When it comes to creating the perfect barbecue, nothing quite sets the tone like charcoal briquettes. With so many variations out there, however, figuring out which type of charcoal is best for you can be a daunting task. Whether you’re looking for maximum heat output and duration or something cheaper and more natural, there are options that should suit everyone’s preferences.
Did you know that there are different types of charcoal briquettes available on the market? If you’re like most people, you probably just grab the bag of briquettes that’s cheapest at your local store. But have you ever stopped to think about what makes one type of briquette better than another?
In this blog post we will look at some of the best charcoal briquettes on the market today including their pros and cons as well plenty of helpful tips to get your grilling adventure going quickly!
Top 6 Best Charcoal Briquettes for Smoking and Grilling 2023 Reviews Buyer’s Guide
Our Top Picks
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best charcoal briquettes on the market.
1. Best Overall – Royal Oak Natural Organic Premium Hardwood Charcoal Briquettes
This unique blend of American Oak and Hickory Hardwood charcoal is perfect for grilling, smoking, and baking. The all-natural ingredients provide a consistent burn and great flavor.
Made from 100% organic hardwood, these briquettes are perfect for both high and low-temperature cooking. They light quickly and evenly, and provide consistent heat for even cooking.
If you’re looking for a premium charcoal that produces very little ash, Royal Oak Natural Organic Premium Hardwood Charcoal Briquettes are the way to go.
Royal Oak Natural Organic Premium Hardwood Charcoal Briquettes are designed for use in traditional smokers, ceramic or non-ceramic grills, so you can cook your food just the way you like it.
Grillers will appreciate the 40-pound bag and how long it lasts – as long they can find storage for all their smoked goodies!
Pros
- It has better airflow and can burn more evenly than other smokers.
- Suitable for any charcoal-burning cooker
100% hickory and American oak. There are no chemicals or fillers added to this product, which makes it environmentally friendly as well!
- Charcoal long lasting
Cons
- A bit pricey
- The coal is heavy and takes up a lot of room.
2.Thaan Thai Style Charcoal
Thaan Thai Style Charcoal is natural log charcoal is a long burning, clean and natural alternative to commercial charcoal briquettes.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, sustainable charcoal that will impart a mild flavor to your grilled food, look no further than Thaan Thai Style Charcoal. This unique charcoal is made from orchard-grown rambutan fruit wood, which makes it a great choice for those who want to minimize their impact on the environment. Additionally, the fruit wood imparts a very mild flavor to grilled food, letting the natural flavors of the food shine through.
This premium charcoal is perfect for grilling, barbequing, and indirect cooking, delivering consistent, even heat that makes it easy to cook with. It’s also great for any style of solid fuel cooking, particularly where binchotan charcoal is traditionally used.
Pros
- Burns hot and long
- No chemicals & environmentally friendly additives
- Nice fruity taste
- Truly smokeless
Cons
- Hard to start but burns FOREVER
- It’s not popular
3. Best Budget – Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes, BBQ Charcoal for Grilling Review
These BBQ charcoal briquettes grill up your favorite foods in just 15 minutes – 25% faster than other available charcoal brands. So you can spend less time prepping and more time enjoying quality time with the people you love.
The Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes 100% natural charcoal, This 16 pound bag of charcoal briquettes is each briquette generates about 4 uses, so you’ll have plenty to last you all afternoon or evening.
They light fast and have a high surface area to catch the flame quickly, with grooves that provide air channels for even burning.
You may not be a pro at grilling, but you know how important it is to have the right charcoal for your job. This 4 pack (72 lbs) will give you all that and more – great prices too!
Pros
- Cheap
- Available in many places
- Grooved for better airflow
Cons
- Contains more added ingredients than some, but all of them are natural
- Burns less quickly than some brands, but it is more economical to top up.
4.Olivette Organic Charcoal Briquettes for Grilling BBQ
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, sustainable way to fuel your next BBQ, look no further than Olivette’s organic charcoal briquettes! Made from recycled olive pulp, olive pits and pruning branches, our USDA certified organic briquettes are free of any chemical additives – so all you’ll smell is the pleasant perfume of olive wood.
