Choices of Charcoal

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Choices of Charcoal

Postby JBC23 » Fri Jan 13, 2017 1:21 pm

I want to know peoples thoughts on charcoal. I've only ever used Kingsford, but recently I've been hearing a lot about what makes their product and I don't like it at all. I'm pretty unaware of other brands. Is Kingsford the end-all be-all when it comes to charcoal? Is there better charcoal out there or are they all pretty much the same? Any recommendations on different charcoals I should try out?
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Re: Choices of Charcoal

Postby txsmkmstr » Fri Jan 13, 2017 2:30 pm

I've had good success with Royal Oak found at Walmart... look for the sales and you'll get pretty close to Kingsford sale prices. Also, Academy sells Ridgeline charcoal (I think that's the name) that works well to but sale prices are tough to find.

Both of these seem to emit less foul smelling smoke when you're firing it up and burn pretty steady. Once Kingsford get fully lit it's not too bad but getting there is :tdown:
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Re: Choices of Charcoal

Postby bsooner75 » Fri Jan 13, 2017 4:59 pm

I'm a fan of B&B lump. Only thing I don't like is it sparks like crazy at startup.

The mesquite seems to spark less than the oak and tastes great when grilling beef.

When I use it in the cabinet smoker I start the fire with kingsford and by the time I add my meat it's burning lump w/ wood chunks mixed in.


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Re: Choices of Charcoal

Postby JustinCouch » Fri Jan 13, 2017 4:59 pm

I usually go with store brand aka cheap stuff and it burns just fine, but if there is a sale on kingsford I will pick it up. Some people swear by lump charcoal but I don't care for it. Now on the other hand if I am at my dads and using his egg I have no choice but use lump. My beef with lump is that its size is inconsistent. I watched a video on how to make my own lump but I haven't tried doing it yet. On dads egg if you just pour the coal in all the little pieces clog up the grate and kill air flow.
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Re: Choices of Charcoal

Postby CaptJack » Fri Jan 13, 2017 7:36 pm

the best is probably B&B
but not cheap
no fillers in their briquets
and their lump is pure
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Re: Choices of Charcoal

Postby OldUsedParts » Fri Jan 13, 2017 8:22 pm

Kingsford charcoal works for "me" and, in my book, that's all that counts and I do jump on the sales when I can.
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Re: Choices of Charcoal

Postby CaptJack » Fri Jan 13, 2017 8:28 pm

i also buy & stock up on Kingsford and Royal Oak during the big holiday sales
too know. the house brand at Academy is Royal Oak
i also troll the ads at HomeDepot, Lowes, Academy, etc..
for chunk (not chip) hickory smoking wood
cheaper than the normal $5 bag at the grocery store
and stock up

the big 3 holidays when ALL is on sale
MemorialDay, IndependenceDay, LaborDay
stock up !!
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Re: Choices of Charcoal

Postby TX1911 » Fri Jan 13, 2017 8:42 pm

Like the others, I try to stock up on kingsford when the sales are out. If I run out and there's no sale, I'll run by Coscto and get Stubbs lump (it's alright - huge bag, so it works) or kingsford competition briquettes.

Royal Oak is good stuff as well.
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Re: Choices of Charcoal

Postby PaulWhita » Fri Jan 13, 2017 9:24 pm

Me too on stocking up on holidays. Family thinks I am nuts but I am already back to paying regular price :x

KBB does have a foul smelling smoke while lighting but you should not have meat over unlit coals in my opinion.

Not real sure that it matters but a guy once told me you will be best off to use one product and stick with it. He had won many titles but was sponsored by Kingsford.
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Re: Choices of Charcoal

Postby limey » Fri Jan 13, 2017 10:09 pm

Kingsford and Royal Oak lump do a great job on the Weber Smoky Mountain. Kingsford competition is also great for grilling, burns hotter than the regular. HEB brand charcoal is also a great choice but is a bit more per lb but I usually will pick up on sale.
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Re: Choices of Charcoal

Postby cowboydon » Sat Jan 14, 2017 7:19 am

I only use Stubbs from Lowes - I love the smell and it gives a nice flavor for the times I am not using wood chunks
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Re: Choices of Charcoal

Postby k.a.m. » Sat Jan 14, 2017 8:01 am

I like Royal Oak Chef's Select. :D
14370229_1237630186276576_6149187005453776170_n.jpg
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Re: Choices of Charcoal

Postby TX1911 » Sat Jan 14, 2017 8:24 am

k.a.m. wrote:I like Royal Oak Chef's Select. :D
14370229_1237630186276576_6149187005453776170_n.jpg


KAM, man, you need to start a thread about how to get your wife to let you keep so much fuel around!

It's all I can do to keep mine off my backside with a cord of oak and few bags of charcoal!

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Re: Choices of Charcoal

Postby Txmikey59 » Sat Jan 14, 2017 6:06 pm

I prefer using lump charcoal, and like to use B&B from Academy, or Natur-Glo. I agree the lump costs more than briquettes, but it seems to work better for me, leaves a lot less ash to clean out, and I don't have to add as much the next time because it doesn't all burn away like the briquettes.
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Re: Choices of Charcoal

Postby Russ » Sat Jan 14, 2017 8:44 pm

You guys got me thinking so I you tubed it, this vid is fascinating.

http://youtu.be/GzLvqCTvOQY

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