The Best Lump Charcoal Showdown: Top 9 Brands for Superior BBQs
Summertime is unmistakably linked to the joyous aroma of a backyard barbecue. While grilling with charcoal requires a little more care compared to gas, the reward lies in that unparalleled smoky essence that eludes propane. This exceptional flavor arises from the use of lump charcoal, crafted from hardwood like oak or hickory, often available in large bags that can be easily discarded once used up.
Choosing the right charcoal can hinge on factors such as the type of grill you own, your budget, or simply the specific taste you desire. Each charcoal variety imparts distinct flavors, infusing your culinary creations with the essential complexity of smokiness and the delightful fragrance synonymous with barbecues. There’s an unmatched depth, woody quality, and smokiness that remains elusive when attempting to replicate with other means. Undoubtedly, the type of charcoal you select plays a pivotal role in creating that distinctive and mouthwatering barbecue experience.
In this article, we will embark on a journey to explore the nine best lumb charcoals available, meticulously selected for their ability to elevate your BBQs to new heights. From rick oak-infused options to hickory gems and beyond, you’ll discover the finest lump charcoals that promise to deliver unforgettable grilling moments. So, get ready to fire up the grill and experience the true essence of BBQ perfection.
What is Lump Charcoal
Lump charcoal is the purest form of charcoal you can get. It’s made by burning hardwood without oxygen, leaving behind only the carbon. This process results in a product that burns hotter, cleaner, and more efficiently than other types of charcoal.
Benefits of Using Lump Charcoal
Lump charcoal offers several benefits. It lights faster, burns hotter, and imparts a distinct, smoky flavor to your food that’s hard to replicate with other types of fuel. Plus, it’s all-natural, so you don’t have to worry about any unwanted chemicals tainting your food.
Factors to Consider When Buying Lump Charcoal
When choosing lump charcoal, there are a few key factors to consider.
Size
The size of the lumps matters. Larger lumps burn longer and are ideal for slow and low cooking, while smaller lumps get hot quickly and are perfect for searing.
Hardwood Type
The type of hardwood used to make the charcoal can affect the flavor of your food. For instance, oak gives a medium smoky flavor, while mesquite has a stronger, more distinct flavor.
Ash Production
Less ash production is preferable as it allows for better airflow and temperature control.
Top 9 Lump Charcoal Reviews
Now, let’s dive into the reviews of my top 9 lump charcoal picks.
1. Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Features:
1. 100% Natural: Crafted from pure, ultra-dense South American hardwoods, our lump charcoal contains no chemicals, fillers, or scrap material. Embrace the essence of nature in every grilling session and relish the peace of mind that comes with an all-natural product.
2. Pro / Restaurant Quality: Say goodbye to annoying sparks and pops! Our charcoal boasts a premium quality that minimizes sparking and popping, ensuring you can grill without any unwelcome surprises. Moreover, its low ash production guarantees hassle-free cleanup after your culinary escapades.
3. Superior Burn: Prepare to be amazed by the exceptional burn power of Jealous Devil. With over 7000kcal/g, you’ll experience unmatched cooking potential, reaching scorching temperatures of over 1170F! Enjoy extended grilling sessions with our lump charcoal that burns for 4+ hours in open grills and an incredible 20+ hours in smokers.
4. Pure Flavor: Discover a secret weapon to elevate your dishes to gourmet levels. The mild flavor-enhancing aroma of our charcoal enhances your food’s natural profiles without overpowering them. Whether you’re grilling delicate whitefish or indulging in a succulent brisket, Jealous Devil charcoal will be your culinary companion of choice. Use it alone or blend it with your favorite wood for an even more extraordinary flavor experience.
Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal is your key to unlocking new culinary frontiers. Embrace the tantalizing aroma and pure flavor it brings to your dishes, while reveling in the joy of extended burn times and top-tier performance.
