Choosing the right charcoal can significantly impact your grilling and smoking experience. The type of charcoal you select directly influences the flavor, temperature control, and overall cooking time. This comprehensive review dives into the top 5 best charcoals available, comparing their performance, price points, and unique characteristics. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a weekend warrior, understanding the nuances of different charcoal types is crucial for achieving perfectly cooked, mouthwatering results.We've carefully examined five popular charcoal brands, each praised for different strengths: from the intense heat of Jealous Devil to the budget-friendly option of Fanthai, the premium quality of Fogo Super Premium Oak, the convenience of Kingsford Original, and the flavorful blend of Cowboy Hardwood Lump Charcoal. This review will equip you with the knowledge to select the ideal charcoal based on your specific needs and preferences, ensuring your next barbecue or smoking session is a resounding success.
Pros And Cons
- Budget-friendly
- Burns at a high temperature (400 degrees Fahrenheit) consistently
- Long burn time suitable for slow grilling
- 22 pounds pack lasts a long time
- Popular
- Superior performance
- Fast lighting
- Consistent temperature maintenance
- 100% natural North American real wood
- Organic and free of chemical flavors
- Heats up within 15 minutes
- Excellent for fast and easy barbecue
- Long burning
- Premium quality
- Made from hand-picked, large blocks of dense American hardwoods
- Unique and delicious flavor
- Lights quickly
- Burns for a long time
- Excellent burning properties
- High burning temperature (maximum 600 degrees Fahrenheit), remains constant
- Excellent choice for smoking
- Flavor enhancing
- Burns hotter and longer than regular charcoal
- 3-12 hours burn time
- Maximum temperature over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit
- High quality and pure
- Ultra dense
- Free of chemicals, fillers, and scrap
- Made from hand-picked and hand-cut dense South American hardwoods
Read more: Top 6 Charcoal Briquettes: A Buyer's Guide
Jealous Devil All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Jealous Devil is a popular choice, known for its high heat and long burn time (3-12 hours). Its ultra-dense nature, free from chemicals and fillers, ensures a pure, flavor-enhancing burn. Made from hand-picked, hand-cut South American hardwoods, this charcoal delivers a superior smoking experience.
The intense heat (over 1000°F) makes it ideal for achieving perfectly smoked foods. Its quality and purity are unparalleled, making it a top contender for serious smokers. The 20-pound bag offers significant value for money.
Fanthai Style Charcoal
Fanthai offers a budget-friendly alternative, a Thai-style briquette charcoal in log form. Made from rambutan fruit wood, it’s a cost-effective option compared to pricier Japanese brands. This charcoal provides a consistent high temperature (400°F) without sacrificing burn time.
Its long burn time makes it suitable for slow grilling. The 22-pound pack ensures lasting use, offering excellent value for prolonged smoking sessions. A good choice for those seeking quality without the premium price tag.
Fogo Super Premium Oak Restaurant Charcoal
Fogo Super Premium Oak is a high-quality lump charcoal made from large blocks of dense American hardwoods. It provides a unique, delicious smoky flavor, elevating your barbecue to restaurant quality. The large chunks light quickly and burn for an extended period.
The consistent high temperature (up to 600°F) ensures even cooking. The 35-pound bag offers substantial quantity, making it suitable for frequent use. The oaky flavor and excellent burning characteristics make it a premium option for discerning smokers.
Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes
Kingsford Original is a popular choice known for its fast lighting and consistent temperature. Made from 100% natural North American hardwood, it's organic and free of chemical flavors. The natural wood composition allows for a quick heat-up (within 15 minutes), perfect for speedy grilling.
Its consistent temperature maintenance makes it reliable. The 7.7-pound bag is a good size for smaller grilling sessions. While briquettes, it maintains a natural composition, a plus for those seeking cleaner burning.
Cowboy 29088 Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Cowboy Hardwood Lump Charcoal is a pure, all-natural blend of oak, hickory, and maple hardwoods. It delivers a distinct smoky flavor, free from chemical aftertastes. The blend of woods provides a unique taste profile.
The 8.8-pound bag is conveniently sized. Its easy cleanup is a significant advantage, minimizing mess after cooking. The versatile flavor profile makes it suitable for various smoking applications.
Conclusion
Each charcoal brand excels in different areas. Jealous Devil and Fogo offer superior quality and flavor but come at a premium price. Fanthai provides a cost-effective alternative without significant compromise on quality. Kingsford offers convenience and consistent temperature for quick grilling. Cowboy charcoal blends ease of use and unique flavor at a more moderate price.
The best choice depends on individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as budget, desired burn time, flavor profile, and ease of use when making your decision. All five charcoals mentioned are solid options, each with its own strengths.