Top 15 Best Lump Charcoals

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Whether you’ve been a long time fan of grilling or you’re just new to the game, there’s no denying that there’s an irresistible charm to grilling food in an open space. Something about inhaling the smoky aroma of food while you cook just clicks with everyone.

However, for people who use charcoal grills, there’s a matter of how to choose the best lump charcoals for fuel materials. As simple as it might seem, fuel materials can make a big impact on your grilled food as a whole.

If you’re on a quest to look for the best lump charcoals the world has to offer, you’ve come to the right place. Read this article and become a pro in lump charcoals.

Why Should We Use Lump Charcoal?

Lump Charcoals

Lump charcoal is the most ideal option for grilling and smoking because it has a very fast light up time. Within only a few minutes, you will be able to get hot coals ready for your grilling session.

Furthermore, lump charcoal generally tends to yield a higher temperature and leaves little ash. It also makes temperature control much easier too.

For those who love meat with a searing exterior and a medium-rare interior, lump charcoal makes an ideal choice because many lump charcoals can get as hot as 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another reason that you should use lump charcoal is that it does not produce any artificial taste because it doesn’t have any additive or filler.

Lump Charcoal Vs. Briquette

You might wondering whether you should get lump charcoal and briquette ones. Well, to answer this question of yours, first you need to learn what the main differences between them are.

Lump charcoal contains virtually no additives, artificial ingredients, or filler. It has excellent response to the oxygen and the change in air flow. Due to this, you can easily control the temperature of the charcoal to your liking.

Also, lump charcoal can burn at a hotter temperature and faster rate than briquette while still produce little ash. Moreover, you can light lump coals much more quickly.

However, lump charcoal may not be very suitable for the “snake method” of cooking. Moreover, lump charcoals are generally more expensive that briquette.

Briquette, meanwhile usually comes at a more affordable price. They can also burn for a longer period of time and they can maintain a steady temperature range for longer.

Nevertheless, briquette produces a huge amount of ash. Furthermore, they can produce a chemical smell from the additives they contain. Another drawback of this type of coal is that they take quite a long time to light.

Lump Charcoal Comparison Chart

Before going into the main section of the review, you should have a quick look at this comparison chart so that you will have a grasp of the main differences between the recommended product first.

Best Lump CharcoalsNet WeightMax TemperatureLump Size
Jealous Devil #8 Lump Charcoal - Best Overall8 pounds (3.63 kg)1,1000 degrees FahrenheitXL
Cowboy 24200 Lump Charcoal - Best Budget20 poundsN/AVarious, inconsistent sizes
Fogo FHWC35LB All Natural Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal - Best for Big Green Egg35 poundsAt least 800 degrees FahrenheitThe majority of the lumps are bigger than 4 inches
Kamado Joe KJ-Char Hardwood Lump Charcoal - Best for Ceramic Grills20 poundsMore than 975 degrees FahrenheitXL
Fogo Premium Oak Restaurant All-Natural Lump Charcoal - Best for Kamado Grills17.6 poundsHigh searing temperature70% of the lumps are 2-3 inches 30% of the lumps are 1 to 2 inches
Royal Oak 195228021 NAT Lump Charcoal - Best for Smoking15.4 poundsN/AN/A
B&B Oak Charcoal Lump20 poundsN/AN/A
Harder Charcoal 100 Percent Natural Lump Charcoal - Best Versatility33 poundsHigh searing temperatureXL
Fire & Flavor Premium All Natural Oak And Hickory Lump Charcoal - Best FlavorPack of 2 8-pound bagsAt least 850 degrees FahrenheitAround fist sizes
Jealous Devil 100% Natural Hardwood Quebracho Blanco Lump Charcoal - Best for Grilling20 poundsTwice as hot as traditional charcoalsN/A
Primo 608 Natural Lump Charcoal20 poundsAt least 700 degrees FahrenheitN/A
BIG CP Natural Lump Charcoal20 poundsMore 800 degrees FahrenheitAround a tennis ball
Eco Charcoal Brazilian Super Premium All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal17.6 poundsN/AExtra Large
VIVA Pancho Authentic And Natural Mesquite Lump Charcoal8 poundsN/AN/A
Tall Oaks Inc. Mangrove Hardwood BBQ Lump Charcoal20 poundsMore than 850 degrees FahrenheitAround 6 inches in diameter

Which Are The Best Lump Charcoals To Buy?