2. FOGO Super Premium Oak Restaurant Quality All-Natural Large Sized Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Features:
1. All-Natural Hardwood: Embrace the authentic taste of pure Inga wood, carefully sourced from Central America. FOGO’s commitment to using only natural ingredients means you can confidently grill without any added chemicals or artificial fillers.
2. Ideal for Long Cooks: Whether you’re preparing succulent ribs or indulging in a marathon smoking session, FOGO Super Premium Lump Charcoal is perfect for long cooks. It ensures consistent heat and a reliable burn, keeping your BBQ endeavors stress-free and enjoyable.
3. Perfect for Kamado Grills: Designed to complement ceramic-style Kamado Grills like Big Green Egg, Primo, Kamado Joe, and more, FOGO charcoal provides an unparalleled grilling experience. Its large-sized pieces of 4 inches or larger fill at least 80 percent of the bag, offering extended burn times and excellent heat retention.
4. Restaurant Quality: Take your grilling skills to the level of seasoned professionals with FOGO’s restaurant-quality charcoal. Achieve high searing temperatures with ease and impress your guests with perfectly grilled masterpieces.
5. Quick and Long-Lasting: Time is precious, and FOGO understands that. That’s why their charcoal lights up fast and stays lit for extended periods. Enjoy uninterrupted grilling and smoking sessions without worrying about constant relighting.
Indulge in the exquisite taste of FOGO Super Premium Oak Restaurant Quality All-Natural Large Sized Hardwood Lump Charcoal and unleash the grill master within you!
3. Kamado Joe KJ-CHAR Big Block XL Lump Charcoal
Features:
1. 100% Natural Lump Charcoal: Indulge in the pure essence of grilling with 20 pounds of 100 percent natural lump charcoal. Made from a blend of hardwood including Guayacan, Guayaibi, Mistal, and White Quebracho, this charcoal burns clean and infuses your dishes with a robust wood-fire flavor.
2. Extended Burn Time: Say goodbye to constant refueling! Kamado Joe lump charcoal can burn up to a remarkable 18 hours, ensuring you have ample time to create mouthwatering grilled delicacies for your loved ones.
3. Reusable Up to Three Times: Waste not, want not! You can reuse this premium lump charcoal up to three times. By closing the vents in your grill after use, you preserve partially burned charcoal pieces for future grilling sessions, making Kamado Joe an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice.
4. Burns Hotter for Moister Meats: The blend of hardwood in Kamado Joe charcoal makes it burn hotter than other alternatives, allowing you to achieve those perfect steak-searing temperatures. Coupled with the exceptional insulation of ceramic grills, this means you’ll use less total heat to cook your food, resulting in moister and more succulent meats.
5. Burns Longer for Better Slow Cooking: Enjoy the art of slow cooking with ease! Kamado Joe lump charcoal’s blend of fast-starting small pieces and long-burning large pieces gives you the right mix for extended low and slow cooking sessions. Say hello to hours of tantalizing flavors and tender meats.
Prepare to unlock the true potential of your grilling endeavors with Kamado Joe KJ-CHAR Big Block XL Lump Charcoal. No scrap furniture or processed wood here, just pure natural hardwood burning cleaner and hotter for an unbeatable wood-fire flavor. Embrace longer burn times and cost savings as you embark on a journey of grilling perfection.
4. Mr. Bar-B-Q Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Features:
1. 100% Natural Hardwood Blend: Embrace the essence of nature with Mr. Bar-B-Q’s all-natural hardwood lump charcoal. With a thoughtfully crafted blend of hardwood, you can trust that you’re using the finest quality product, ensuring a truly authentic grilling experience.
2. Low Ash Production: Say goodbye to excessive ash! Mr. Bar-B-Q’s charcoal boasts minimal ash production, thanks to its premium hardwood nature. Fewer pops, flareups, and ash buildup ensure a smoother grilling session, while the heat retention capabilities deliver a more perfect cook.
