We all know the feeling – standing in the grilling supplies aisle at the store, faced with countless options of charcoal briquettes. Choosing the right one can become a challenging task. But don’t fret, we’ve done extensive research and testing to identify the best charcoal briquettes on the market, making your choice easier.
Charcoal briquettes are a popular choice for grilling because they are easy to light, burn for a long time, and produce a consistent heat. They are made from a combination of charcoal, coal, and other additives that help them burn efficiently. However, not all charcoal briquettes are created equal, and it’s essential to choose the right one for your grilling needs.
When choosing the best charcoal briquettes, there are a few critical things to consider. The first is the type of charcoal used. Some briquettes are made from hardwood, which produces a more natural and smoky flavor, while others are made from a combination of charcoal and other materials. The size and shape of the briquettes can also make a difference in how they burn and how long they last.
After extensive testing, we’ve identified the best charcoal briquettes on the market. Whether you’re a novice griller or a seasoned pro, our top picks will help you achieve the perfect char on your meat and enhance the flavor of your food.
Best Charcoal Briquettes
Looking for the best charcoal briquettes to fuel your next cookout? Look no further! This roundup features the top-rated charcoal briquettes on Amazon, based on customer reviews and expert recommendations. Whether you’re grilling burgers, smoking ribs, or cooking up a veggie feast, these briquettes are sure to deliver the heat and flavor you’re looking for. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the best charcoal briquettes available for purchase on Amazon.
Olivette Organic Charcoal Briquettes for Grilling BBQ, USDA Organic Certified | 100% Recycled Olive Tree Byproducts
If you’re looking for a sustainable and organic charcoal option, Olivette Organic Charcoal Briquettes might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- 100% certified organic, made from olive tree prunings and pits that are traditionally burnt at the olive mills to reduce waste
- HEALTHY & CLEAN: No smoke, No sparks, No odor. Odorless and smokeless charcoal. No need to use any chemical fire starters or lighter fluid
- ECOFRIENDLY & SUSTAINABLE: Burn hotter and longer than traditional wood, lump charcoal, and other charcoals. Burn up to 4x longer than other charcoals
Cons
- May take longer to heat up compared to other charcoal options
- Inconsistent sizing of briquettes
- Some users may find the price point higher than other charcoal options
We’ve used Olivette Organic Charcoal Briquettes for grilling and smoking, and we were impressed with its performance. The charcoal burns clean and hot, with no smoke or sparks. We appreciate that it’s made from organic and sustainable sources, making it a great choice for environmentally conscious grillers.
One thing to note is that it may take longer to heat up compared to other charcoal options, so be sure to plan accordingly. Additionally, the sizing of the briquettes can be inconsistent, but we didn’t find this to be a major issue.
Overall, we would recommend Olivette Organic Charcoal Briquettes for anyone looking for an organic and sustainable charcoal option that performs well.
Thaan Thai Style Charcoal (5)
If you’re looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly way to grill, then Thaan Thai Style Charcoal is a great option.
Pros
- Hot, clean-burning, long-lasting for Thaan
- Made in Thailand from sugar cane waste, a water-sealed container can be stored indefinitely
- Unique hexagonal shape and horizontal grooves cut around the charcoal aids air flow, and design does not roll around like a round-lump charcoal
Cons
- May be difficult to break up for use in a kamado-style grill
- Comes in a 22-pound bulk box with two two logs, which may be too much for some users
- May have a stronger smell than some other charcoals
We’ve used Thaan Thai Style Charcoal and found that it burns hot and clean, with no sparking or emissions. The unique hexagonal shape and horizontal grooves ensure even and consistent heat distribution throughout your lump charcoal. It’s also easy to light, with flames in about 15 minutes.
The charcoal is made from reclaimed, single-origin, and pesticide-free hardwood waste, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly option. It’s also very efficient; we used just 6 pounds of Thaan charcoal to cook for six hours when testing it out.
Overall, we would recommend Thaan Thai Style Charcoal to anyone looking for a sustainable and eco-friendly way to grill. It’s a high-quality product that burns hot and clean, with a unique design that ensures consistent heat distribution.
.Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes, Two 16.7 lb Bags
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient way to grill this summer, Kingsford 16.7 lb ORIGINAL 2 PACK is a great option. This charcoal is made with natural ingredients and real wood to ensure a classic smoky taste with a blend of charcoal that can heat up in 15 minutes for fast cooking. We’ve used this product and have found several advantages to it.
Pros
- The packaging is made with recycled or compostable paper and a vast majority of the carbon emitted from the shipping process is offset, making it a more sustainable choice.
- The charcoal is made with natural ingredients and real wood to ensure a classic smoky taste.
- The two-pack of charcoal briquettes bag keeps your outdoor or backyard barbecues ready to go when you need them.
Cons
- The original briquets come in a large bag that’s perfect for serious backyard grilling, tailgating or even smoking your favorite meats, which means it may not be suitable if you only need a small amount of charcoal.
