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If you have a smoker then it is essential to use charcoal to get that brisk, mesquite, smoky flavor. So, when deciding what kind of charcoal to use it is important to consider the key aspects and options of charcoal.
From lump charcoal to briquettes there are multiple effects charcoal can have on your meat when smoking it, all depending on the type you get.
In this article, we will help you find the perfect charcoal for your smoking needs. We will evaluate the best brands, highlight the differences between briquettes and lump charcoal, and present key qualities and aspects you need to look out for, all in order to guide you to your best possible purchase.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Charcoal for Smoking
Best Charcoal for Smoking Comparison Chart
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Why is Charcoal Needed for Smoking?
Using charcoal is one of the most popular fuel sources for smoking meat. It tends to be preferable as opposed to other forms of smoking, like wood logs, because of its many pros.
People who need to grill for longer periods of time and want to accomplish that authentic crisp smoky flavor tend to pick charcoal over wood.
How Do I Choose Charcoal for Smoking?
Great Timing
Less Additives
Some bad quality charcoal is incorporated with additives. Not only are these additives bad for the environment, but they can also be harmful. You must opt for charcoal deprived of these additives in order to avoid chemical flavoring in your food.
Good Heat
One of the significant features of high-quality charcoal is that it provides steady and great heat to ensure perfectly cooked meat. It is best to pick charcoal that delivers consistent heat and does not take long to be heated.
Less Ash
At the end of the party, one of the most difficult things to do is clean. Therefore, it is advised to pick charcoal that produces less ash so you won’t have to struggle while taking it out of the grill. Lump charcoals are usually preferred for this purpose because of their clean and fast lighting.
Willy's Top Picks - Best Charcoal for Smoking
Here are the top 3 best charcoal options for smoking:
Review of the Best Charcoal for Smoking
Let’s now get started on our list of best charcoal brands to used for smoking.
Best Overall:
Kingsford Charcoal Briquettes in an Easy Light Bag
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Users have found this bag of charcoal quite useful during their BBQ events. They report that it is quite affordable and lights up easily and rapidly. It gives the perfect heat during the cooking process and provides authentic smoky flavors to food. Moreover, you don’t have to spend additional money on lighter fluid.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One of the best charcoals on the market, this bag of briquettes is known for its steady temperature and easy handling. The pieces are made from real wood and lack any additive to ensure authentic smoky flavors in the meat. Moreover, this charcoal catches fire quickly and lasts for a longer time.
These charcoal briquettes are easy to use and all natural. They are made with real wood, have zero additives, and you don’t need to spend extra money on lighter fluid because it doesn’t require any. This is because they have Sure Fire Grooves made for easy lighting.
The Kingsford charcoal briquettes are also great at keeping heat in your smoker consistent, and don’t burn out too quickly.
These briquettes are perfect for getting a crisp smoky flavor in your meats without being too overwhelmingly powerful. However, some have found trouble using this charcoal because the directions can be confusing to people new to smoking.
Kingsford also catches fire so quickly that the fire can get up to 12 inches in height instantly. But, that shouldn’t be too much of a problem so long as you are experienced with your smoker. Sometimes this charcoal when burning has distinct odor that some might find unappealing.
Despite having zero additives some people have reported tasting and smelling chemicals in their food when using this charcoal.
Who Will Use This Most
The briquettes have proven to be quite suitable for providing soothing smoky flavors to the meat. They are user-friendly and can be used whenever you have guests over for a BBQ party. Since they light rapidly and last longer, they can be quite useful for late-night parties as well.
Bottom Line
An extraordinary product with multiple features, this Kingsford Briquettes bag is inexpensive and reliable. You won't have to struggle too much while lighting them since they are made from natural wood. Plus, the charcoal ensures the perfect heat to grill your meat pieces during family hangouts. What more could you ask for?
This product is inexpensive and it is easy to light the charcoal. However, the flames can get too high and will take time to get under control if you don’t know how to use the air vents on your smoker.
Runner-up:
Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This product from Kingsford has won the confidence of many customers with its superior performance. According to users, this charcoal is easy to light and delivers consistent heat during the cooking session. Moreover, it comes at an affordable price when compared to other charcoal, which is quite attractive for many people out there.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Another impressive product from Kingsford, this charcoal is no less than other products from the company. They are designed to light easily and incorporate organic ingredients to avoid any chemical flavoring in the meat. Moreover, this USA-made real wood charcoal is ready to cook in just 15 minutes after catching fire.
Just like the other Kingsford Briquettes these are designed to be easy to light, have natural ingredients, and that great smoky flavor.
However, these ones are ready for cooking in just under 15 minutes after lighting, whereas other briquettes you’ll have to wait an extended period of time.
