Why Lump Charcoal is Crucial for Your BBQ
When it comes to mastering the perfect BBQ, the best lump charcoal grill can make all the difference. Lump charcoal, created by burning wood in a low-oxygen environment, stands out for its ability to burn hotter and longer. Here’s a quick list of top picks if you need an answer right away:
- Best Overall: The Good Charcoal Company Lump Charcoal
- Best Value: Royal Oak Hardwood Lump Charcoal
- Best Splurge: Big Green Egg Oak and Hickory Lump Charcoal
Why does lump charcoal matter?
Lump charcoal is made from natural wood, making it a purer, cleaner option. Unlike briquettes, lump charcoal doesn’t contain binders or fillers, which means it burns more efficiently and produces less ash. This allows you to control your grill temperature more effectively, whether you’re searing steaks or slow-cooking ribs.
Using lump charcoal can lift your BBQ game. It brings out the best flavors in your food, delivering that authentic smoky taste that every grill enthusiast aspires to. With brands like Jealous Devil and FOGO, you’re not just cooking; you’re making a commitment to quality.
The Best Lump Charcoal for Your BBQ
Choosing the right lump charcoal can make all the difference in your grilling experience. Here, we break down some of the top contenders: Jealous Devil, FOGO, Rockwood, The Good Charcoal Company, B&B, and Myron Mixon.
Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Jealous Devil is known for its purity and performance. Made from South American hardwoods, this charcoal is 30% denser than oak, leading to a clean, efficient burn with minimal smoke and ash. It lights quickly and reaches high temperatures without sparking or popping. The flavor is smooth and mild, making it versatile for various types of meat.
“The packaging could be improved for its price,” notes one review, but the quality of the charcoal itself is hard to beat.
Sizes Available: 8, 10, 20, and 35 pounds
FOGO Super Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal
FOGO is a favorite for those who prefer large chunks of charcoal. This Salvadoran oak charcoal burns slowly, with minimal dust, making it ideal for long cooking sessions. It produces a mild smoky flavor, which is perfect for those who don’t want an overpowering smoke taste.
In our tests, FOGO performed best in high-heat cooking, like grilling a New York strip steak, and showed minimal sparking and popping in a controlled grill environment.
Sizes Available: 17.6 and 35 pounds
Rockwood Lump Charcoal
Rockwood offers a blend of oak, hickory, and maple, providing a balanced smoky flavor. This charcoal lights easily and burns efficiently, leaving behind minimal ash. The variety of wood species also means it imparts a pleasant campfire scent to your food.
One of the standout features is its sustainability. Rockwood is made from renewable resources and is known for its eco-friendly production methods.
Sizes Available: 20 pounds
The Good Charcoal Company Lump Charcoal
The Good Charcoal Company stands out for its sustainability. Made from acacia wood, which is an invasive species, this charcoal helps combat overgrowth. It lights easily and burns cleanly, providing a consistent heat with very little ash.
“The charcoal fit nicely into our chimney, with very little wasted as it caught flame,” noted one tester.
Sizes Available: 8 pounds, 15.4 pounds
B&B Oak Lump Charcoal
B&B Charcoal is perfect for those who love a distinct smoky flavor. It burns hot and clean, making it ideal for grilling chicken legs and hamburgers. However, it does spark and pop more than other brands, which can be a minor inconvenience.
Despite this, the charcoal reduces to about half a cup of ash after cooking, indicating a clean burn.
Sizes Available: 20 pounds
Myron Mixon 100% All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Myron Mixon’s charcoal is designed for quick lighting and high heat. Made from 100% natural hardwood, it burns hot to seal in moisture and sear in flavors. This charcoal is perfect for both slow cooking and quick grilling, making it a versatile choice for any BBQ enthusiast.
“Our lump charcoal reaches optimal cooking temperature in approximately 15 minutes,” claims the brand, making it a convenient option for those who don’t want to wait long to start cooking.