The following list is about the top best lump charcoals and their most distinct features respectively. You should have a look at this first to learn about the best products in this review.

Top 15 Best Lump Charcoal Reviews

Now let’s get into the juicy part of the article where we will be going through each product. To help you gain an in-depth understanding about each product, I’ve made sure to include their key features, advantages, as well as disadvantages in the review section.

1. Jealous Devil #8 Lump Charcoal

(Best Overall)

Jealous Devil #8 Lump Charcoal

Whip up the best courses of grilled and smoked food with this amazing lump charcoal from Jealous Devil. With this chemical-free coals, you’ll be able to instill a subtle and earthy flavors into your food.

Made from incredibly dense hardwood from the regions of South African, this pack of lump charcoal can generate extreme heat of up to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to this, you can easily cook crispy seared meat with a juicy medium-rare interior.

Highly efficient. the lump charcoal from Jealous Devil requires from 25% up to 40% less fuel for slow and low cooking. This means that you can save the coals to use for another grill party some other times.

Furthermore, this pack of lump charcoal can burn up to 20 hours if left in a low oxygen environment. Even when exposed to open air, the coals can still burn continuously up to 4 hours.

Key Features:

  • Made of South African hardwood
  • Minimal waste
  • Suitable for low and slow cooking

Product Specifications:

Dimension14.37 x 13.74 x 6.299 inches
Weight7.44 pounds
ManufacturerJealous Devil
Max Temperature1,100 degrees Fahrenheit
Lump SizeXL

Pros

  • Can last for a long time
  • Offers excellent temperature control
  • Produce superb flavor in food
  • Great value for money
  • Great presentation

Cons

  • Some package might contain small chunks

If you want to see the product up close and see how well the lump charcoal can burn, you should have a look at this video:

Watch video: Jealous Devil Charcoal Review

2. Cowboy 24200 Lump Charcoal

(Best Budget)

Cowboy 24200 Lump Charcoal

An economic option for grill lovers, this pack of lump charcoal from Cowboy offers superb quality despite its affordable prices.

This charcoal is made of all-natural ingredients. Due to this, the coals will not produce any artificial taste in your food. As a result, your food will have a savory and flavorful taste that will rival even restaurant cooked food.

Furthermore, the coals are made of extremely dense hardwood, which enables the coals to be able to burn for a long time even at an extreme temperature.

Another reason why you should choose this coal is because it’s environmentally friendly. This means that the coals is made from renewable sources without the need for deforestation.

Key Features:

  • Made of hardwood
  • Can burn fast and hot
  • No need for lighter fluid
  • No filler and additives
  • Sustainable

Product Specifications:

Dimension14.25 x 5.75 x 30 inches
Weight20.4 pounds
ManufacturerCowboy
Max TemperatureN/A
Lump SizeVarious, inconsistent sizes

Pros

  • Economical
  • Can induce excellent flavor in food
  • Excellent temperature control
  • Great value for money
  • Suitable for big green egg

Cons

  • The sizes of the lump are not consistent

In case you need to see the lump charcoal performance for yourself, I’ve included a video review for you:

Watch video: Smoky Sunday 15 - Cowboy Lump Charcoal

3. Fogo FHWC35LB All Natural Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal

(Best for Big Green Egg)

Fogo FHWC35LB All Natural Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal

If you want to find charcoal that is most compatible with your big green egg, you should consider getting this supreme-quality product from Fogo.

This premium blend of lump charcoal makes an ideal choice for both grilling and smoking. Furthermore, the charcoal can go into ceramic grills such as Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, Primo, and more.

If you’re fed up with small chunks of charcoal that inhibit airflow, you will love this high-quality charcoal from Fogo. All the pieces of charcoals in the package are bigger than 4 inches in diameter. Thanks to this, you can easily light up the coals and control the temperature.

Furthermore, the coals can quickly reach up to a high-searing temperature that most restaurants use. As a result, your food will taste as if it were made by professional chefs.

