This comprehensive review dives deep into the world of Royal Oak charcoal, exploring their diverse range of briquettes and lump charcoal to help you find the perfect fuel for your grilling needs. From the classic, reliable performance of their original briquettes to the intense, natural flavor of their hardwood lump charcoal, Royal Oak offers options for every grilling style and experience level. We'll examine the unique features and benefits of each product, including their burn time, heat intensity, flavor profiles, and ease of use.Whether you're a seasoned grilling pro or a weekend warrior, this review will guide you through the Royal Oak lineup, helping you decide which type of charcoal best suits your grilling preferences. We'll cover everything from their convenient Minute Light briquettes, ideal for quick and easy grilling, to their professional-grade Chef's Select option, perfect for high-volume cooking. Discover the best way to elevate your barbecue game with Royal Oak's extensive and high-quality charcoal selection.
Pros And Cons
- Eco-friendly
- Hot burning
- 100% hardwood
- Superior flavor
- Ideal for searing, smoking, and grilling
- 100% hardwood
- Lights quickly
- Burns hot
- No additives
- Offers natural flavor
- Fast lighting
- Lights quickly and easily without lighter fluid
- Burns evenly
- Excellent grilling results
- Burns evenly
- Long-lasting
- Suitable for traditional barbecue
Read more: Top 6 Charcoal Briquettes: A Buyer's Guide
Royal Oak Charcoal Briquettes: The Classic Choice
Royal Oak briquettes have been a grilling staple for over 75 years, consistently delivering reliable performance and even burning. Their original red bag briquettes are known for their even burn and long-lasting nature, perfect for traditional barbecues. Available in convenient 8.3 lb and twin-pack 13.9 lb bags, they offer a familiar and trusted grilling experience.

These briquettes promote better airflow, leading to a quicker ashover and hotter burn, which translates to faster grilling times. The consistent burn ensures evenly cooked food, from start to finish, minimizing the risk of unevenly charred or undercooked areas. This makes them ideal for large gatherings or when you need consistent heat for longer cooking times.

Royal Oak All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal: Unrefined Flavor
For those seeking a more natural grilling experience, Royal Oak offers all-natural hardwood lump charcoal. Made from 100% hardwood, it lights quickly and burns hot, delivering a distinct flavor profile to your food. The irregular sized pieces provide excellent airflow, contributing to a robust and intense grilling session.

The absence of additives ensures a pure taste, letting the natural wood flavor shine through in your dishes. Available in 8.8 lb and 17.6 lb sizes, it's a great option for those who appreciate a less processed approach to grilling and value the intense heat it produces.
Royal Oak Ultra 100 Hardwood Charcoal Briquettes: Eco-Friendly and Superior
Royal Oak Ultra 100 briquettes are an eco-friendly choice, boasting a hot burn and 100% hardwood composition. These briquettes provide a superior flavor compared to standard briquettes, making them perfect for various grilling techniques.

Ideal for searing, smoking, and grilling, these briquettes are a versatile option for any grilling enthusiast. Packaged in 11.1 lb bags, they offer a substantial amount of fuel for extended grilling sessions. The superior flavor comes from the intense heat and even burn, allowing for precise temperature control.

Royal Oak Minute Light Instant Lighting Charcoal: Quick and Convenient
For those seeking ultimate convenience, Royal Oak Minute Light instant lighting charcoal briquettes are a game-changer. Their unique ridged shape and special formulation allow for quick and easy lighting, eliminating the need for lighter fluid.

These briquettes burn evenly, ensuring consistent results every time. The ease of lighting and consistent burn are ideal for spontaneous grilling sessions or when you're short on time. Available in 6.7 lb bags, they're a practical choice for smaller gatherings or quick grilling needs.

Royal Oak Chef's Select: Professional Grade Charcoal
Royal Oak also caters to the professional market with their Chef's Select 100% hardwood charcoal briquettes. These long-burning briquettes are available in large 40 lb bags, offering significant value for restaurants and catering businesses.

The larger size (60% bigger) ensures extended grilling sessions without frequent refills, making them efficient for high-volume grilling needs. The consistent heat and even burn are essential for delivering consistently high-quality food in professional settings.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Royal Oak Charcoal
Royal Oak offers a diverse range of charcoal products to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you prefer the convenience of briquettes or the intense flavor of lump charcoal, there’s a Royal Oak option for you. Consider your grilling style, frequency, and desired flavor profile when making your choice.
For traditional grilling with consistent results, the original briquettes are excellent. For a more natural flavor and intense heat, the lump charcoal shines. Ultra 100 offers a balance of eco-friendliness and superior flavor. Minute Light is perfect for speed and ease of use. Chef's Select caters to professional needs with its bulk size and high performance. Royal Oak provides high-quality charcoal for every grilling need.