Sizes Available: 17.6 and 20 pounds
Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal is a top contender for the best lump charcoal grill. Known for its quick lighting and steady burn, this charcoal offers a seamless grilling experience.
Quick to Light
One of the standout features of Jealous Devil is its ability to light quickly. This is particularly useful when you’re in a hurry to get the grill going. According to the research, Jealous Devil’s lump charcoal lights up efficiently without the need for excessive kindling or lighter fluid. This means you can get to cooking faster, saving time and effort.
Burns Steadily
Once lit, Jealous Devil charcoal burns steadily, providing a consistent heat source. This is crucial for maintaining even cooking temperatures, whether you’re grilling steaks or slow-cooking ribs. The South American hardwoods used are 30% denser than oak, leading to a clean, efficient burn with minimal smoke. This steady burn is perfect for both high-heat and low-and-slow cooking methods.
Minimal Ash
Another significant advantage is the minimal ash production. During testing, Jealous Devil left behind very little ash, making cleanup a breeze. This is a big plus for anyone who dislikes the mess that can come with grilling. Less ash also means better airflow, which contributes to a more efficient burn.
Woody Scent
Jealous Devil charcoal imparts a mild, woody scent that improves the flavor of your food without overpowering it. This makes it versatile enough to pair well with a variety of ingredients, from bold beef cuts to delicate fish fillets. The woody scent adds a subtle smoky flavor that many grill enthusiasts love.
Sizes Available: 8, 10, 20, and 35 pounds
With these features, Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal stands out as a top choice for anyone looking to lift their BBQ game. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a newbie, this charcoal offers a reliable and flavorful grilling experience.
Next, let’s dive into another excellent option: FOGO Super Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal.
FOGO Super Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal
When it comes to the best lump charcoal grill, FOGO Super Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal is a standout option. This charcoal is known for its large chunks, slow burn, minimal dust, and mild smoke flavor.
Large Chunks
FOGO’s Super Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal features impressively large chunks. These chunks are perfect for achieving a consistent and long-lasting burn. The size of the pieces also ensures better airflow, which helps maintain a stable cooking temperature. This is especially beneficial for those long BBQ sessions.
Slow Burn
One of the key benefits of FOGO charcoal is its slow burn rate. According to our tests, it took about 12 minutes to light, and once it’s going, it burns slowly and steadily. This means you won’t need to keep adding more charcoal, allowing you to focus more on your cooking and less on maintaining the fire.
Minimal Dust
Another highlight of FOGO Super Premium is the minimal dust found in each bag. Dust can hinder airflow and make it difficult to light the charcoal. With FOGO, you won’t have to worry about this issue. Our testers found very little dust, making the lighting process smooth and hassle-free.
Mild Smoke Flavor
FOGO charcoal produces a mild smoke flavor that’s perfect for those who prefer a subtle smoky taste. Whether you’re grilling a New York strip steak or some delicate vegetables, FOGO will add just the right amount of smokiness without overpowering your food. This makes it a versatile choice for various types of grilling.
Sizes Available: 17.6 and 35 pounds
With its large chunks, slow burn, minimal dust, and mild smoke flavor, FOGO Super Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal is an excellent choice for any BBQ enthusiast. It provides a reliable and enjoyable grilling experience, making it a worthy addition to your grilling toolkit.
Rockwood Lump Charcoal
Rockwood Lump Charcoal is a favorite among BBQ enthusiasts for several reasons. This charcoal is a blend of oak, hickory, and maple, which gives it a rich and balanced smoky flavor. This mix of hardwoods is perfect for those who want a versatile charcoal that can handle a variety of meats and vegetables.
Efficient Burn
One of the standout features of Rockwood Lump Charcoal is its efficient burn. It lights up quickly and maintains a steady temperature, making it ideal for both low-and-slow cooking and high-heat grilling. This efficiency means you’ll use less charcoal over time, which is both cost-effective and convenient.