- It may take longer to heat up if you only use small amount of charcoal.
Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes, Two 16.7 lb Bags, is a great option for those who are looking for a reliable and sustainable way to grill. The charcoal is made with natural ingredients and real wood to ensure a classic smoky taste, and the packaging is more sustainable than other options. We’ve used it and found that it heats up quickly and evenly, and the two-pack of charcoal briquettes bag keeps your outdoor or backyard barbecues ready to go when you need them.
If you have a serious backyard grilling need, tailgating, or even smoking your favorite meats, this is the perfect choice for you. However, if you only need a small amount of charcoal, the original briquets come in a large bag that may not be suitable for you. Overall, we highly recommend Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes, Two 16.7 lb Bags for those who are looking for a reliable and sustainable way to grill.
Kamado Joe KJ-CHAR Big Block XL Lump Charcoal, 20 pound
If you’re looking for a high-quality charcoal that can elevate your grilling experience, the Kamado Joe KJ-CHAR Big Block XL Lump Charcoal is a great option to consider.
Pros
- 100% natural hardwood charcoal without chemicals or additives
- Burns hotter and longer, conserving charcoal and helping you cook more food
- Reduces sparking, in addition to produces less ash than briquette charcoal, leading to a safer, less mess experience
Cons
- Slightly more expensive than other lump charcoal options on the market
- The size of the XL pieces may not fit all grills
- The bag is not resealable, so you’ll need to find a way to store the charcoal after opening
We’ve used this charcoal for a few months now, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. The XL size lumps are easy to light and maintain a consistent temperature throughout the grilling process. We’ve also noticed that this charcoal produces less ash than other options, which makes cleanup a breeze.
One of the best things about this charcoal is that it’s made from 100% natural hardwood, without any chemicals or additives. This means that you can enjoy a clean and pure smoke flavor in your food, without any unwanted aftertaste.
While this charcoal is a bit more expensive than some other options on the market, we think it’s worth the investment for the quality and performance it provides. The only potential downside is that the XL size pieces may not fit all grills, so be sure to check the size of your grill before making a purchase.
Overall, we highly recommend the Kamado Joe KJ-CHAR Big Block XL Lump Charcoal for anyone who wants to take their grilling experience to the next level. With its long burning time, clean smoke flavor, and easy cleanup, this charcoal is a great choice for any barbecue enthusiast.
Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes, BBQ Charcoal for Grilling 12 Pounds Each (Pack of 2) (Package May Vary)
If you’re looking for a consistent and long-lasting grilling experience, Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes are a great choice.
Pros
- Lights faster and burns longer than other charcoal brands
- Zero additives and 100% natural charcoal
- Ready to cook on in about 15 minutes
Cons
- Some users have reported broken bags upon delivery
- The briquettes may be smaller than other options
- The bag design may not be as durable as other brands
We’ve used Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes for several grilling sessions and have been impressed with their performance. The charcoal lights quickly and evenly, and burns for an extended period of time. We appreciate that Kingsford prides itself on using only real wood to make its charcoal, with no additives or fillers.
One potential downside is that some users have reported broken bags upon delivery, which can be messy and inconvenient. Additionally, the briquettes may be smaller than those from other brands, which could impact the heat and cooking time. Finally, the bag design may not be as durable as some other options, so it’s important to handle them with care.
Overall, we would recommend Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes for anyone who values a consistent and natural grilling experience. The quick lighting and long burn time make them a reliable choice for any barbecue or cookout.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best charcoal briquettes, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for before making a purchase:
Material
Charcoal briquettes are typically made from two types of materials: hardwood and coconut shell. Hardwood briquettes provide a classic smoky flavor, while coconut shell briquettes burn hotter and longer. Consider the type of flavor and cooking time you desire before choosing a material.
Size and Shape
The size and shape of charcoal briquettes can affect how they burn and the heat they produce. Standard briquettes are square or round in shape and provide a consistent burn. However, larger briquettes can provide a longer cooking time. Look for briquettes that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
Ash Production
Charcoal briquettes produce ash as they burn, which can affect the flavor of your food. Look for briquettes that produce low levels of ash to ensure a clean and pure flavor. Some brands may also offer ash-catchers to make cleaning up easier.
Binder
Binders are used to hold charcoal briquettes together. Some common binders include starch, clay, and sodium nitrate. Starch and clay binders are natural and provide a clean burn, while sodium nitrate can produce a chemical smell. Look for briquettes with natural binders for the best flavor.
Price
Charcoal briquettes can vary in price depending on the brand and quality. While it may be tempting to choose a cheaper option, higher quality briquettes can provide a better flavor and longer cooking time. Consider your budget and the features you desire before making a purchase.
By considering these key features, you can choose the best charcoal briquettes for your grilling needs. Whether you prefer a classic smoky flavor or a hot and long burn, there is a briquette out there to meet your needs.