Unlike other charcoal, this one is known for staying together, instead of falling apart upon cooking, making for less clean up.
However, for the best flavor it is recommended you use lighter fluid. It is also recommended to stack the briquettes in a pyramid which will take a significant amount of them to do so.
Many customers have also recommended to buy this brand in store due to having problems with shipping, some even say the briquettes get crushed to dust by the time it arrives.
Despite people not liking having to use lighter fluid for these briquettes, many have found a good substitute by using a chimney starter, that way you can keep the pure flavor the charcoal would naturally give off.
Who Will Use This Most
This charcoal comes at a reasonable price and, therefore, can be used by budget-conscious people. They lack any chemical ingredients and therefore provide authentic smoky flavors. Since they produce less ash, they are suitable for those who do not want to spend much time cleaning up the smoker after a party.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for budget-friendly charcoal, then you must get your hands on these original briquettes. Not only do they catch fire easily, but they are guaranteed to provide a steady temperature for a longer time during your cooking session. The most striking thing is you won’t have to spend much time cleaning the space after you’re done.
These briquettes are fast working and allow for little cleanup after you’re done, however you’ll need lighter fluid or some other sort of way to get the coals lit.
Best for the Money:
Wicked Good Charcoal
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This charcoal has received many positive remarks from its users due to its long burning. The most appreciated qualities are easy handling, perfect heat production, and low-ash. This means you don’t have to spend a lot of money to buy a number of charcoal bags to make it through a BBQ party.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Known for its long and hot burning capability, this charcoal has got all that you need for your smoking needs. It is made from natural hardwood and therefore catches fire easily. Moreover, not only does it give the perfect crispy and smoky flavor, but it also features a nice aroma to make smoking easier.
This hardwood lump charcoal is great for all your smoking needs. This charcoal is hot-burning, low-ash, and burns for hours.
Not only do they use all natural ingredients but the manufacturer process is Eco-friendly as well.
The amount of chips and dust when the charcoal arrives is very low, so you can be sure your money will be well spent on this.
The smell is slightly smoky but also has a perfume aroma, making it stand out from other brands. Once you are able to light the charcoal, the fire will spread quickly.
There tends to be no size control on the lumps, varying from small pieces to big pieces. This charcoal also produces a little too much smoke when you first light it and there seems to be no way to calm it down until it burns out.
This charcoal also tends to take a while to get lit, and it is essential to have proper airflow to stay hot-burning.
However, this charcoal's biggest advantage tends to be how well it can maintain low temperatures, and it’s lack of sparking and popping.
Who Will Use This Most
The long-burning charcoal is an ideal choice for anyone who loves to arrange family or friends hangouts at their place. This charcoal can be handled easily and lasts for a longer time and is, therefore, quite suitable to be used for your BBQ parties. Plus, it produces less popping and sparks during cooking.
Bottom Line
To conclude, this charcoal is good enough at maintaining low and consistent temperature throughout the grilling session. Made from hardwood, it produces immense smoke in order to provide smooth and crispy, smoky flavors. All in all, you won’t find any better option on the market to go with your smoker.
In conclusion, this charcoal will burn long and hot and is great at maintaining lower temperature. However, it’s hard to light and doesn’t give your meat that strong smoky flavor all the while producing too much smoke.
Best Lump Charcoal:
Fogo Super Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This charcoal bag is the foremost choice of users whenever they need lump charcoal for grilling meat. It is highly appreciated for being made from natural ingredients and resists any spark during cooking. Moreover, they burn faster and lasts for a longer period of time. Users report it to be great at delivering mouth-watering smoky flavor to food.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This lump charcoal mainly stands out from its rivals for its easy lighting and efficient burning for a longer time. It is manufactured from hardwood and lacks any additives. With this charcoal, you don’t have to worry about sparks and excessive smoke production. Although it might be heavy on your pocket, it is worth the price.
This lump charcoal is our first choice for various reasons.
Not only does this charcoal have a delicious hardwood smoky flavor, but each piece of charcoal is hand-picked so you get the best quality. Fogo lights quickly, and burns hotter and longer than other brands of charcoal.
You don’t need to use lighter fluid at all to get this charcoal to start burning, and it’s all natural and great tasting.
This charcoal is also perfect for both slow cooking and fast cooking, making it ideal for all types of meat.
When lighting this charcoal you’ll find no sparks will form, and that the smoke will be minimal but will still form lots of steam as your meat drips onto the lumps, adding to the flavor.
However, some may find that the size of the charcoal to be troubling to their smoking, especially because this brand tends to leave copious amounts of ash.
This charcoal also tends to run more expensive than some others, but honestly it’s worth the price.