Key Features:

  • All-natural hardwood
  • Suitable for both grilling and smoking
  • Suitable for ceramic grill
  • Restaurant-quality
  • Fast lighting

Product Specifications:

Dimension31.7 x 17.5 x 9.2 inches
Weight35 pounds
ManufacturerFogo
Max TemperatureAt least 800 degrees Fahrenheit
Lump SizeThe majority of the lumps are bigger than 4 inches

Pros

  • Can induce excellent flavors in food
  • Superb longevity
  • Provides outstanding temperature control
  • Great quality control

Cons

  • None that I can find

You can learn how large the pieces of Fogo coals are and how to light up the coals in the following video:

Watch video: MJ's FOGO Premium Lump Charcoal Review

4. Kamado Joe KJ-Char Hardwood Lump Charcoal

(Best for Ceramic Grills)

Kamado Joe KJ-Char Hardwood Lump Charcoal

Do you own a ceramic grill? If so, you should get this lump charcoal from Kamado Joe, which works best on most, if not all, ceramic grills.

What is the charcoal made of? Well, this product is made from all hardwood materials. It’s a perfect blend of Mistal, Guayacan, Guayaibi, and White Quebracho. These woods are so hard they’re infamously known as “axe breaker” by many people.

This all-natural charcoal has an exceedingly long burning time. If used properly, the coals can burn up to an impressive number of 18 hours. Furthermore, it can be reused up to three times, which makes the product an excellent value for money.

Key Features:

  • All-natural charcoal
  • Made of hardwood
  • Can be reused up to three times
  • Maximum burning time of 18 hours

Product Specifications:

Dimension14 x 4 x 30 inches
Weight20 pounds
ManufacturerKamado Joe
Max TemperatureMore than 975 degrees Fahrenheit
Lump SizeXL

Pros

  • Can evoke flavorful and aromatic food
  • Excellent presentation
  • Great value for money
  • Can burn for a long time

Cons

  • Some people might feel the product is a bit overpriced

You should have a look at this video to see how large the chunks of charcoals are and how different the product is from the average charcoals:

Watch video: Kamado Joe - Charcoal

5. Fogo Premium Oak Restaurant All-Natural Lump Charcoal

(Best for Kamado Grills)

Fogo Premium Oak Restaurant All-Natural Lump Charcoal

Another great choice to have for your grill, this premium blend of all-natural lump charcoal promises supreme quality that is hard to rival with.

Made of all hardwood ingredient, the charcoals are incredibly dense, which enable them to burn for a long time at a searing hot temperature. This will enable you to cook food with a crispy exterior while still maintaining its juicy interior.

Furthermore, the product contains no additives, fillers, or chemicals. Thanks to this, your food will not get that artificial, appalling taste.

Another reason you should choose this product is because the charcoal is made sustainably in conjunction with the government organization. Due to this, the coals are made from trimmed trees, and not from deforestation.

Key Features:

  • Made of hardwood
  • Hand selected charcoals
  • Can light up quickly
  • Can burn at a hot temperature for a long time
  • Restaurant-grade product
  • No sparking

Product Specifications:

Dimension20 x 9 x 14 inches
Weight17.6 pounds
ManufacturerFogo
Max TemperatureHigh searing temperature
Lump Size70% of the lumps are 2-3 inches
30% of the lumps are 1 to 2 inches

Pros

  • Great tasting
  • Provides excellent temperature control
  • Provides superb flavors
  • Can burn for a long time
  • Offers big chunks of charcoal

Cons

  • The product might generate some ashes

6. Royal Oak 195228021 NAT Lump Charcoal

(Best for Smoking)

Royal Oak 195228021 NAT Lump Charcoal

Anyone who loves smoky, savory, and flavorful grilled food will find this product hard to pass. It makes an excellent choice for both smokers and grills, including both ceramic and kamado grills.

Made of all-natural ingredients, this lump charcoal is a mixture of hickory, oak, maple, and walnut. This mixture gives the coals a dense texture and it can induce excellent flavors in all types of food.

Moreover, the coals can burn at a hot and even temperature, which will ensure a consistent result every time you grill. Also, the lumps provide easy temperature control, guaranteeing that your food will be cooked exactly to your liking.

Like reliable charcoal brands, this lump coals are made of renewable woods that does not contribute to deforestation.

