This review delves into the Royal Oak Super Size Briquettes, exploring their performance and value compared to other charcoal brands. We examine the briquettes' unusual size and shape, assessing their impact on burn rate, efficiency, and overall grilling experience. From initial lighting and heat output to their performance in cooking ribeye steaks and smoking ribs, we provide a comprehensive account of their strengths and weaknesses. Particular attention is paid to the charcoal's aroma, ash production, and reusability, offering a detailed perspective on their practical application.This in-depth analysis covers various aspects of the Royal Oak Super Size Briquettes, from the ease of opening the bag to the overall flavor imparted to the cooked food. We consider both positive and negative aspects, including the surprisingly easy-to-open bag, the consistent heat output, and the potentially intense smoky flavor that may not be suitable for all cooking styles. Ultimately, this review aims to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding to help them determine if these briquettes are the right choice for their grilling and smoking needs.
Pros And Cons
- Doesn't smell like nasty chemicals.
- Has a woody smell.
- Most briquettes are in good condition with minimal unusable pieces.
- Holds shape well during use; doesn't break apart into dust.
- Provides enough heat to clean grates.
- Produces good flavor in food.
- Reusable; many briquettes retain substance and are not completely burned through after use (though this may depend on vent management).
- Bag opens easily without needing a knife.
- Didn't provide as much sear on steaks as expected.
- Can flare up quickly if left unattended with the lid open.
- Produces a smoky flavor that may be overpowering for some.
Read more: 10 Best Commercial Charcoal Grills: A Buyer's Guide
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The Royal Oak Super Size briquettes arrived in a standard 14lb bag. The briquettes themselves are unusually large and irregularly shaped, quite different from the typical uniform briquettes. This unusual shape raises questions about their burn rate and efficiency. Initial inspection revealed a few broken pieces but largely intact briquettes, a significant improvement over other brands I’ve tried recently.
The charcoal had a noticeable woody aroma, lacking the unpleasant chemical scent often associated with inferior brands. The price point of $13.99 at my local grocery store seems reasonable considering the size of the bag and the apparent quality.
Lighting and Burn Performance
Lighting the charcoal with a tumbleweed starter was quick and straightforward. The charcoal ignited easily and produced a clean, woody-smelling smoke, free of the harsh chemical odors found in some other brands.
The burn was relatively even across the briquettes, with a good amount of white ash developing along the edges. The briquettes maintained their shape well, even during manipulation. The heat output was substantial, enough to clean the grill grates effectively.
Cooking Performance and Taste Test
I used the charcoal to cook thin-cut ribeye steaks. While I initially expected a better sear, my mistake of leaving the grill lid ajar resulted in a flare-up. Despite this, the steaks cooked well and the flavor was excellent.
The charcoal produced a good amount of heat, suitable for searing and maintaining temperature. The overall flavor imparted to the meat was mild and pleasant, predominantly woody with no off-putting chemical taste.
Ash and Reusability
After the cook, a significant portion of the briquettes still retained their shape and weight, indicating good reusability. Even after cooling down, a surprisingly large number of briquettes were still intact and usable for future cooks.
The fact that many of the briquettes weren't completely burnt through suggests efficient burning and less waste. I also noted a considerable reduction in the amount of fine ash and dust compared to other brands.
Bag and Packaging
The bag itself is a standard design with stitched seams. Unlike some brands, this bag was surprisingly easy to open without the use of a knife; the top simply tore away cleanly, providing convenient access to the charcoal.
The easy-opening feature of the bag contributes to overall user experience, particularly when preparing for a cook. The bag's durability is also noteworthy; it's sturdy enough to hold the charcoal and can easily be stored for future use.
Second Cook and Final Verdict
During a second cook (smoking ribs), the Royal Oak Super Size briquettes performed admirably. The burn was consistent and provided ample heat, sustaining the ideal temperature of 250°F for several hours without the need for adjustments.
However, the ribs turned out a little too smoky, possibly due to the charcoal’s inherent woodiness. While not a fault of the charcoal itself, it highlights the importance of considering the charcoal's properties in relation to the specific type of wood and cooking method.
Overall Conclusion
The Royal Oak Super Size briquettes offer a great blend of quality and value. Their large size, relatively even burn, and pleasant woody aroma make them a strong contender. The reusability is impressive, saving time and money over the long run.
While the intense smoke flavor may not suit every preference (as demonstrated by the slightly over-smoked ribs), the consistent heat output, lack of chemical smells, and easy-to-open bag make these briquettes highly recommendable for most grilling and smoking applications. Their irregular shape is a minor drawback, but it doesn’t significantly affect their performance.