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Charcoal grilling holds its own unique charm and is the preferred cooking method for many due to its distinctive smoky flavor. However, to get the most out of your grilling experience, it’s important to use the best charcoal. The right charcoal not only produces a consistent, high heat, but it also burns cleanly with minimal ash. Choosing the right charcoal for grilling can significantly impact the flavor of your food, and it’s essential you select one carefully.
The best charcoal for grilling should have specific characteristics. It should be easy to light, long-lasting, able to reach a high cooking temperature, and generate little ash. Furthermore, it should be made from high-quality hardwoods rather than softwood, as hardwoods burn cleaner and produce a more desirable flavor.
When shopping for charcoal, it’s important to check the ingredients; look for pure, natural wood charcoal with no additives or fillers. Lump charcoal is typically superior to briquettes as it contains no added chemicals, burns hotter, and leaves less ash. However, high-quality briquettes made from all-natural ingredients can also provide excellent results.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the best charcoal for grilling. We have thoroughly researched, tested, and evaluated various types of charcoal to identify the ones that offer exceptional grilling performance. By the end of this article, you will be equipped with all the necessary information to select the best charcoal for your grilling needs.
Best Charcoal for Grilling
Selecting the right charcoal for grilling is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of heat, longevity, flavor, and minimal ash. With countless options available in the market, choosing the best one can be quite a daunting task. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best charcoals for grilling that we have tested and found to deliver excellent results during the grilling process, guiding you to select the right one to elevate your grilling experience.
Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal – 35LB
If you’re looking for a natural lump charcoal that’s perfect for grilling, smoking, and barbecuing, then the Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Made from 100% natural hardwood lump charcoal
- No additives, fillers, chemicals, or preservatives
- Long-lasting burn time
Cons
- May produce some ash
- Some users may find it a bit pricey
- May not be suitable for very small grills
This charcoal is perfect for those who want to enjoy their food without any unwanted chemicals or additives. The Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal is made from 100% natural hardwood lump charcoal, which means that it’s free from any additives, fillers, chemicals, or preservatives. This makes it a healthier option for those who are concerned about what they’re putting into their bodies.
One of the best things about this charcoal is its long-lasting burn time. This means that you can cook your food slowly and steadily, which is perfect for smoking and barbecuing. The charcoal also produces a consistent temperature, which is essential for achieving perfectly cooked food every time.
However, it’s worth noting that this charcoal may produce some ash. While this is a natural byproduct of burning charcoal, it may be a bit of a hassle to clean up for some users. Additionally, some users may find the price of this charcoal to be a bit steep. Finally, it may not be suitable for very small grills, as the charcoal pieces are quite large.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality, all-natural lump charcoal that’s perfect for grilling, smoking, and barbecuing, then the Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal is definitely worth considering.
Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes, Two 16.7 lb Bags
If you’re looking for a reliable and consistent charcoal option for your grill, Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes are a great choice.
Pros
- The even heating ensures that your food is cooked evenly, making it easier to achieve the perfect doneness.
- The long-lasting briquettes mean that you won’t have to keep adding more charcoal to your grill, making it more convenient to use.
- The clean-burning formula produces less ash than other charcoal options, making cleanup a breeze.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the briquettes can be difficult to light, which can be frustrating.
- The strong smell of the charcoal can be overwhelming for some users.
- The price point may be higher than other charcoal options on the market.
We’ve used Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes for several grilling sessions, and we’ve been impressed with the consistent results. The even heating ensures that our food is cooked evenly, which is especially important when cooking larger cuts of meat. The long-lasting briquettes mean that we don’t have to constantly monitor the grill and add more charcoal, which is a huge time-saver.
One thing to keep in mind is that the briquettes can be difficult to light, which can be frustrating. However, we’ve found that using a chimney starter helps to get them going quickly and easily. Additionally, the strong smell of the charcoal can be overwhelming for some users, so it’s important to use it in a well-ventilated area.
Overall, we would definitely recommend Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes to anyone looking for a reliable and consistent charcoal option for their grill. While the price point may be higher than other options, the even heating, long-lasting briquettes, and clean-burning formula make it worth the investment.
Mr. Bar-B-Q Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal | Burns Hotter, Longer & Cleaner | Made from a 100% Hardwood Blend | Natural Lump Charcoal | Lights Easily – Low Ash | 8-Pound Bag
If you’re looking for a charcoal that burns hotter, longer, and cleaner, then Mr. Bar-B-Q Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal is the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The charcoal is made from a 100% hardwood blend, which ensures that your food has a smoky and natural flavor.
- The charcoal lights easily and produces low ash, which makes cleaning up a breeze.
- The charcoal burns hotter and longer than other charcoals, which means that you can cook your food to perfection without having to worry about the charcoal running out.
Cons
- The charcoal is a bit more expensive than other charcoals on the market.
- The charcoal produces a bit more smoke than other charcoals, which may not be ideal if you’re cooking indoors.
- The charcoal may not be suitable for people who prefer a milder flavor.
Mr. Bar-B-Q Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal is perfect for people who want to enhance the natural flavor of their food. The charcoal is made from a 100% hardwood blend, which ensures that your food has a smoky and natural flavor. Additionally, the charcoal lights easily and produces low ash, which makes cleaning up a breeze.