3. Burns Hotter, Longer & Cleaner: Mr. Bar-B-Q has mastered the art of charcoal making, resulting in a product that burns hotter for longer and cleaner than other alternatives. Experience the thrill of extended grilling sessions and cleaner burns, allowing you to focus on creating culinary masterpieces.
4. Easy and Quick to Light: Time is of the essence, especially when you’re eager to start grilling. Mr. Bar-B-Q’s Natural Hardwood Charcoal lights up quickly and effortlessly. Whether you choose to use lighter fluid or a fire chimney, the process is seamless and efficient, allowing you to ignite up to 2 pounds or more with just a few pieces of paper.
5. Pure Smokey Flavor: Indulge in the true taste of smoky goodness! Unlike chemically treated charcoal briquettes that can leach chemical flavors into your food, Mr. Bar-B-Q Charcoal provides a completely pure and smoky flavor, enhancing your grilled dishes to perfection.
Indulge in longer and cleaner burns, and experience the joy of easy and quick lighting with Mr. Bar-B-Q Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal.
5. Cowboy 24220 Lump Charcoal
Features:
1. All-Natural Hardwood: Saddle up for a grilling experience like no other with Cowboy’s all-natural hardwood lump charcoal. Crafted with the finest selection of hardwood, this charcoal ensures you get the pure, unadulterated flavor of real wood in every bite.
2. Long-Lasting Burn: Round up your friends and family for hours of grilling fun! Cowboy lump charcoal boasts a long-lasting burn, providing you with ample time to cook up a storm without the need for frequent refueling.
3. Ideal for Various Grilling Styles: Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a grilling enthusiast, Cowboy lump charcoal is the perfect partner for any grill or smoker. Its versatile nature allows you to explore a variety of cooking techniques and elevate your culinary creations to new heights.
4. Easy and Quick to Light: Ready to rustle up some grub? Cowboy lump charcoal ignites quickly and effortlessly, making the grilling process smooth and efficient. Spend less time fussing with the flames and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.
5. Authentic Western Flavor: Transport your taste buds to the frontier with every bite! Cowboy’s lump charcoal infuses your food with an authentic smoky flavor that pays homage to the Wild West. Let the spirit of the great outdoors enliven your grilling experience.
Unleash the true spirit of outdoor grilling with Cowboy 24220 Lump Charcoal – a blend of Hickory and Maple that delivers an irresistible and authentic hardwood flavor. Grill with confidence, knowing that Cowboy lump charcoal is environmentally sustainable and made from renewable resources.
6. BIG CP Natural Lump Charcoal
Features:
1. 100% Natural Lump Charcoal: Embrace the purity of grilling with BIG CP’s all-natural lump charcoal. Crafted from nature’s finest resources, this charcoal ensures that your dishes are infused with the genuine essence of real hardwood, elevating your BBQ creations to new heights.
2. Burns Hot and Clean: Ignite your grilling passion with confidence! BIG CP lump charcoal burns hot and clean, providing the perfect environment to sear in flavors and achieve that mouthwatering caramelized crust on your favorite cuts of meat.
3. Lights Easily – Low Ash: Say goodbye to fuss and frustration! Lighting BIG CP lump charcoal is a breeze, allowing you to get grilling quickly without the need for excessive effort. Plus, you’ll enjoy a low ash production, keeping your grill clean and your focus on the art of grilling.
4. No Off Tastes or Flavors: Experience the authentic taste of your dishes, free from artificial additives or off-putting flavors. BIG CP’s natural lump charcoal ensures that your food’s true flavors shine through, creating a culinary experience that delights the senses.
5. Versatile for Various Grilling Styles: Whether you’re a master of slow smoking or a grill enthusiast who loves searing, BIG CP lump charcoal accommodates all grilling styles. Experience the joy of exploring diverse cooking techniques and impressing your guests with a wide range of delectable dishes.