Key Features:

  • Suitable for all grills and smokers
  • All-natural
  • Does not contain additives or chemicals
  • Made of hickory, oack, maple, and walnut
  • Offers consistent temperature
  • Can be ready in 15 minutes

Product Specifications:

Dimension N/A
Weight15.4 pounds
ManufacturerRoyal Oak
Max TemperatureN/A
Lump SizeN/A

Pros

  • Consistent lump sizes
  • High burning temperature
  • Decent quality control
  • Provides easy temperature control
  • Does not produce artificial taste
  • Evoke smoky flavors in food

Cons

  • The product might contain some fillers

If you’re interested, you can have a look at the production process of this product by clicking the following link:

Watch video: How Royal Oak Lump Charcoal Is Made

7. B&B Oak Lump Charcoal

B&B Oak Charcoal Lump

An ideal choice for any grill lover, this lump charcoal from B&B promises the highest quality possible.

First off, this coals are made of all natural ingredients. This means that the product doesn’t contain any additives, chemicals, or fillers. Therefore, your food will only have the smoky and savory flavors without the terrible aftertaste from additives.

Moreover, the lump charcoals can burn at a searing hot temperature for a very long time. The large size chunks ensure that you can reuse the burnt coals for at least another grilling session.

Key Features:

  • All-natural ingredients
  • Environmentally-friendly
  • Does not contain any additives, chemicals, or fillers
  • Suitable for outdoor BBQ

Product Specifications:

Dimension12.5 x 8 x 27.5 inches
Weight20 pounds
ManufacturerB&B
Max TemperatureN/A
Lump SizeN/A

Pros

  • Provides excellent temperature control
  • Can last for a long time
  • Induce excellent flavors in food
  • Does not produce too much ash
  • Offers large chunks of charcoals

Cons

  • Some people reported that the product might produce a lot of spark

8. Harder Charcoal 100 Percent Natural Lump Charcoal

(Best Versatility)

Harder Charcoal 100 Percent Natural Lump Charcoal

Even the most difficult customer will fall in love with this all-natural lump charcoal from Harder Charcoal, which offers restaurant-grade quality that makes an ideal choice for both grilling and smoking your food.

The coals are handmade from Quebracho wood, a type of wood so hard it is infamously known as an “axe breaker”. Due to this, the coals are extremely dense. As a result, the coals can burn at a high temperature at a very long time.

Moreover, the lump charcoals come in a decently large chunks; therefore, enabling you to easily control the temperature to your liking. Additionally, the coals are made so that they will not produce excessive spark and smoke.

If you’re an environmentalist, you will love this product because not a single tree is cut down to produce the coals.

Key Features:

  • Suitable for both grilling and smoking
  • Restaurant-style coals
  • Handmade from Quebracho wood
  • Long-lasting
  • Environmentally-friendly

Product Specifications:

Dimension25.3 x 15.9 x 8.3 inches
Weight33 pounds
ManufacturerHarder Charcoal
Max TemperatureHigh searing temperature
Lump SizeXL

Pros

  • Provides large chunks of coals
  • Does not produce too much smoke
  • Responsive to the change in airflow
  • Does not generate excessive spark
  • Great temperature control
  • Can induce excellent flavors in food
  • Quick to light
  • Can burn for a long time

Cons

  • None that I can find

9. Fire & Flavor Premium All Natural Oak And Hickory Lump Charcoal

(Best Flavor)

Fire & Flavor Premium All Natural Oak And Hickory Lump Charcoal

If you’re specifically looking for something that can induce a robust, smoky, and earthy flavor in your food, this lump charcoals from Fire & Flavors are your best choice yet.

The product is made from hickory and oak wood, which are a type of hardwood that can burn for a relatively long time. The coals comes in big-size chunks, enabling air to flow through the coals freely. Therefore, you can easily control the temperature.

Additionally, the coals are free of chemicals and additives. As a result, the coals are guaranteed to not produce any artificial taste in your food, making sure that your grilled goods will taste as professional-like as possible.

