This comprehensive review delves into the world of charcoal grilling, comparing three popular brands: Kingsford Original, Fogo, and Jealous Devil. We'll examine their performance, price points, and overall grilling experience, providing a detailed analysis to help you choose the best charcoal for your needs. From the budget-friendly option of Kingsford to the premium quality of Fogo, we explore the nuances of each brand, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Our investigation will focus on burn time, flavor profile, ease of use, and the overall impact on the final grilled product.This review will particularly focus on Jealous Devil charcoal briquettes, analyzing their performance against established competitors. We'll discuss their unique features, such as extra-large briquettes and hardwood charcoal composition, and compare them to both the affordability of Kingsford and the superior quality of Fogo. Through practical testing, including a reverse sear of a porterhouse steak, we'll assess Jealous Devil's performance and determine whether it successfully bridges the gap between budget and premium charcoal options, offering a compelling alternative for the discerning griller.
Pros And Cons
- All-natural ingredients.
- Clean burn during ignition and cooking.
- Longer burn times.
- Hotter burn.
- Better flavor (pronounced wood taste).
- More expensive than Kingsford's and Jealous Devil.
- Budget-friendly (two 17lb bags for under $20).
- Smaller briquettes than Jealous Devil and Fogo.
- Produces a lot of gray/black, smelly combustion smoke during ignition.
- Does not burn as cleanly.
- Contains borax as a binder (controversial).
- Larger briquettes than Kingsford's and Fogo.
- All-natural ingredients (hardwood charcoal and vegetable starch).
- Clean burn during ignition and cooking.
- Good value for the price.
- Easy to control temperatures.
- Consistent performance across multiple bags.
- Subtle woody flavor that doesn't overpower the food.
- Smoke increased during the combustion process, though not as bad as Kingsford's.
Read more: Top 6 Charcoal Briquettes: A Buyer's Guide
Kingsford Original: The Budget-Friendly Choice
Kingsford Original briquettes remain a popular choice due to their affordability. Typically available in large bags at competitive prices, they offer a convenient and readily available option for casual grilling. However, recent controversies regarding the use of non-natural ingredients in their formulation have raised some concerns about their overall quality and environmental impact.
While the price point is undeniable, the less-than-ideal clean burn and potential for off-putting smoke during ignition might deter some users. While many grillers might overlook these aspects due to the price, more discerning cooks might find better alternatives.
Fogo Charcoal: The Premium Choice
Fogo charcoal stands out with its all-natural composition and superior burn characteristics. Made from coconut shells, it boasts longer burn times, cleaner combustion, and a distinct, pleasant wood-smoked flavor profile. This higher quality, however, does come at a premium price point.
Despite the cost, many users find that Fogo's performance justifies the price. The longer burn time and superior flavor often result in a more enjoyable grilling experience. Its consistently clean burn and pleasant aroma elevate it above many competitors.
Jealous Devil Charcoal: The Contender
Jealous Devil briquettes are positioned as a premium alternative to Kingsford, offering a balance between price and performance. They boast extra-large briquettes made from hardwood charcoal and vegetable starch, promising consistent heat and a cleaner burn. The larger size suggests potential for longer burn times and better heat retention.
Initial impressions suggest a cleaner burn compared to Kingsford, with less intense initial smoke. However, the long-term performance and flavor profile need further testing, as demonstrated by the reviewer’s plan to use multiple bags for a more conclusive assessment.
Performance Comparison & Cooking Experience
The reviewer tested Jealous Devil briquettes by cooking a porterhouse steak, using a reverse sear method. The briquettes performed exceptionally well, maintaining consistent temperatures and showing ease of control throughout the process. The larger size of the briquettes did not create any challenges in temperature regulation.
The resulting steak showcased a subtle woody flavor, complemented by the clean taste of the meat itself. This nuanced flavor profile distinguishes it from the more pronounced smoky taste of Fogo charcoal. The clean burn throughout the cooking process also contributed to a positive overall experience.
Final Verdict: Which Charcoal Reigns Supreme?
After testing, the reviewer concludes that Jealous Devil charcoal successfully fills a middle ground between budget-friendly Kingsford and premium Fogo. While Fogo remains the personal favorite for its exceptional flavor and clean burn, Jealous Devil provides a significantly more appealing option than Kingsford. Its superior burn, larger briquettes, and better overall performance make it a strong competitor.
For those seeking a balance between quality, performance, and price, Jealous Devil is a fantastic choice. While Fogo's superior flavor profile might justify the cost for some users, the considerable price difference makes Jealous Devil a compelling everyday grilling fuel. Kingsford, despite its long-standing popularity, is clearly overshadowed by Jealous Devil in terms of overall quality.