The Olivette Organic Charcoal Briquettes are my top choice for charcoal barbecuing with briquettes. However, when it comes to grilling, I'm not afraid to try out different charcoal briquettes and lumps. This way, I always get the varied smoke flavors on my BBQs. While binge-testing, I was able to discover various types of charcoal fuel. Now my sampling period is over, and I can say I've finally settled for five charcoal briquettes which I'm excited to show you.
In this article, I'll be sharing my personal experience and research on the best charcoal briquettes, including their burn time, heat output, ash production, and overall flavor. So, this in-depth guide has got you covered, whether you're just grilling up some burgers and hot dogs for a summer cookout or smoking meat for a backyard BBQ.
I've tested and reviewed the top charcoal briquettes. Trust me when I say these are the best options for flavor, heat, and longevity.
Check them out. Your perfect grill session starts here.
Overall Best Charcoal Briquettes
Key Features:
Want the best chemical-free and eco-friendly briquettes for a cleaner backyard grill session? Look no further, my grill-loving friends.
The Olivette Organic Charcoal Briquettes are made from all-natural, USDA-certified organic materials like recycled olive pulp or pits.
These bad boys burn evenly and provide a consistent heat source allowing you to achieve the desired temperature for your food. Plus, they're chemical-free and eco-friendly, so you can feel good about cooking with them. Let's not forget the subtle smoky taste they bring to your food. It's like a party in your mouth.
They are trendy among people looking for an alternative to traditional charcoal made from petroleum by-products.
These briquettes are more environmentally-friendly than traditional ones and are made from 100% organic materials.
The Olivette Organic Charcoal Briquettes are designed to burn for a long time (up to 5 hours), making them a cost-effective option for grilling and smoking.
The briquettes produce very little ash, making them easy to clean after grilling.
So, ditch the traditional briquettes made from petroleum chemicals, and join the organic charcoal movement. Your taste buds will thank you too.
What I Liked
What I Don't Like
Final Verdict
Overall, Olivette Briquettes are an excellent option for grillers looking for an eco-friendly option that burns long, produces consistent heat, and has low ash. However, the price point may be a drawback for some considering the bag weighs just 6.6 pounds.
Best All-Natural Charcoal Briquettes
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Duraflame Cowboy 26014 Natural Hardwood Briquettes are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, natural fuel source for their grill or BBQ.
These briquettes give you that natural hardwood lump charcoal quality as they're 100% natural.
They're known for their rich smoky taste and long burn time. The coals are free from fillers, binders, and chemicals, making them a safe and eco-friendly option for outdoor cooking.
One of the most notable features of these briquettes is that they burn hot and long, providing a reliable heat source for cooking and maintaining a steady temperature throughout the grilling process.
This makes them ideal for slow cooking, smoking, and grilling at higher temperatures. With this consistency, you can be confident that you'll get perfectly cooked meats, seafood, and vegetables each time.
Duraflame Cowboy 26014 Natural Hardwood Briquettes also produce minimal ash, something you may be used to with lump charcoal. This makes them easy to clean up and reduces the need for frequent ash removal.
It also means they're less likely to clog up the vents of your grill, which can lead to uneven heating. This makes them an excellent option for people who have a lot of grilling sessions and don't want to spend a lot of time cleaning up after each one.
The natural wood flavor of these briquettes also enhances the taste of your grilled foods. They add a delicious smoky taste to your food, making it more flavorful and satisfying.
Finally, the Duraflame Cowboy 26014 Natural Hardwood Briquettes have great value for money. They come in a large 14-pound bag, providing fuel for multiple grilling sessions. They're also effortless to light, which can be a real advantage if you're in a hurry to start cooking.
What I Like
What I Don't Like
Final Verdict
I've used Duraflame Cowboy 26014 Natural Hardwood Briquettes for a few of my backyard BBQs, and I have to say, they're great. They light up quickly and burn hot and long, which is perfect for grilling. The natural hardwood gives a nice, smoky taste to the food, and they don't have any weird chemicals or additives. Overall, I highly recommend them.
Best Value for Money Charcoal Briquettes
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Last October, I got the B&B 00074 Briquettes for a BBQ, and I was highly impressed with the product.
First of all, the Competition Oak charcoal briquette packaging is superb. The briquettes come in a sturdy bag that's easy to open and close, perfect for storing them after use.
The charcoal itself is also of excellent quality. It's got a nice deep black color and has a strong oak scent that really added to the flavor of my grilled food.
However, the best part about these briquettes is how long they burn. As the name suggests, they are slow burning, so I didn't have to add new charcoal to my grill constantly.
I was able to cook for hours without having to worry about the heat dying down. This also meant that I had to use less charcoal overall, which I appreciated as it saved me money in the long run.
Another great feature of these briquettes is that they produce very little ash. I expected a lot of ash because of how long they burned, but I was pleasantly surprised by how little there was. This made cleanup a breeze.
Lastly, I have to mention how well these briquettes held their shape. They didn't crumble or fall apart like other coals I've used. This made it easy to stack them in my grill and helped maintain a consistent heat.