These briquettes are made from 100% organic olive pits, so you can be sure they’re free of any harmful chemicals or toxins. Plus, they’re completely smoke-free, even when burning, so you can enjoy your meal without any worries. And because they don’t release any chemical particles into the air, your food will taste better than ever before.
The organic charcoal briquettes are quick to light, burn for up to five hours, and produce no smoke whatsoever. With a high and stable heating power, briquettes are perfect for both grilling and warming up in front of your fireplace. Additionally, briquettes are affordably priced and don’t spark or give off volatile ash.
Pros
- Eco friendlier, healthier option
- Hot and Clean
- Super Cool Olive oil based charcoal
Cons
- Burns out so quick
- Can be a little difficult to start due to high density
5. R&B Charcoal Slow Burning Oak Charcoal Briquettes
Slow Burning Oak Charcoal Briquettes are made of 100% natural ingredients and burn slowly and evenly, making them ideal for cooking. They are also chemical-free, so you can rest assured that your food will be safe to consume. With R&B’s Charcoal, you can enjoy the delicious taste of food cooked over an open fire without any of the hassle or worry.
Briquettes are a convenient alternative to charcoal when it comes time for grilling. The regular shape makes them easy and predictable, while also allowing you more space on your grill since they don’t take up as much room than logs or pellets do!
If you have a bunch of people to feed and don’t want smoke flavors being divisive, then oak is your best bet. It imparts an easy going flavor that works well with any kind or meat- even when cooking just one type at time!
Pros
- No chemical additives affecting taste
- Burns long and hot
- Excellent flavor charcoal vs other brands
Cons
- Pricey than most briquettes
- It’s not popular
6. Duraflame Cowboy 26014 Cowboy Brand Natural Hardwood Briquettes Review
Made from all-natural hardwood including 95% hardwood and 5% vegetable matter for binding, these briquettes provides exceptional heat and long-lasting performance. There are no chemicals or fillers that could interfere with the delicious smoke flavor you’re after. They’re also easy to light and produce minimal ash.
These briquettes are super easy to use and only take 15 minutes to reach their maximum heat level. That means you can get cooking sooner! They also create a hotter burn than most lump charcoal, so you can be sure your food will be cooked evenly.
Pros
- Burns hot and a long time
- Minimal ash production
- Burns quick
- There are no additives like formaldehyde and other chemicals
Cons
- A bit pricey
- A blend of hardwoods with no distinct flavor.
What is a Charcoal Briquettes?
Charcoal briquettes are made of charcoal that has been ground up and formed into small, uniform shapes. The charcoal is then held together with a binding agent, typically starch or clay. Briquettes can be used as fuel for grilling, barbecuing, or cooking in general. Charcoal briquettes are also commonly used in industrial settings for things like smelting metals or heating kilns.
There are several advantages to using charcoal briquettes over traditional lump charcoal. Briquettes burn more evenly and produce less smoke than lump charcoal. They also light more easily and reach higher temperatures.
Finally, briquettes are less expensive than lump charcoal, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious grillers and barbecuers.
If you’re looking for a clean-burning, easy-to-use fuel for your next grilling or cooking adventure, charcoal briquettes are a great option.
You might be interested: Top 5 Best Lump Charcoal 2023
How to Choose the Best Charcoal Briquettes That Suits Your Needs?
Before purchasing charcoal briquettes, here are a few things to consider:
– The type of grill or smoker you have
– The size of your grill or smoker
– The type of food you’ll be cooking
– Your budget
The type of grill or smoker:
The type of grill or smoker you have will determine the type of charcoal you need to purchase. If you have a small grill or smoker, you’ll want to purchase briquettes that are easy to light and produce little smoke. If you have a large grill or smoker, you can purchase lump charcoal or briquettes that burn hot and clean.
