made from entire wood, are the two primary forms of charcoal. While lump charcoal takes longer to ignite and burn, briquettes not only last longer but also generate more smoke, which enhances the taste of meals. (Some briquettes also include binders, lighter fluid, and other compounds that some people find disagreeable.) Although it takes more effort to light lump charcoal, once it’s hot enough, it burns more rapidly than briquettes and gives out cleaner, milder smoke.
Time Spent Burned
There are a lot of charcoals that have great burn times and even some that you can light and use again and again. The bag of charcoal will last longer and be more valuable because of this. So you can whip up some burgers and hot dogs in the park without having to wait for the coals to go out, there are also ones that burn hot and quickly. In some cases, one kind is more appropriate than the other.
Sort of Wood
A wide variety of woods, each with its own unique taste profile, may be used to make charcoal. Fruity and sweet undertones come from woods like cherry, apple, maple, and mesquite, which is more charred in taste. In the center is oak, a popular option. The taste is largely affected by the tree it is manufactured from, however the size and kind of charcoal also have a role.
Charcoal Size
Think about your grill’s dimensions before purchasing charcoal. Large lumps of charcoal could not fit in a portable charcoal barbecue that has a narrow opening. The same holds true with hardwood charcoal: a bigger grill can devour even the smallest bits of charcoal in no time, leaving you tossing and turning to locate the hot areas.
Final Thought
It is been really fun reviewing some of these awesome Best Charcoal Briquettes. 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 of 2022 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!
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