Key Features:

  • Made from hickory and oak wood
  • Suitable for Kamado grills, smokers, and traditional grills
  • Free of chemicals and additives
  • Can light quickly

Product Specifications:

Dimension19.016 x 12.008 x 9.016 inches
Weight18.8 pounds
ManufacturerFire & Flavor
Max TemperatureAt least 850 degrees Fahrenheit
Lump SizeAround fist sizes

Pros

  • Comes in big-size chunks
  • Can burn for a relatively long time
  • Consistent lump size
  • Can induce excellent flavors in food
  • Great value for money

Cons

  • Some people might have problems lighting up the coals

10. Jealous Devil 100% Natural Hardwood Quebracho Blanco Lump Charcoal

(Best for Grilling)

Jealous Devil 100% Natural Hardwood Quebracho Blanco Lump Charcoal

A produce of supreme quality from Jealous Devil, this lump charcoals is undoubtedly the best choice for grilling. Made from “axe breaker” Quebracho wood, the coals are incredibly dense, and therefore, enabling the coals to burn for a very long time.

Moreover, the coals can light exceedingly fast. Once burnt, the lump charcoals do not generate excessive amount of smoke and they are virtually spark-free. These are the quality that indicate that the lump charcoals are of high quality.

Used by even the professionals, this top-notch coals can burn twice as hot as regular coals while still can last thrice as long. Furthermore, it produces little ash, and thus, making cleaning the grills afterwards a breeze.

Key Features:

  • Made from Quebracho wood
  • Restaurant-quality
  • Can light fast
  • Easy clean up

Product Specifications:

Dimension10 x 14 x 4 inches
Weight20 pounds
ManufacturerJealous Devil
Max TemperatureTwice as hot as traditional charcoals
Lump SizeN/A

Pros

  • Does not generate excessive amount of smoke
  • Virtually spark-free
  • Produce little ash
  • Excellent flavors
  • Big-size chunks
  • Great quality control

Cons

  • Some people might find the product a bit expensive

11. Primo 608 Natural Lump Charcoal

Primo 608 Natural Lump Charcoal

An excellent choice of fuel for the majority of grills and smokers, this pack of lump charcoals contains large pieces of coals that can burn up to 36 hours in a Primo, making the product very cost effective.

Moreover, this all-natural lump charcoals do not contain additives, tars, or any harmful chemicals. As a result, food cooked with these coals will have a natural savory and smoky taste that will stimulate your taste buds.

Furthermore, due to its sheer large size and its density, the produce can be reused several times. It also offers excellente temperature control without producing an excessive amount of smoke and spark.

Key Features:

  • All-natural
  • Does not contain additives, tars, or any harmful chemical
  • Can burn up to 36 hours in a Primo
  • Can be reused several times

Product Specifications:

Dimension18 x 7 x 29 inches
Weight20 pounds
ManufacturerPrimo
Max TemperatureAt least 700 degrees Fahrenheit
Lump SizeN/A

Pros

  • Good value for money
  • Provides large pieces of coals
  • Offers excellent temperature control
  • Does not generate excessive smoke
  • Can induce great flavors in food

Cons

  • There has been a decrease in the quality of the most recent batches

12. BIG CP Natural Lump Charcoal

BIG CP Natural Lump Charcoal

Another excellent choice for owners of big green eggs or ceramic grill, this lump charcoals from BGE (Big Green Egg) is made of all-natural ingredients without the use of fillers, anthracite coals, additives, or chemicals

This premium carbonized wood is exceedingly easy to light. Within only 10 minutes, these charcoals can be ready to cook. It can burn at an extreme temperature, giving food a seared exterior while still maintaining the juicy goods within it.

That’s not all; these coals are extremely efficient. They produce little ash and waste, therefore, making sure that there is minimal waste and cleaning up would be a breeze.

Key Features:

  • All-natural ingredients
  • Does not contain fillers, additives, or chemicals
  • Premium carbonized wood

Product Specifications:

Dimension17.32 x 7.09 x 29.92 inches
Weight20 pounds
ManufacturerBig Green Egg
Max TemperatureMore 800 degrees Fahrenheit
Lump SizeAround a tennis ball

Pros

  • Can burn for a very long time
  • Can induce excellent flavors in food
  • Great value for money
  • Excellent temperature control
  • Consistent lump sizes

Cons

  • Some people may find the product to be a bit expensive

13. Eco Charcoal Brazilian Super Premium All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal

Eco Charcoal Brazilian Super Premium All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal

This pack of lump charcoals offers an exceptional quality that makes it an excellent choice for even high-grade restaurant.

