This review delves into the performance of BIG K Restaurant Grade Charcoal Briquettes, a unique product shaped into sticks rather than the traditional briquette form. We explore their ease of use, lighting time, and most importantly, their burn duration and heat consistency during a lengthy cooking session. The review compares them to lump charcoal, highlighting both advantages and disadvantages, focusing on their suitability for various cooking styles.Particular attention is paid to the briquettes' performance during a prolonged cook, examining their ability to maintain a stable temperature over several hours. The review also considers the value offered by the 10kg box, assesses the packaging's effectiveness, and discusses the use of complementary firelighters to achieve optimal ignition. Ultimately, the review aims to determine whether these briquettes are a worthwhile investment for both casual and serious barbecue enthusiasts.
Pros And Cons
- Long-lasting
- Burns with no smoke or odor
- Burns consistently and strongly
- Maintains temperature well (held 200 degrees for 1.5 hours in a smoker)
- Well-packed box
- Relatively clean to handle
- Takes longer to light than lumpwood charcoal (20-30 minutes)
- Some briquettes may arrive broken, although this doesn't affect performance
Read more: Top 6 Charcoal Briquettes: A Buyer's Guide
Unboxing and First Impressions
The BIG K Restaurant Grade Charcoal Briquettes arrived in a 10kg box. Unlike traditional briquettes, these are formed into sticks, a unique shape that sets them apart. The packaging seemed well-insulated and prevented excessive mess during unpacking, a definite plus compared to some lump charcoal options. While some sticks were broken, it didn't appear to significantly impact the overall quantity or quality.
Initial inspection revealed a substantial amount of charcoal within the box, suggesting good value for the price. The minimal dust and mess were also appreciated. This contrasts favorably with some lump charcoal options which can be quite messy to handle.
Lighting the Charcoal: Chimney Starter and Woodies
Lighting the charcoal was accomplished using a chimney starter, a method preferred by the reviewer. They emphasized the importance of a chimney starter for efficient and safe lighting of any charcoal, whether lumpwood or briquettes. The process involved layering the briquettes at the bottom of the chimney.
BIG K Woodies firelighters were used to ignite the charcoal. These wax-impregnated wood shavings provide a clean and effective way to start a fire, avoiding the need for messy newspaper or chemically-treated fire starters. The Woodies burned for about seven to eight minutes, providing sufficient heat to get the briquettes going.
Cooking Performance and Burn Time
The briquettes took about 20 minutes to light, slightly longer than expected due to their density. However, once lit, they produced intense heat, as noted by the reviewer. After three hours of cooking, the briquettes were still burning strong, demonstrating excellent longevity.
The reviewer mentioned that the briquettes maintained a consistent and strong burn, even after several hours. This prolonged burn time makes them ideal for long cooks, such as briskets, which require sustained heat for extended durations. The ability to hold a stable temperature, around 200 degrees, was also highlighted.
Conclusion and Recommendation
While the BIG K Restaurant Grade Charcoal Briquettes took a little longer to light than lumpwood charcoal, their long burn time and consistent heat output are impressive, making them suitable for long, low-and-slow smoking. Their sustained heat makes them excellent for longer cooking processes.
For standard barbecues, the reviewer wouldn't necessarily recommend these briquettes over lumpwood charcoal. However, for long smoking sessions, these briquettes are a great option. The reviewer intends to experiment more with them in future long cooks (like brisket), expecting excellent results. The use of the minion method is suggested for optimal fuel efficiency and extended burn times.