Enthusiastic grillers frequently praise charcoal grilling for its capability to create a distinctive smoky flavor. The choice of charcoal significantly influences the taste and duration of your grilling process. Therefore, selecting the appropriate charcoal is a crucial decision for any barbecue lover. The perfect charcoal should not only ignite swiftly and sustain consistent, even heat but also burn cleanly, enriching your food with a unique and delicious flavor.
The best charcoal for grilling should be made from high-quality, all-natural ingredients. Hardwoods, like oak, cherry, or maple, are often used in professional charcoal production. These woods ensure the charcoal burns hot and clean, leaving no unwanted residue or aftertaste on your food. In addition, the charcoal should also contain a high percentage of carbon for longer burning times and less ash production.
When shopping for charcoal to use for grilling, pay attention to the ingredients. The charcoal should not contain any harmful additives or chemicals. Instead, it should be 100% pure hardwood charcoal. This will give you the cleanest, purest burn and the best flavor for your grilled dishes.
In this guide, we will walk you through the process of selecting the best charcoal for grilling. We have diligently researched, tested, and tasted various types of charcoals to uncover the ones that fulfill all parameters for ensuring a perfect barbecue experience. By the end of this article, you will possess all the insights needed to pick the right charcoal for your grill, to help you create delicious meals and lasting memories.
Best Charcoal for Grilling
Selecting the correct type of charcoal for grilling is critical for achieving desired outcomes, both in terms of taste and cooking time. The charcoal should burn cleanly, imparts a fantastic flavor to your food, heat consistently, and stay lit for an extended period. With the myriad of options available, decision-making can be overwhelming. In this guide, we have compiled a list of the best charcoals for grilling that will assist you in making an informed decision.
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
- Even heating for consistent results
- Long-lasting, so you don’t have to keep adding charcoal
- Made with 100% natural hardwood, with no fillers
Cons
- Can be a bit smoky when first lit
- Some users have reported difficulty finding a match to light the charcoal
- May not be the best option if you’re looking for a lot of smoke flavor
We’ve used Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes for a few grilling sessions now, and we’re impressed with the consistent heating and long-lasting burn. The charcoal is made with 100% natural hardwood, so you don’t have to worry about any fillers or additives.
One thing to keep in mind is that the charcoal can be a bit smoky when first lit, so you may want to use it in a well-ventilated area or with the grill lid on. Some users have also reported difficulty finding a match to light the charcoal, so you may want to have a few on hand.
Overall, we think Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes are a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and consistent charcoal option. They’re perfect for those who want to grill up their favorite burgers, hot dogs, and more.
Masterbuilt MB20091621 Lump Charcoal 16 Pound, Black
If you’re looking for a charcoal that will give your food a smoky, authentic flavor, then the Masterbuilt MB20091621 Lump Charcoal is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 16-pound bag of charcoal is perfect for grilling and smoking large batches of food.
- The charcoal lights quickly and easily, thanks to the inclusion of a matchlight charcoal lighter.
- The charcoal produces a consistent temperature, which makes it easy to cook your food to perfection.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the charcoal produces a lot of ash, which can be messy to clean up.
- The charcoal can be a bit difficult to spread out evenly in the grill.
- The charcoal may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a more subtle smoky flavor.
Overall, we’ve found that the Masterbuilt MB20091621 Lump Charcoal is a great choice for anyone who wants to add a smoky, authentic flavor to their food. The 16-pound bag is perfect for large batches, and the matchlight charcoal lighter makes it easy to get the charcoal burning. While the charcoal can be a bit messy and difficult to spread out, the consistent temperature and great flavor more than make up for it.
If you’re looking for a charcoal that will give your food a great smoky flavor, then the Masterbuilt MB20091621 Lump Charcoal is definitely worth trying out.
Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes, BBQ Charcoal for Grilling 12 Pounds Each (Pack of 2) (Package May Vary)
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable charcoal option for your grill, Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes are a great choice.
Pros
- Consistently produces great-tasting grilled food
- Long-lasting and produces stable heat
- Easy to light and ignite
Cons
- Some users reported a slight odor when lighting
- May produce more ash than other charcoal options
- The bag may not always be the advertised weight
We’ve used Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes in our grill and found that they consistently produce great-tasting food. The charcoal is long-lasting and produces stable heat, which makes it easy to grill our favorite foods without worrying about the charcoal burning out too quickly.
One of the best things about Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes is how easy they are to light and ignite. We found that we didn’t need to use a lot of lighter fluid to get them going, and they ignited quickly and easily.
