Without a doubt, barbequing over charcoal allows versatility, simple grilling, and a classic smokey taste. As opposed to gas, it’s the better choice when it comes to searing, cooking large cuts of meat, slow cooking, and smoking.
But which is the best charcoal for barbecuing this way? Read on to learn more.
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Types of Charcoal
The two main types of charcoal are lump charcoal and briquettes.
Lump charcoal is excellent for fast lighting and maintaining temperature easily. It burns hotter than briquettes and is natural. It also doesn’t cause a lot of ash.
The downside to lump charcoal is that it is more expensive and burns at a quicker rate, so it’s a bit harder on the wallet. Also, watch out for the pointless little shards that come in the bags with the main lumps.
Briquettes, in contrast, burn for a longer period and are cheaper. They are easier to maintain too.
However, they’re not as speedy when it comes to lighting. There is often a lot of ash and it can smell of chemicals too. However, some brands are known to eliminate this.
Best Lump Charcoal
One of the best brands for lump charcoal is Fogo’s All Natural Premium. The hardwood in it leaves a delicious oaky taste to your food, with each bag containing the cream of the crop.
The lumps are mostly large and will heat up within a swift 15 minutes. If you like a smoky taste, but not too overpowering, Fogo’s is excellent. The cooking can be achieved slowly and evenly, and there will be no chemical aftermath as it’s all-natural.
Despite the heat, it burns nice and slow. As a result, you get an even cook on your food. It contains no fillers and no chemicals, and is perfect for low and slow cooking.
This brand is a little more pricey, but it’s worth it when it comes to charcoal and cooking quality. Try it out on a Barebones Cowboy Grill and see for yourself.
Best Briquettes Charcoal
You can still garner that hardwood flavor by opting for briquettes. Give Weber’s Natural Hardwood Briquettes a try. It also leaves out the chance of getting a chemical aftertaste thanks to its natural components.
Weber is a mainstay in the grilling business and only recently released its own brand of charcoal. Their briquettes come in 20-lb bags and are so effectively ground that there is no hint of binders and chemicals.
They are also large in size, so you’ll need to use less. This means they’re cost-effective, despite also being on the higher end of the pricing spectrum.
They burn hot and fast for a delicious grilled finish.
Use the Best Charcoal for Your Grill
Whether you want lump or briquette, these are the creme de la creme of charcoals. And now you know what the best charcoal is for your grilling needs. It’s time to get the BBQ back out!
Be sure to check out our cooking tips section to round up some ideas to make your meat taste even more delicious.