Overall, I highly recommend B&B 00074 Competition Oak Charcoal Slow Burning Briquettes to anyone looking for high-quality charcoal that burns for a long time and produces minimal ash. However, although these briquettes have more coals per dollar, some users report inconsistent quality.
Considering my experience, I think they're worth the investment and will make your grilling experience even better.
What I Liked
What I Don't Like
Final Verdict
Overall, B&B 00074 Competition Oak Charcoal Slow Burning Briquettes are an excellent option for grillers looking for a natural wood flavor and consistent heat. They are designed to burn slowly and consistently, which allows you to achieve the desired temperature for your food.
Best Premium Charcoal Briquettes
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If you don't mind the price, this Kingsford product is a longer-burning pack of professional briquettes that's great for searing in flavor on your recipes.
The Kingsford 32100 Briquettes are a high-quality charcoal option for grilling and smoking. These briquettes are made from 100% natural ingredients, including wood and minerals that are compressed and formed into uniform shapes and sizes.
The charcoal is also infused with a woodsy scent that can enhance the flavor of your grilled food. They are great for beef, pork, veggies, fish, and more.
The product may be sold for a higher price and contain fewer briquettes than others I reviewed earlier. However, don't worry. You should get your money's worth, as the briqs can be used up to three times before they turn ash.
One of the main features of these briquettes is their quick lighting time. They are designed to light quickly and easily, so you can start grilling and smoking in no time. This makes them ideal for impromptu BBQs or when you're short on time.
The briquettes also burn evenly, which is essential for achieving that perfect sear on your food. This allows you to cook your food perfectly without worrying about hot spots or uneven heat.
Kingsford 32100 Charcoal Briquettes are also low ash, which makes cleaning up after your BBQ a breeze. you can also spend more time enjoying your food and cleaning up less.
These briquettes are an excellent option for both professional and home cooks. They are easy to find and available in most supermarkets.
What I Liked
What I Don't Like
Final Verdict
In conclusion, Kingsford 32100 Charcoal Briquettes are an excellent option for anyone that's looking for high-quality charcoal that lights quickly, burns evenly, and produces minimal ash. They're easy to use and perfect for grilling and smoking. They will add a great taste to your food and improve your grilling experience.
Best Instant-light Briquettes
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Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes are a popular choice among grillers for their consistent and high heat as well as long-lasting burn. In addition, the briquettes are made with special grooves called the Sure Fire Grooves. This helps for faster lighting. So, you won't need lighter fluid to light it.
Like lump charcoal, these briquettes are made from natural wood, giving them a distinct flavor many grillers enjoy.
The coals are made from all-natural, organic materials and give you that classic charcoal taste. Plus, they're earth-friendly, so you can feel good about grilling with a clear conscience.
I've tried the Kingsford Briquettes myself for grilling and smoking for a couple of months, and was delighted with their performance.
They're also widely available. They can be found easily in most supermarkets and home improvement stores.
And let's not forget; they're perfect for hot dogs, burgers, steaks, and anything else you can think of, you name it.
What I Like
What I Don't like
Final Verdict
Overall, I highly recommend Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes for anyone looking for a high-quality lump charcoal alternative or briquettes option that light faster.
When it comes to charcoal briquettes, there are a few things to consider before making a purchase. Before going deep into the buying guide, let's see what charcoal briquettes are, what they're made of, how they're different from lump charcoal, and how to use them.
Charcoal briquettes are a fuel made from compressed charcoal dust, clay, and a binder, such as corn starch or borax. They're unlike lump charcoal which is made from burning whole wood lumps. They are used for grilling, smoking food, and other heating and industrial purposes.
The process of making charcoal briquettes begins by crushing and mixing charcoal, clay, and a binder. The mixture is then compressed into the desired shape, such as a brick or cylinder. After shaping, the briquettes are left to dry, and then they are ready to be packaged and sold.
Unlike lump charcoal, the charcoal used to make briquettes can come from various sources, such as hardwood, coconut shells, and even sawdust.
The binder used can vary but it's usually a natural adhesive such as starch, making them an eco-friendly option. Briquettes can also be infused with other ingredients, such as mesquite or hickory wood, to impart a smoky taste to food.
Here are the general steps for using charcoal briquettes for grilling:
There are a few ways to tell when charcoal briquettes are ready to use:
Tips: It's important to note that the time taken for the charcoal to be ready will depend on the charcoal type, the charcoal amount, and the lighting method. It's always a good idea to allow some extra time for the charcoal to be ready, especially if you're using natural hardwood charcoal, which can take longer to light and reach the ideal temperature than briquettes.
There are several ways to make charcoal briquettes burn longer:
Tips: It's worth noting that the burn time of the briquettes can also depend on the type and quantity of briquettes used, as well as the weather conditions, so it's always a good idea to have extra briquettes on hand.
When purchasing charcoal briquettes, there are several factors I advise you to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs.
As mentioned, charcoal briquettes can be made from various materials, including hardwood, coconut shells, and even sawdust. Hardwood charcoal briquettes have the highest quality and produce the most consistent heat.
But the best charcoal briquettes can vary depending on your preferences and needs. Still, some of the most popular and well-regarded options include:
The best size and shape of charcoal briquettes can vary depending on personal preferences and the type of grill or smoker used.