Unleash the true flavor of grilling with BIG CP Natural Lump Charcoal: Hickory. Revel in the authenticity and purity of 100% natural American oak and hickory hardwood. Savor the difference immediately as your dishes come to life with genuine hardwood flavor.
7. Masterbuilt MB20091621 Lump Charcoal
Features:
1. 100% Premium Hardwood: Embrace the essence of grilling with the finest quality charcoal. Masterbuilt MB20091621 Lump Charcoal is crafted from 100% premium hardwood, ensuring your dishes are infused with the true taste of real wood.
2. Artisan-Style Kilns: Experience the art of charcoal making with naturally sourced hardwood, fired in artisan-style kilns. The meticulous process ensures a premium product that enhances your grilling endeavors to a whole new level.
3. Ideal for Gravity Series Grills: Whether you’re using Gravity Series grills or other charcoal cooking products, Masterbuilt Lump Charcoal is the perfect companion. Its versatility and exceptional quality make it suitable for all types of grills and a wide range of food types.
4. Perfect Hardwood Blend: Embrace the harmony of flavors with the ideal hardwood blend. Masterbuilt Lump Charcoal is carefully crafted to cater to all temperature ranges, providing you with the perfect base for grilling a variety of dishes to perfection.
5. Clean Burn for Optimal Flavor and Performance: Say hello to an optimized grilling experience! Masterbuilt Lump Charcoal offers a clean burn that delivers optimal charcoal flavor and performance. Prepare to impress your guests with exquisite dishes that showcase the true essence of charcoal grilling.
Savor the authentic flavors of 100% premium hardwood, naturally sourced and fired in artisan-style kilns. Experience the joy of versatility as you grill a variety of dishes to perfection.
With Masterbuilt, you get a clean burn that optimizes flavor and performance, delivering an unmatched grilling experience. Whether you’re cooking on a Gravity Series grill or any other charcoal cooking product, Masterbuilt Lump Charcoal ensures your dishes shine with the true essence of charcoal grilling.
8. Springbok Braai Premium Quality Lump Charcoal
Features:
1. Burns Hotter for Longer: Experience the power of high-density wood with a high carbon content. Springbok Braai charcoal burns hotter and for TWICE as long compared to conventional charcoal, translating to TWICE the savings. Prepare for extended grilling sessions without worrying about frequent refueling.
2. Low Spark Generation: Safety is paramount, especially when grilling outdoors or in the wild. Springbok Braai’s high-quality charcoal produces significantly fewer heat sparks, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable cooking experience for you and your loved ones.
3. Fast Ignition & Less Ash: Embrace the convenience of fast ignition! The super dry charcoal’s low moisture and high density allow for quick lighting, while the exceptionally low smoke flow ensures a pleasurable grilling session. Less ash is another testament to the superior quality, providing maximum value for your money with minimal waste.
4. 100% Pure African Hardwood: Indulge in the authentic flavors of pure African hardwood. Springbok Braai’s lump charcoal contains no additives, no junk wood, and absolutely no building site scrap wood. Experience the essence of grilling with only the finest 100% pure African hardwood.
5. Better Packaging Design: We care about your grilling experience from start to finish. Springbok Braai’s box packaging ensures product protection and minimizes useless charcoal ash. With an easy pour spout for dispensing charcoal and an easy stack box for shelf storage, convenience is at your fingertips.
Ignite the fire of excellence with Springbok Braai Premium Quality Lump Charcoal. Embrace the power of high-density wood that burns hotter and longer, providing you with extended grilling pleasure and savings. With low spark generation and fast ignition, your safety and convenience are top priorities.
9. Rockwood All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Experience grilling perfection with Rockwood All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal – a 20-pound bag of pure grilling excellence. Crafted from a unique blend of Missouri-grown Oak, Hickory, Maple, and Pecan, this USA-made charcoal is your ticket to savoring the true flavors of nature.