Coming in big-size chunks, the charcoals can burn for an exceedingly long time at a high temperature. Furthermore, the coals offers excellent heat distribution, therefore, making sure that your food is evenly cooked.

Moreover, the large coals provide easy and effortless temperature control. Virtually chemical-free, the lump charcoals can induce excellent flavors in your food.

Key Features:

  • All-natural ingredients
  • Generate extremely high heat
  • Restaurant-quality
  • Chemical-free

Product Specifications:

Dimension22.1 x 14.6 x 8.1 inches
Weight17.86 ounces
ManufacturerEco Charcoal
Max TemperatureN/A
Lump SizeExtra Large

Pros

  • Offers big-size chunks
  • Does not produce too much ash
  • Excellent heat distribution
  • Provides easy and effortless temperature control
  • Induces great flavors in food

Cons

  • The product tend to generate sparks

14. VIVA Pancho Authentic And Natural Mesquite Lump Charcoal

VIVA Pancho Authentic And Natural Mesquite Lump Charcoal

If you’re a fan of mesquite flavor, this 100% natural lump charcoals will be an excellent choice for you.

Handmade from Mesquite wood, the coals can burn at an impressively high temperature while still can last for an exceedingly long period of time. Furthemore, it does not produce any artificial taste that will taint your food; isn’t that amazing?

Moreover, one indication that the charcoals are made of high quality ingredients is that they do not produce excessive spark once burnt.

Key Features:

  • Made of Mesquite lump charcoal
  • All-natural
  • Handmade
  • Can generate high heat

Product Specifications:

Dimension17.48 x 11.34 x 7.91 inches
Weight9.17 pounds
ManufacturerVIVA Pancho
Max TemperatureN/A
Lump SizeN/A

Pros

  • Can burn for a long time
  • Can produce excellent flavors
  • Does not generate excessive spark
  • Does not produce ash
  • Offers excellent temperature control

Cons

  • The sizes of the lumps are not very consistent

15. Tall Oaks Inc. Mangrove Hardwood BBQ Lump Charcoal

Tall Oaks Inc. Mangrove Hardwood BBQ Lump Charcoal

This all-natural lump charcoal from Tall Oaks Inc. is an excellent choice for those who want their food to have a crispy texture packed full of juicy and savory goodness.

One advantage of these lump charcoals is that they are exceedingly dense. Despite their density, the coals can still light relatively quickly. Within approximately 15 minutes, the coals can be ready to cook.

Moreover, the coals do not produce too much ash and waste. This is a clear indicator that the coals are extremely cost effective. With the minimal amount of ash, you will not have to spend too much time cleaning the grill and smoker after your grill party.

That’s not all; it’s worth mentioning that the coals are of relatively consistent sizes. This will allow you to easily control the temperature and regulate airflow, ensuring that your food will be grilled exactly to your liking.

Key Features:

  • Made of mangrove wood
  • Handmade
  • Artisan-quality
  • All-natural
  • 100% organic

Product Specifications:

Dimension5.51 x 12.99 x 23.62 inches
Weight20 pounds
ManufacturerTall Oaks Inc.
Max TemperatureMore than 850 degrees Fahrenheit
Lump SizeAround 6 inches

Pros

  • Can evoke excellent flavors and aroma
  • Offers excellent temperature control
  • Consistent sizes of lumps
  • Can ignite fast
  • Does not generate excessive amount of smoke and spark

Cons

  • The product can burn out quickly

Buying Guide

There’s no reason why you should buy lump charcoal without learning all the essential information about lump charcoal first.

You may think that buying lump charcoal is an easy matter, however, I beg to differ as there are several aspects you need to pay particular attention to.

Material Types

Most, if not all, of the best lump charcoals are made of all-natural hardwoods. Oak and maple also make superb material for lump charcoal. Moreover, they should be free of chemicals, additives, or any form of filler.

Size Of The Pieces

When buying lump charcoal, it’s essential to learn what its size is.

At the very least, your coals should have evenly-sized pieces. This means that the differences in size among the pieces should not be too noticeable; otherwise, it will be harder to control the temperature.

Premium-quality lump charcoal should have large pieces, which enable the coals to burn for a longer period of time and produce less ash.

Why is small pieces not good?

Well, small pieces tend to block the ventilation and air passage. As a result, it’s harder to burn the coals properly.