The size of your grill or smoker:
The size of your grill or smoker will determine how much charcoal you need to purchase. If you have a small grill or smoker, you’ll only need a few pounds of charcoal. If you have a large grill or smoker, you’ll need 10-15 pounds of charcoal.
The type of food you’ll be cooking:
The type of food you’ll be cooking will determine the type of charcoal you need to purchase. If you’re only cooking for a few people, you can purchase briquettes that are easy to light and produce little smoke. If you’re cooking for a large group, you’ll need lump charcoal or briquettes that burn hot and clean.
Your budget:
Your budget will determine the type of charcoal you can purchase. Briquettes are the most economical option, while lump charcoal is more expensive. However, lump charcoal burns hotter and cleaner, so it’s worth the extra cost if you’re looking for the best results.
In addition, there are factors to consider before choosing to buy the charcoal briquettes
The Burning Time:
The burning time is an important factor to consider when purchasing charcoal. Briquettes typically last for about 1-2 hours, while lump charcoal burns for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. If you’re cooking for a large group, you’ll need to purchase more charcoal so that you can keep the fire going.
The Burning Temperature:
Briquettes typically burn at a lower temperature than lump charcoal, so they’re better for slow cooking. Lump charcoal burns at a higher temperature, so it’s better for grilling or smoking.
The Easy Lighting:
Some charcoals are easy to light while others can be a bit more difficult. If you’re new to grilling or smoking, you’ll want to purchase charcoal that is easy to light. Once you get the hang of it, you can purchase charcoal that is more difficult to light.
The ASH:
The amount of ash produced by the charcoal is another important factor to consider. Briquettes typically produce more ash than lump charcoal, so they’re not the best choice if you’re looking for a clean burn. Lump charcoal produces very little ash, so it’s the better option if you’re looking for a clean burn.
The Smell:
Some people don’t like the smell of smoke from a fire, so they prefer briquettes that produce little smoke. If you’re one of these people, look for charcoal that is easy to light and produces little smoke.
The Taste:
If you’re looking for the best flavor, lump charcoal is the way to go. Lump charcoal burns hotter and cleaner, which gives food a smoky flavor. Briquettes also give food a smoky flavor, but they don’t burn as hot or clean.
Types of Charcoal Briquettes
There are two main types of charcoal briquettes: natural and instant light.
Natural charcoal briquettes are made from 100% hardwood charcoal and take longer to light than instant light briquettes. However, they last longer and produce more heat, making them ideal for grilling or smoking meats.
Instant light charcoal briquettes are made with lighter fluid and other chemicals. They light quickly and easily, but don’t last as long or produce as much heat as natural briquettes. However, they’re a good choice for those who want the convenience of not having to wait for the coals to get hot.
Which type of charcoal briquette is best for you will depend on your needs. If you’re grilling for a crowd or smoking meats, natural briquettes are the way to go. However, if you’re looking for something that’s quick and easy to light, instant light briquettes are a good choice.
What are the benefits of using Charcoal Briquettes?
There are many benefits to using charcoal briquettes over other types of fuel, such as wood or gas. Charcoal briquettes produce less smoke and odor than other fuels, making them ideal for indoor use. They also light faster and burn hotter than other fuels, making them perfect for grilling or smoking meats. Additionally, charcoal briquettes are a renewable resource and are much more environmentally friendly than other fuel sources.
What are the best Charcoal Briquettes?
There are many different brands and types of charcoal briquettes on the market, so it can be hard to know which ones are the best. However, there are a few things you can look for when choosing the best briquettes for your needs.
- First, look for briquettes that have a high density so they last longer and produce more heat.
- Second, choose briquettes that are made from natural materials, such as 100% hardwood charcoal.
- Finally, pick briquettes that are easy to light and have minimal ash production.
With so many great options available, it’s easy to find the best charcoal briquettes for your needs. So, whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just looking for a way to add some flavor to your food, charcoal briquettes are a great choice.
What Makes a Good Charcoal Briquette?