Features:
1. 100% All-Natural & Made in the USA: Embrace the pure essence of grilling with Rockwood’s all-natural lump charcoal. Made in the USA from Missouri’s finest Oak, Hickory, Maple, and Pecan, this charcoal contains no chemicals or additives, ensuring your food remains untainted by harmful substances.
2. Chef-Approved Excellence: Earned the approval of both BBQ competition teams and Pitmasters, Rockwood charcoal ranks #1 on The Naked Whiz’s website – a dedicated platform for all things charcoal. For over 9 years, Rockwood has reigned supreme on their list, earning accolades from professionals and home grillers alike.
3. Convenient to Use: Experience the convenience of slow-burning, ash-minimizing hardwood lump charcoal. Lighting easily and heating quickly, Rockwood charcoal ensures juicier and more flavorful food. Whether grilling or smoking, this charcoal is perfect for any type of meat, fish, or vegetable. Plus, it leaves very little ash behind, minimizing post-grilling cleanup.
4. Responsible Production: At Rockwood, responsibility is at the core of our production process. Our kiln emissions are fired to 1500F, ensuring any particulate is thoroughly burned out. The “fines” not used in bags are sold for agricultural soil amendments, returning the carbon to the Earth and supporting sustainable practices.
5. Good-for-the-Environment Charcoal Bags: Our commitment to environmental stewardship extends to our packaging. Rockwood’s paper bags and soy-based inks are recyclable, landfill-safe, and emit no harmful fumes when burned. We prioritize the health and cleanliness of our planet, just like you do!
Elevate your grilling game with Rockwood All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal – the finest USA-made charcoal that captures the true essence of nature. Enjoy the pure flavors of Oak, Hickory, Maple, and Pecan as you cook up mouthwatering dishes. With Rockwood’s chef-approved excellence and responsible production practices, you can trust in the quality and sustainability of their products. Plus, their environmentally friendly charcoal bags align with their commitment to keeping the planet healthy.
Conclusion
Grilling with lump charcoal brings unmatched smoky flavor compared to gas grills. Lump charcoal is pure hardwood without additives, burning hotter and cleaner. Choosing the right charcoal depends on your grill, budget, and taste preference.
Top 9 Lump Charcoal Picks:
- Jealous Devil: Ultra-dense South American hardwood, minimal sparking, long burn time.
- FOGO Super Premium Oak: All-natural Inga wood, perfect for long cooks and Kamado grills.
- Kamado Joe KJ-CHAR Big Block XL: Made from South American hardwood, reusable, burns hotter and longer.
- Mr. Bar-B-Q Natural Hardwood: Premium hardwood blend, low ash production, burns hotter and cleaner.
- Cowboy 24220 Lump Charcoal: All-natural Hickory and Maple blend, long-lasting burn.
- BIG CP Natural Lump Charcoal: 100% natural American oak and hickory, burns hot and clean.
- Masterbuilt MB20091621 Lump Charcoal: Premium hardwood, perfect for Gravity Series grills.
- Springbok Braai Premium Quality: Burns hotter and longer, low spark generation, 100% pure African hardwood.
- Rockwood All Natural Hardwood: Missouri Oak, Hickory, Maple, and Pecan blend, chef-approved excellence.
Each lump charcoal offers distinct flavors and grilling benefits. Choose one that suits your needs and elevate your BBQ experience. Enjoy the authentic smoky essence and savor the joy of grilling perfection all summer long!
FAQs
1. How long does lump charcoal burn?
The burn time of lump charcoal depends on the size of the lumps. Larger lumps tend to burn longer.
2. Does the type of hardwood affect the flavor of the food?
Yes, different hardwoods can impart different flavors to your food.
3. Is lump charcoal better than briquettes?
Lump charcoal burns hotter and cleaner than briquettes, making it a preferred choice for many grillers.
4. Can I reuse lump charcoal?
Yes, if there are unburned pieces of lump charcoal left after grilling, you can reuse them for your next cookout.
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