Minimal Ash
Another benefit of Rockwood Lump Charcoal is the minimal ash it produces. After your BBQ session, you won’t be left with a mountain of ash to clean up. This makes the post-grill cleanup process much simpler and quicker, allowing you more time to enjoy your deliciously grilled food.
Oak, Hickory, and Maple Blend
The blend of oak, hickory, and maple in Rockwood Lump Charcoal provides a unique flavor profile that improves the taste of your food. Oak offers a medium smoky flavor that pairs well with almost any meat, while hickory adds a stronger, bacon-like taste. Maple contributes a mild, slightly sweet smoke, making this blend versatile and suitable for various grilling needs.
Sizes Available: 20 pounds and 30 pounds
Rockwood Lump Charcoal’s efficient burn, minimal ash, and flavorful oak, hickory, and maple blend make it a top choice for anyone looking to lift their BBQ game.
Next, let’s take a look at The Good Charcoal Company Lump Charcoal.
The Good Charcoal Company Lump Charcoal
The Good Charcoal Company Lump Charcoal stands out for its commitment to sustainability and its performance on the grill. This charcoal is made from sustainably harvested acacia wood from Namibia. Acacia is known for being denser than oak and hickory, which means it burns hotter and more evenly.
Sustainability is a key selling point for The Good Charcoal Company. Their acacia wood is harvested in a way that helps control bush encroachment in Namibia, which is crucial for preserving open grasslands needed by local wildlife, including cheetahs. The company also partners with local communities in the U.S. to support free weekly BBQs, making it a brand you can feel good about supporting .
When it comes to lighting, The Good Charcoal Company Lump Charcoal is user-friendly. The mid-sized pieces fit nicely into a chimney starter and light easily. Within 10 to 15 minutes, the charcoal begins to turn an ash gray color, indicating it’s ready to be spread out on the grill grate. This ease of lighting makes it a great choice for both beginners and seasoned grillers.
Flavor is another area where this charcoal excels. The acacia wood provides a moderate, clean smoke flavor that won’t overpower the taste of your food. This makes it versatile for grilling a variety of meats and vegetables. During our tests, the charcoal burned cleanly with very little ash, making cleanup a breeze.
Sizes Available: 8 pounds, 15.4 pounds
The Good Charcoal Company Lump Charcoal is perfect if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option that delivers reliable performance and a balanced smoke flavor. Its sustainable sourcing and ease of use make it a standout choice for any BBQ enthusiast.
Next, let’s explore B&B Oak Lump Charcoal.
B&B Oak Lump Charcoal
B&B Oak Lump Charcoal is a top pick for many BBQ enthusiasts due to its moderate smoke, minimal ash, and ease of lighting. Here’s why it stands out:
Moderate Smoke
One of the defining characteristics of B&B Oak Lump Charcoal is its moderate smoke output. This means you get a pleasant smoky flavor without overpowering your food. During our tests, the charcoal produced a balanced smoke that improved, rather than dominated, the natural flavors of meats and vegetables.
Minimal Ash
Another benefit of B&B Oak Lump Charcoal is the minimal ash it produces. Less ash means less cleanup, making your grilling experience more enjoyable. In our tests, the charcoal left behind very little ash, even after long cooking sessions. This is a significant advantage for those who prefer a hassle-free post-BBQ cleanup.
Easy to Light
Lighting B&B Oak Lump Charcoal is a breeze. It ignites quickly and gets up to cooking temperature in no time. We found that using a propane torch, the charcoal was ready to cook in just 5 minutes. This ease of lighting makes it an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned grillers alike.
Key Specs
- Wood Type: Oak, hardwood
- Time to Light: 5 minutes with a propane torch
- Bag Details: Non-waterproof; open with string pull tab (bag prone to tearing)
What We Liked
- Moderate Smoke: Improves food flavor without overpowering it.
- Minimal Ash: Makes for easy cleanup.
- Easy to Light: Quick ignition, perfect for beginners.