Pay Attention To The Sparking

If you can find a video review of a specific lump charcoal, pay attention to the sparking of it. If it doesn’t have any excessive sparking, it means that the charcoal is of decent quality.

Why is excess sparking not a good sign in lump charcoal? Usually, this means that your charcoal is made of poor quality lightweight woods. These are notorious for burning at an alarmingly fast rate and yielding more ashes.

Flavors Of The Charcoal

Surprise, surprise, different types of wood can yield different flavors as well. With each different flavor, charcoals can be suitable for different types of food.

To make it easier for you to differentiate the differences in flavor of each type, I’ve compiled a chart down below for you to consult from.

Types Of WoodFlavorMost Ideal For
Alder

(Originates from the West of the Cascade mountain)

Sweet and smokeySeafood and salmon
AppleDelicate and refinedFish and pork
BeechMusky and fragrant smokeBeef brisket and pork
BirchSmokey

(Needs to be completely carbonized first)

Cold-smoking fish
CherryExclusive sweet smokeChicken, duck, and salmon
ChestnutMild and nut-likePork and poultry
HickoryRobust and smokeyPork and beef brisket
OakPowerful and robustPork and beef brisket

FAQs

There are many aspects about lump charcoals that any griller should be aware about. To ensure that you’re well equipped with all the information regarding lump charcoals, I will answer some common questions beginners might have.

Is lump charcoal good for grilling?

Lump charcoal is an ideal material to use for grilling because it has a higher burning temperature, it offers a better smell, and it allows you to easily control the heat. Moreover, lump charcoal can be lighted up quickly with little to no efforts.

All of the reasons above make lump charcoal good for grilling.

How long until lump charcoal is ready?

Due to their chemical features, lump charcoal can react very well with oxygen. Therefore, it is generally sensitive to ventilation and air flow. If properly ventilated, lump charcoal can be ready in 15 minutes and it can stay hot up to 1 hour.

Can I add lump charcoal while smoking?

There’s no reason why you should not add lump charcoal while smoking. When you feel that the amount of smoke generated is not enough, you can feel free to add more lump charcoal in the smoker.

How long does charcoal last in a smoker?

If you fill a smoker to its full capacity, lump charcoal generally can last up to two hours before they all run out. However, if you attend to the charcoal appropriately, the charcoal can last for much longer than that.

Can I reuse lump charcoal?

Lump charcoal is perhaps among the most expensive types of charcoal. Therefore, it’s completely understandable that some people might want to reuse lump charcoal to save a few bucks. This begs a question, can you reuse lump charcoal?

To cut the long story short; yes, you can. Of course, you will need to keep the charcoal in a dry spot to preserve the quality of the coals.

However, the efficiency of used lump charcoal cannot be as good as brand new ones. For instance, the reduction in airflow in old coals might result in a lower temperature yield. Typically, old coals can only reach around 250 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas new ones can reach up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit at the very least.

How many times can I reuse lump charcoal?

It depends on what type of smoker / charcoal barbecue you’re using and how high the heat you’re burning the charcoal with. However, it’s safe to say that generally you can reuse your lump charcoal around 2 times.

How to store used lump charcoal?

To store used charcoal for later use, you first need to determine whether the coals can be reused or not. To be able to tell if your coals are good for the next grilling session, wait for the coals to cool, and then give them a gentle squeeze.

If your coals don’t crumble underneath the pressure, it means that you can reuse them. However, if they disintegrate, it means that the coals are too ashy, and therefore, can’t be used again.

To store lump charcoal, you can simply leave them in the smoker or the charcoal barbecue. However, if you don’t plan to use the barbecue any time in the foreseeable future, you should store the charcoal in a metal bucket with a lid. Store the bucket in a shady, leak free spot in your shed or garage.

My Top Pick

I firmly believe that any high-quality lump charcoals should have the following trait: it should be all natural, it should be of evenly large size, it should be able to light quickly and burn at a high temperature, and it should offers excellent temperature control.

For these reasons, I believe that the best go-to choice for lump charcoals is, without doubt, the Jealous Devil #8 Lump Charcoal.

What’s your favorite brand of lump charcoal? What do you usually do to light the coals quickly? Is there any tips you want to share about how to reuse coals most effectively? Feel free to let me know in the comment.

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