One of the best things about this charcoal is that it burns hotter and longer than other charcoals. This means that you can cook your food to perfection without having to worry about the charcoal running out. However, the charcoal is a bit more expensive than other charcoals on the market, which may not be ideal for people on a tight budget.
Overall, if you’re looking for a charcoal that will take your barbecue game to the next level, then Mr. Bar-B-Q Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal is definitely worth trying out.
Kamado Joe KJ-CHAR Big Block XL Lump Charcoal, 20 pound
If you’re looking for a long-lasting charcoal that can enhance the flavor of your food, Kamado Joe KJ-CHAR Big Block XL Lump Charcoal is worth considering.
Pros
- The big blocks of natural hardwood charcoal burn longer and hotter, which means you can cook for hours without needing to add more charcoal.
- The hardwood charcoal is 100% natural and contains no fillers, binders, or additives, which means you can enjoy the pure taste of your food without any unwanted flavors.
- The charcoal is steam-treated and food-grade certified, which means it’s safe to use and won’t harm your health.
Cons
- The charcoal is more expensive than some other brands on the market.
- The charcoal produces a lot of ash, which means you’ll need to clean your grill more frequently.
- The charcoal may not be suitable for small grills or smokers.
We’ve used Kamado Joe KJ-CHAR Big Block XL Lump Charcoal in our Kamado grill, and we’re impressed with its performance. The charcoal burns hot and long, which means we can cook for hours without needing to add more charcoal. The natural hardwood charcoal enhances the flavor of our food, and we can taste the difference compared to other charcoals.
One thing to keep in mind is that the charcoal is more expensive than some other brands on the market. However, we believe that the quality of the charcoal justifies the price. The charcoal is 100% natural and contains no fillers, binders, or additives, which means you can enjoy the pure taste of your food without any unwanted flavors.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the charcoal produces a lot of ash, which means you’ll need to clean your grill more frequently. However, we believe that this is a small price to pay for the quality of the charcoal.
Overall, we highly recommend Kamado Joe KJ-CHAR Big Block XL Lump Charcoal for anyone who wants to enhance the flavor of their food and cook for hours without needing to add more charcoal.
Masterbuilt MB20091621 Lump Charcoal 16 Pound, Black
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable lump charcoal, the Masterbuilt MB20091621 Lump Charcoal 16 Pound, Black is a great option to consider.
Pros
- This charcoal is perfect for smoking and grilling, and it produces a delicious smoky flavor every time.
- It’s made with natural hardwood, so it burns hot and clean without any added fillers or chemicals.
- This 16-pound bag is perfect for your next cookout, and it’s easy to light and use with your favorite grill or smoker.
Cons
- Some users have reported that this charcoal produces a lot of ash, which can be a hassle to clean up.
- While the natural hardwood scent is great, it may be too strong for some people’s taste.
- This charcoal may not be the best option for those who prefer a more subtle smoky flavor.
Overall, we highly recommend the Masterbuilt MB20091621 Lump Charcoal 16 Pound, Black for anyone who wants to enhance the flavor of their grilled or smoked foods. This charcoal is made with natural hardwood, so it burns hot and clean without any added fillers or chemicals. Plus, it’s perfect for smoking and grilling, and it’s easy to light and use with your favorite grill or smoker.
One of the biggest pros of this charcoal is its ability to produce a delicious smoky flavor every time. Whether you’re grilling burgers, smoking ribs, or roasting vegetables, this charcoal will take your food to the next level. Plus, it’s made with natural hardwood, so you can feel good about what you’re putting in your body.
However, there are a few downsides to this charcoal. Some users have reported that it produces a lot of ash, which can be a hassle to clean up. Additionally, the natural hardwood scent may be too strong for some people’s taste. Finally, this charcoal may not be the best option for those who prefer a more subtle smoky flavor.
In our experience, the pros far outweigh the cons when it comes to the Masterbuilt MB20091621 Lump Charcoal 16 Pound, Black. If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable lump charcoal that will take your food to the next level, this is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best charcoal for grilling, there are a few key factors to consider. We’ve used and tested various types of charcoal, and we can attest to the importance of these factors.
Type of Charcoal
One of the most important factors to consider when buying charcoal is the type of charcoal. There are several types of charcoal available, including lump charcoal, briquette charcoal, and natural charcoal. Each type has its own unique characteristics, so it’s important to choose the type that best suits your needs.
Quality of Charcoal
Another important factor to consider is the quality of the charcoal. High-quality charcoal will burn hotter and longer than lower-quality charcoal. Look for charcoal that is free of additives and has a low moisture content.
Price of Charcoal
Price is always a consideration when buying any product, and charcoal is no exception. While it’s important to choose a high-quality charcoal, it’s also important to find a product that fits within your budget. Compare prices and consider the cost per pound to find the best value.
Convenience of Charcoal
Finally, consider the convenience of the charcoal. Some types of charcoal, such as natural charcoal, may require more preparation and maintenance than other types. Look for charcoal that is easy to light and maintain, and consider the availability of the charcoal in your area.
In summary, when choosing the best charcoal for grilling, consider the type of charcoal, quality of charcoal, price of charcoal, and convenience of charcoal. By taking these factors into account, you can find a product that meets your needs and provides great flavor and grilling performance.