What We Didn’t Like
- Bag Quality: The bag can be difficult to open and is prone to tearing. Use a knife or scissors for best results.
- Sparking: Some popping and sparking when initially lit.
Sizes Available: 8 pounds, 15.4 pounds
B&B Oak Lump Charcoal is a reliable choice for those who want a balanced smoke flavor and minimal cleanup. Its quick lighting feature makes it a convenient option for any grilling occasion.
Next, let’s dive into Myron Mixon 100% All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal.
Myron Mixon 100% All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
When it comes to the best lump charcoal grill, Myron Mixon 100% All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal stands out for several reasons. This choice is perfect for both backyard BBQs and gourmet grilling.
Quick to Light
One of the standout features of Myron Mixon’s lump charcoal is how quickly it lights. You can reach optimal cooking temperature in approximately 15 minutes. Whether you’re in a hurry to grill some burgers or slow-cook a rack of ribs, this charcoal gets you cooking in no time.
Burns Hot
This lump charcoal burns hot, which is essential for searing meats and locking in juices. The high heat helps to seal in moisture and flavors, making your BBQ dishes taste even better. Whether you’re grilling steaks or chicken, you’ll appreciate the intense heat that this charcoal provides.
No Additives
Myron Mixon’s lump charcoal is 100% all-natural and contains no additives or chemicals. This ensures that your food stays pure and free from unwanted flavors. The natural hardwood used in this charcoal gives an authentic smoky taste to beef, chicken, pork, and seafood.
Sizes Available: 8 pounds, 15.4 pounds
If you’re looking for a lump charcoal that lights quickly, burns hot, and contains no additives, Myron Mixon 100% All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal is an excellent choice for any grilling enthusiast.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Lump Charcoal Grill
Is lump charcoal better for grilling?
Absolutely. Lump charcoal lights faster and burns hotter than traditional briquettes. This makes it easier to achieve those high searing temperatures that are ideal for steaks and other meats. Plus, it produces less ash, which means less cleanup after your BBQ session.
Because lump charcoal is made from pure hardwood, it allows for easier temperature control. You can adjust the vents on your grill to increase or decrease airflow, thus controlling the heat more precisely.
What is the best wood for lump charcoal?
When it comes to the best wood for lump charcoal, there are a few top contenders:
- Oak: Known for its bold flavor and high heat. Oak is versatile and works well for most types of grilling.
- Hickory: Offers a strong, smoky flavor that pairs excellently with red meats like beef and pork.
- Maple: Provides a sweeter, milder smoke, making it great for poultry and fish.
- Acacia: Used by companies like The Good Charcoal Company, acacia burns clean and hot, and is a sustainable option.
Is premium charcoal worth it?
Investing in premium lump charcoal can be worth the higher cost for several reasons:
- Better Flavor: Premium charcoals like those from Jealous Devil and FOGO offer a cleaner, more natural smoke that improves the flavor of your food.
- Cleaner Burn: High-quality lump charcoal tends to produce less ash and fewer sparks, making for a more enjoyable grilling experience.
- Longer Burn Time: Premium charcoals often burn longer, meaning you use less charcoal over time, which can offset the initial higher cost.
In summary, while premium lump charcoal may cost more upfront, the benefits in flavor, burn quality, and overall grilling experience often make it a worthwhile investment.
Next, let’s dive into the best lump charcoal brands available, starting with Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal.
Conclusion
Choosing the best lump charcoal grill can make a huge difference in your BBQ experience. Premium lump charcoal offers numerous benefits, from longer burn times to better flavor and less ash production. It’s an investment that pays off in delicious, perfectly grilled food.
At Grill Wizard Oz, we are committed to helping you make informed decisions. Our team of experts rigorously tests and reviews each product to ensure you get the best recommendations. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, our guides are designed to help you find the perfect grill for your backyard or campsite.
For more detailed information and tips on outdoor cooking, check out our guides. Happy grilling!