There are a few things to look for when choosing charcoal briquettes. First, you’ll want to make sure the briquettes are made of 100% natural ingredients. Next, look for briquettes that have a high density so they’ll last longer and burn more evenly. Finally, choose briquettes that are easy to light and produce little smoke.
With so many choices on the market, it can be tough to know which charcoal briquettes are right for you. To help narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for the best charcoal briquettes.
Determining The Best Charcoal Briquettes
When determining the best charcoal briquettes, we looked for products that met the following criteria:
-Made of 100% natural ingredients
-High density for long-lasting burns
-Easy to light
-Low smoke production
We also considered factors like price, availability, and customer reviews.
How to use Charcoal Briquettes
Whether you’re using natural or instant light briquettes, there are a few things you need to do to get the best results.
First, make sure your grill is clean and free of debris. This will help the coals stay hot and prevent them from sticking to the grill.
Next, build a pyramid of briquettes in the center of the grill. For a small grill, use about 30 briquettes. For a large grill, use 60-80 briquettes.
Once the pyramid is built, light the coals with a match or lighter. Allow them to burn for about 30 minutes, or until they’re covered in white ash.
Once the coals are ready, spread them out evenly over the bottom of the grill. Then, place your food on the grill and cook as desired.
When you’re finished cooking, allow the coals to cool completely before disposing of them. Never pour water on hot coals, as this can cause an explosion.
With these tips, you’ll be able to get the perfect results from your charcoal briquettes every time. So, fire up the grill and enjoy some delicious food!
Tips For Using Charcoal Briquettes
Now that you know a little more about charcoal briquettes, it’s time to learn how to use them. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
-To get the most out of your briquettes, light them 30 minutes before you plan on cooking. This will give them time to reach their peak temperature.
-If you’re using a charcoal grill, be sure to use a chimney starter to light the briquettes. This will help ensure that they light evenly and produce less smoke.
-Once the briquettes are lit, use a pair of tongs to spread them out in an even layer. This will help promote even cooking.
-If you’re looking for a smoky flavor, try adding wood chips or chunks to the briquettes before lighting them.
-To prevent the briquettes from sticking to your food, be sure to oil your grill grates before cooking.
How to light Charcoal Briquettes
If you’re using natural charcoal briquettes, the best way to light them is with a charcoal chimney starter. This tool allows you to light the coals without using any lighter fluid or other chemicals.
To use a charcoal chimney starter, simply fill the chamber with briquettes and place it on the grill. Then, stuff a piece of crumpled newspaper into the bottom of the chimney and light it with a match or lighter. The newspaper will ignite the briquettes, and they should be ready to use in about 30 minutes.
If you don’t have a charcoal chimney starter, you can also use a regular old Weber-style grill starter. Just place the briquettes in the grill, stuff a piece of newspaper under them, and light it with a match or lighter. The briquettes should be ready to use in about 30 minutes.
If you’re using instant light charcoal briquettes, simply follow the instructions on the package. Most brands will recommend lighting the briquettes with a match or lighter and then allowing them to burn for about 15 minutes before adding your food to the grill.
The best way to cook with Charcoal Briquettes
One of the best things about charcoal briquettes is that they can be used for both grilling and smoking.
If you’re grilling, the key is to get the coals nice and hot before adding your food to the grill. For a small grill, you’ll need about 30 briquettes. For a large grill, you’ll need 60-80 briquettes. Once the coals are ready, spread them out evenly over the bottom of the grill. Then, place your food on the grill and cook as desired.
If you’re smoking, you’ll want to use fewer briquettes so that the coals last longer. For a small smoker, you’ll need about 20 briquettes. For a large smoker, you’ll need 40-60 briquettes. Once the coals are ready, place them in the smoker and add your food. Then, close the lid and allow the food to smoke for the desired amount of time.
With these tips, you’ll be able to get the perfect results from your charcoal briquettes every time.
What not to do with Charcoal Briquettes
There are a few things you should avoid doing with charcoal briquettes.
First, never pour water on hot coals. This can cause an explosion.