However, some users have reported a slight odor when lighting the charcoal, which may be a concern for some people. Additionally, the charcoal may produce more ash than other options, which can be a hassle to clean up.
Overall, we would recommend Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable charcoal option for their grill. While they may not be the fanciest or most expensive option on the market, they consistently produce great-tasting food and are easy to use.
Kingsford Match Light Instant Charcoal Briquettes, BBQ Charcoal for Grilling, Mesquite, 8 Pounds, Packaging May Vary
If you’re looking for a hassle-free charcoal grilling experience, the Kingsford Match Light Instant Charcoal Briquettes are worth considering.
Pros
- The Quick-Ignite feature allows for easy lighting with no lighter fluid needed.
- The charcoal briquettes heat up quickly, allowing for faster grilling times.
- The charcoal produces a consistent heat, ensuring evenly cooked food.
Cons
- The charcoal briquettes may produce a lot of smoke during the initial lighting.
- The flavor may not be as smoky as other mesquite-flavored charcoals.
- The price may be higher than other charcoal options.
We’ve used the Kingsford Match Light Instant Charcoal Briquettes for a few grilling sessions, and we’ve found that the Quick-Ignite feature is a game-changer. The charcoal briquettes light up easily without the need for lighter fluid, making the grilling process much more convenient.
The charcoal briquettes also heat up quickly, allowing us to start grilling sooner. We’ve noticed that the charcoal produces a consistent heat, which ensures that our food is cooked evenly.
However, we’ve also noticed that the charcoal may produce a lot of smoke during the initial lighting. This can be a downside if you’re trying to grill indoors or in an enclosed space.
Additionally, the flavor may not be as smoky as other mesquite-flavored charcoals. This may be a downside if you’re looking for a strong smoky flavor in your grilled food.
Overall, we think that the Kingsford Match Light Instant Charcoal Briquettes are a solid option for those looking for a convenient and hassle-free charcoal grilling experience. The Quick-Ignite feature is a standout feature, and the charcoal produces a consistent heat. However, the price may be higher than other charcoal options, and the flavor may not be as strong as other mesquite-flavored charcoals.
Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal – 35LB
If you’re looking for a charcoal that burns long and hot, Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal might be the one for you.
Pros
- The charcoal is made from 100% natural hardwood, which means it burns cleaner and hotter than other types of charcoal.
- It produces less smoke than other charcoals, which is great if you’re cooking indoors or in a small space.
- The charcoal is easy to light and stays lit for hours, so you don’t have to keep adding more charcoal to the grill.
Cons
- The charcoal is a bit pricey compared to other types of charcoal.
- Some customers have reported that the charcoal produces a strong odor when it’s burning.
- The charcoal can be a bit messy to work with, as it tends to crumble and break apart easily.
We’ve used Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal a few times now, and we’ve been impressed with the results. The charcoal burns hot and clean, and it produces very little smoke, which is great for indoor cooking. We also appreciate that the charcoal is made from 100% natural hardwood, which means it’s better for the environment and for your health.
One thing to keep in mind is that the charcoal is a bit pricey compared to other types of charcoal. However, we think the quality is worth the extra cost. The charcoal is also a bit messy to work with, as it tends to crumble and break apart easily. But overall, we think Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal is a great choice for anyone who wants to cook with high-quality charcoal.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best charcoal for grilling, there are a few key factors to consider. We’ve used and tested a variety of charcoals, so we know what to look for.
Type of Charcoal
The type of charcoal you choose will have a big impact on the flavor of your food. Some popular types include:
- Lump Charcoal: This is made from natural hardwood and has a more organic flavor. It’s also more expensive and can be harder to light.
- Briquette Charcoal: This is made from wood and other materials, and is more uniform in size. It’s more affordable and easier to light, but may have a less distinct flavor.
- Natural Charcoal: This is made from untreated wood and has a very distinct flavor. It’s more expensive and can be harder to find.
Consider the flavor you want for your food and choose the type of charcoal accordingly.
Burning Time
The burning time of the charcoal is another important factor to consider. Some charcoals burn hotter and faster than others, while others burn more slowly. Consider how long you’ll be grilling and choose a charcoal that will last the duration.
Ash Content
The amount of ash produced by the charcoal can also impact your grilling experience. Charcoals with a higher ash content may produce more smoke and require more cleaning, while those with less ash may burn hotter and cleaner.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the charcoal. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, keep in mind that quality charcoal can make a big difference in the flavor of your food. Look for a charcoal that fits your budget but also meets your needs in terms of flavor, burning time, and ash content.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best charcoal for your grilling needs and enjoy delicious, perfectly-cooked food every time.
