The Best Charcoal for Your Next Barbecue

Throwing a barbecue is a fun way to feed your family and friends during the warm seasons. The foods and techniques associated with barbecuing can vary significantly, but it mostly involves outdoor cooking with meat or vegetables being grilled over flames or hot coals. Many people like to barbecue with charcoal because it burns hotter than wood and produces less smoke. There are numerous types of charcoal to consider before your next barbecue, so here are some amazing options for you.

Searching for the Right Charcoal

Here are some things to look for:

• Type: There are a few different types of charcoal. The most common type people use is dense briquettes that burn long. Genuine natural charcoal lumps are also ideal because they too burn hotter and longer, and they impart a terrific smell and taste to your food.
• Burn Time: If you are constantly behind the grill, then you want reusable charcoal that can burn for a long time. But if you’re an occasional griller, it’s really not a problem if your charcoal doesn’t burn as long.

So, let’s feel the burn and take a closer look at the best charcoal for grilling!

Best Overall: Kamado Joe Big Block XL Lump Charcoal

One of the best bags of charcoal you can buy right now is the 20-pound Kamado Joe Big Block. These extra-large lumps are 100% natural and can burn up to 18 hours. They are also advertised to be reusable for up to three times, so you can save a lot in the long term if you’re constantly grilling. The natural blend includes Guayacan, Guayaibi, Mistal, and White Quebracho. Kamado Joe is also available in a 30-pound bag and with different pattern options that include fire starters and wood smoker chunks.

Best Briquettes: Royal Oak Charcoal Briquettes

Royal Oak provides one of the best briquettes around as they are made from premium American Oak and Hickory Hardwood with no additional ingredients. The 20-pound bag is designed for professionals who can use this product to grill or smoke their food. It’s great for both high- and low-temperature cooking and produces very little ash compared to other charcoal. Royal Oak is also super versatile because it’s designed for use in traditional smokers and ceramic and non-ceramic grills.

Best Lumps: Fogo Super Premium Lump Charcoal

Another top-quality lump charcoal is from the folks at Fogo. This all-natural oak hardwood lump charcoal is perfect for smoking sessions and reverse-seared steaks. The large 4-inch pieces provide more surface area and ensure a long and slow burn and better airflow for temperature control. This charcoal lights fast and burns long, so if you’re looking for all-natural, long-lasting charcoal that will enhance the flavor of your food with a blend of tropical hardwoods, we recommend Fogo.

Best Value Pack: Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes

There’s a reason why even non-grillers have heard of the company Kingsford. This dependable company has been producing quality briquettes for years, and in this value pack, you get two for the price of one. It burns faster than most brands, and the sure-fire grooves help the coals light faster and make your food taste delicious.

Also Consider: Royal Oak Lump Charcoal

This all-natural lump charcoal can be used for all grills and smokers, including Kamado and ceramic grills. It’s made from renewable oak, hickory, maple, and walnut, so it imparts a sweet, smoky flavor that you will surely enjoy. The chunks are also assorted by size. This can be a good thing for most natural grillers with easy-to-light pieces that will burn for a long time.