Second, don’t throw away your used briquettes. Allow them to cool completely and then dispose of them in a safe way.
Finally, never use lighter fluid or other chemicals to light your briquettes. These products can give your food an unwanted flavor.
Lump Charcoal Vs. Briquettes
Lump charcoal is made of pure, natural wood that has been burned in a kiln or over an open fire. The resulting charcoal is then ground up into pieces of varying sizes. Lump charcoal burns hotter and cleaner than briquettes, making it a favorite among serious grillers and barbecuers. However, lump charcoal can be more expensive than briquettes and can be difficult to find in stores.
Briquettes are made of charcoal that has been ground up and bound together with a binding agent. Briquettes typically contain additional ingredients like wood chips, sawdust, or starch. These added ingredients help the briquettes burn more evenly and produce less smoke than lump charcoal. Briquettes are also less expensive than lump charcoal, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious grillers and barbecuers.
So, which is better: lump charcoal or briquettes? The answer depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a clean-burning, high-heat fuel, lump charcoal is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for an economical option that’s easy to find in stores, briquettes are a great choice.
Common mistakes when using Charcoal Briquettes:
Not Soaking the Briquettes: If you don’t soak your briquettes, they will take longer to light and may not reach the desired temperature. Soak your briquettes in water for 30 minutes before lighting them.
Not Packing the Briquettes Properly: If you don’t pack the briquettes properly, they will not burn evenly. Make sure to pack the briquettes tightly so that there is little space between them.
Not Preheating the Grill: If you don’t preheat your grill, the food will stick to it and may not cook evenly. Preheat your grill for 10-15 minutes before adding the food.
Not Adding Enough Briquettes: If you don’t add enough briquettes, the fire will go out and you’ll have to start over. Make sure to add 10-15 pounds of briquettes to your grill or smoker.
FAQs:
Q: How long do charcoal briquettes take to light?
It typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to fully light charcoal briquettes.
Q: What is the best way to light charcoal briquettes?
There are a few different ways to light charcoal briquettes. You can use a chimney starter, an electric starter, or lighter fluid.
Q: Can you use lighter fluid on charcoal Briquettes?
Yes, you can use lighter fluid on charcoal briquettes. However, make sure to wait for the fluid to evaporate before adding the food.
Q: Do charcoal briquettes go bad?
No, charcoal briquettes don’t go bad. However, they can become less effective over time. It’s best to use them within 1-2 years for the best results.
Q: What is the difference between charcoal briquettes and lump charcoal?
Charcoal briquettes are made of compressed sawdust and other materials. Lump charcoal is made of charred wood. Briquettes typically burn at a lower temperature than lump charcoal and produce more ash.
Q: Can you use lump charcoal in a chimney starter?
Yes, you can use lump charcoal in a chimney starter. However, it will take longer to light than briquettes.
Q: Do I need to soak my charcoal before lighting it?
It’s not necessary to soak your charcoal before lighting it. However, it will help the charcoal light faster and reach the desired temperature.
Q: How long do charcoal briquettes last?
Charcoal briquettes typically last for 1-2 hours.
Q: What is the best way to store charcoal?
The best way to store charcoal is in a dry, airtight container.
Final Thoughts
So, what is the best charcoal briquette for you? It really depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a long-lasting, high-heat option, then we recommend Royal Oak Natural Charcoal Briquettes. If you want a quick light and easy cook time, go with Duraflame Cowboy 26014 Charcoal Briquettes. No matter which brand you choose, just make sure to read the reviews before purchasing so that you know what to expect. Happy grilling!
James Burney is the founder of Acadia House Provisions is a restaurant that with local & upscale dishes and high-quality kitchen supplies and food products. James was born and raised in Maine, and he has always been passionate about cooking. After working in a number of prestigious restaurants he started Acadiahouseprovisions.com with the goal develop into a comprehensive information site specializing in cooking and cuisine. His goal is to make it easy for people to cook delicious meals at home without spending a fortune.