Who Will Use This Most
One of the best lump charcoals on the market, this charcoal bag has proven to be suitable for both slow and fast cooking. It is great at maintaining a consistent temperature and providing a smoky flavor to the food. From the price point, it is not recommended for those on a tight budget.
Bottom Line
In case you are in search of the best lump charcoal, then you must consider this hardwood charcoal from Fogo. It is ideal for all your grilling and smoking requirements. Overall, if you are willing to spend some extra money, then you should definitely go for this product in order to add a smoky flavor to your food.
Overall, this product is all natural and gives you the best flavor and works for all your smoking needs. However, it’s more expensive than other brands and might not be best for beginners.
Considerations When Buying Charcoal for Smoking
When it comes to picking which type of charcoal is best for you and your smoker, there are a couple of key aspects every buyer should be aware of before making a purchase.
Time
Depending on how much time you want to spend on smoking your meats is going to be a huge factor in which type of charcoal. Some charcoal heats fast while others take time to even catch fire.
Some charcoal can cook meat in just 30 minutes, while others can take up a significant amount of time. So make sure whatever charcoal you use fits well into your time frame for cooking.
Beware of Additives
Cheaper brands of charcoal will often times add additives, like lighter fluid, to their lumps.
Not only will this create a chemical flavor in your food, but it’s also bad for the environment.
These additives will add more time to your cooking because you’ll have to wait for the fluid to burn out before you start cooking.
Temperature
Temperature is a huge factor in determining the way your meat turns out. Luckily if you know how to use your air vents you should be able to regulate it, but there are still some frustrations you could run into.
Some charcoal can get too hot too fast, while others will reach their heat quickly but just minutes after will begin to drop in temperature drastically.
If you don’t know how to work your vents that well, it’s best that you choose a charcoal that will keep the temperature consistent.
Briquettes vs. Lump Charcoal - What’s the Difference?
There are two main types of charcoal: briquettes and lump charcoal. Both have their pros and cons, and similarities and differences. It is essential to know which will be best for your smoking experience.
Briquettes
Briquettes are a great choice for your smoker, lasting longer and maintaining a steady hot temperature. They are typically made from saw dust and often contain other ingredients like coal.
This type of charcoal also tends to be significantly cheaper than lump charcoal, but this may mean that additives like lighter fluid are in them.
Briquettes are usually compacted into smaller size and consistent shapes making it easier to lay them flat in your smoker so no holes that could let fire through form.
This means that there is a chance of less smoke. However, briquettes usually take longer to light and create more ash production than lump charcoal.
Briquettes
VS.
Lump Charcoal
Lump Charcoal
Lump charcoal is sometimes viewed as being more advanced than briquettes. It is made out of hardwood and all natural ingredients, allowing your meat to get more of that authentic and crisp smoke flavor.
Unlike briquettes, lump charcoal burns longer so you can use less of it. However, this also means that once it reaches its hottest temperature it will begin to descend back down to medium heat.
Lump charcoal burns cleaner than briquettes, but it also burns hotter which can be a problem if you don’t know how to adjust your air vents on your smoker.
Conclusion
No matter if you’re new to smoking or as experienced as they come, the type of charcoal you pick can affect your entire meal.
We recommend for the best quality and for achieving that rich smoky flavor to go with Fogo Super Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal, but if you would rather use charcoal briquettes then we recommend Kingsford Charcoal Briquettes in an easy light bag.
All of the options listed above are great picks and will be sure to give you little to no trouble, making your smoking experience easy while still giving you the best possible results in taste.
People Also Ask
Barbecue parties can be really fun; however, you need to be careful while working with charcoal heat. Users might have certain queries about its use and cautious considerations. Therefore, we have tried to answer some of the frequently asked questions by consumers to ensure that they have a hassle-free cooking experience.
Can I Add Charcoal While Smoking?
Although there is nothing wrong with adding charcoal while smoking, it will stretch out your work time. Therefore, it is always recommended to add lit charcoal in order to avoid any disturbance during your cooking process. Moreover, make sure the lighter fluid is completely burnt off before you start cooking the food.
What is Better for Smoking, Lump Charcoal or Briquettes?
Since lump charcoal is prepared from hardwood, therefore, it burns the same as the hardwood. Lump charcoal should always be preferred over briquettes as it burns faster and cleaner, plus there would be a lot less ash when compared to briquettes. Moreover, you can easily control the temperature with air vents.
How Long Will Charcoal Burn in a Smoker?
Cooking food on charcoal requires low and steady heat for a long time to ensure the perfect taste and texture. Usually, a sufficient amount of good charcoal burns longer and offers a steady temperature to cook your food. Typically, the charcoal filled in a smoker lasts for less than two hours when left unattended.