Tips: It's worth noting that the shape and size of the briquettes do not affect the heat or taste of the food. The type of charcoal will determine the heat, flavor, and ingredients used to make the briquettes. On the other hand, the shape and size of the briquettes will affect the ease of use and the burn time.
The burn time of charcoal briquettes can vary depending on several factors. These include the charcoal type, the briquettes' size and shape, and the weather conditions.
On average, a standard charcoal chimney starter filled with briquettes will reach a searing temperature in 15 to 25 minutes. Unlike lump charcoal, which finishes burning in 2 to 3 hours, charcoal briquettes take 4 to 5 hours to complete burning. Some products, like the Kingsford 32100 Briquettes, can even be used thrice, which is incredible.
Hardwood charcoal briquettes generally burn longer than briquettes made from other materials.
Coconut charcoal briquettes, for example, can burn for up to 3 hours and maintain a consistent heat.
It's essential to remember that the burn time of charcoal briquettes can also be affected by how you light the briquettes and control the airflow. Properly venting the grill or smoker can help prolong the briquettes' burn time.
Always have extra charcoal on hand if the burn time is shorter than expected and you need to add more charcoal to the grill.
Charcoal briquettes can be infused with various additives to enhance their performance and provide additional benefits. Some of the most common additives include:
Safety Tips: It's worth noting that some charcoal briquettes may contain additives like borax and petroleum solvents that are unsafe for consumption. So it's always a good idea to read the label and be aware of what you're buying.
Charcoal briquettes can have significant environmental impacts during production and when used as a fuel source.
Cutting down trees to make charcoal briquettes during production can lead to deforestation and habitat loss. Also, the process of producing charcoal briquettes generates emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, and other gases that contribute to global warming.
Charcoal briquettes can produce significant amounts of ash and smoke, negatively impacting air quality when used as a fuel source. In addition, burning charcoal can release carbon monoxide, a toxic gas.
Another environmental impact of charcoal briquettes is that charcoal production in many developing countries is often illegal and unsustainable. This can lead to over-exploitation of the forests, land degradation, and biodiversity loss.
However, some charcoal briquettes are made from sustainable, environmentally-friendly materials such as coconut shells, bamboo, or agricultural waste, which can be a good alternative.
It's essential to be aware of the environmental impact of charcoal briquettes and to choose sustainable, eco-friendly options whenever possible.
The price of charcoal briquettes can vary depending on the brand, size, and quantity of the package, as well as the location where they are purchased. On average, a standard 20-pound bag of charcoal briquettes can cost anywhere from $20 to $30.
However, the prices can vary depending on the brand and the type of charcoal used. For example, charcoal briquettes made from natural hardwoods, such as oak, hickory, and mesquite, can be more expensive than briquettes made from other materials. Coconut charcoal briquettes are also more costly than traditional charcoal briquettes.
It's a good idea to check the prices of different retailers or vendors and compare them to find the best deal. Remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best quality. So it's also essential to consider the quality of the charcoal briquettes when making your purchase.
It can be challenging to determine which brand of charcoal briquettes is the best as it largely depends on individual preferences and needs. However, some of the most popular and well-reviewed brands of charcoal briquettes include:
Lump charcoal briquettes typically burns hotter than the real briquettes because they are made of 100% natural carbon. Lump charcoal burns hotter and longer than briquettes and produces less ash. Lump charcoal also imparts a natural smoke flavor to food, which some users highly desire.
On the other hand, briquettes are made from compressed charcoal dust, clay, and a binder, such as starch or borax. They're designed to burn more consistently and evenly than charcoal, but don't burn as hot. They also produce more ash and don't give the same smoky flavor to food.
The reason why people prefer briquettes is that they maintain a steadier temperature and burn longer. They are also cheaper than lump charcoal.
It's worth noting that, unlike lump charcoal, some charcoal briquettes are made with added materials, such as lighter fluid. This can affect the temperature and taste of the final product.
One of the longest-burning charcoal briquettes is the hardwood charcoal briquette. They are made from natural hardwoods, such as oak, hickory, and mesquite. These have a higher density and burn hotter and longer than briquettes made from other materials.
Charcoal briquettes that burn longer are also made with high-quality compressed charcoal dust, clay, and a binder.
Another longer-burning charcoal briquettes are the coconut charcoal briquette. They are made from compressed coconut shells, which burn longer than traditional charcoal briquettes. They also produce less ash and are a more eco-friendly option.
Choosing a high-quality brand and selecting the correct type of charcoal briquette for your needs is essential. The Olivette Organic Briquettes are my top choice. Still, if these are unavailable, the Duraflame Cowboy 26014 and B&B 00074 are my runner-ups and the best value-for-money briquettes, respectively.
In the end, the best charcoal briquettes are not just a fuel source but a flavor source. The right briquettes can elevate your grilling game, imparting a smoky, savory taste that'll have your guests coming back for more. So whether you're grilling for a crowd or a cozy dinner for two, choose the best charcoal briquettes to get evenly cooked barbecue that sizzles with flavor!
