When it comes to grilling and smoking, the type of charcoal you use can make a significant difference in the flavor and quality of your food. While briquettes are popular, many BBQ enthusiasts prefer premium hardwood lump charcoal for its natural composition, high heat output, and clean burn. Premium lump charcoal will eliminate pops, flare ups, and excessive ash. In this guide, we’ll review the best hardwood lump charcoal options, their benefits, and how to choose the right one for your next cookout.
What is Hardwood Lump Charcoal?
Hardwood lump charcoal is made by slowly burning wood in the absence of oxygen until it turns into carbonized chunks. Unlike charcoal briquettes, lump charcoal contains no additives or fillers, making it a natural and cleaner-burning fuel source. It also burns hotter and produces less ash, making it ideal for high-heat grilling and low-and-slow smoking.
Why Choose Hardwood Lump Charcoal?
Here are a few reasons why grilling and smoking enthusiasts prefer hardwood lump charcoal:
Natural Composition: Lump charcoal is made from pure wood, free of chemicals and additives. This means you get clean, natural smoke flavor without the artificial taste that can come from briquettes.
High Heat Output: Lump charcoal burns hotter than briquettes, making it ideal for searing steaks, grilling burgers, or achieving a perfect crust on picanha or ribs.
Quick Ignition: Lump charcoal lights faster than briquettes, reducing the time you spend getting your grill ready.
Less Ash: Since it contains no fillers, lump charcoal produces significantly less ash, making cleanup easier and improving airflow in your grill or smoker.
Review of the 4 Best Hardwood Lump Charcoal Options
If you’re ready to elevate your grilling game, here are four of the best hardwood lump charcoal options to consider:
1. Fogo Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Fogo is known for its large, restaurant-quality chunks that burn hot and slow, making it a favorite for both grilling and smoking. This lump charcoal is made in small batch artisanal brick ovens and handpicked. FOGO provides a long burn time and an authentic wood-fired flavor. Fogo’s large pieces ensure consistent airflow and heat control in your grill or smoker. Here at Bee Free Outdoors FOGO is our most favorite brand of Hardwood Lump Charcoal. FOGO sells XL lumps, medium lumps, and briquets.
Best for: Low-and-slow smoking and high-heat grilling. Key Features: Large chunks, long burn time, clean flavor
2. Jealous Devil Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Jealous Devil offers premium lump charcoal made from South American hardwoods, known for their density and long-lasting burn. This charcoal burns hotter than many other brands, reaching temperatures over 1,100°F, which makes it perfect for searing meats. It also produces very little ash, so your grill stays clean and easy to manage. If you like briquets, Jealous Devil makes an amazing XL Briquet.
Best for: Searing and high-heat grilling. Key Features: Extremely high heat, minimal ash, long-lasting burn
3. Royal Oak Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Royal Oak is a trusted brand that offers quality hardwood lump charcoal at an affordable price. Made from American oak, hickory, and other hardwoods, it delivers a rich, smoky flavor that complements all types of meats and vegetables. It lights quickly and burns evenly, making it a versatile choice for both beginners and experienced grillers.
Best for: Everyday grilling and smoking. Key Features: Quick ignition, consistent heat, affordable
4. Cowboy Brand Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Cowboy Brand offers 100% natural lump charcoal made from a blend of oak and hickory. It’s known for its quick lighting and high heat, making it a great option for quick weeknight grilling or longer smoking sessions. Cowboy Brand charcoal is readily available in most stores, making it convenient for last-minute grilling needs.
Best for: Quick and easy grilling. Key Features: Widely available, fast lighting, versatile for grilling and smoking
How to Choose the Best Hardwood Lump Charcoal
When selecting the best hardwood lump charcoal for your grill or smoker, consider the following factors:
Type of Cooking: If you’re grilling at high temperatures (for searing steaks or grilling burgers), look for lump charcoal that burns hotter, like Jealous Devil or Kamado Joe Big Block. For low-and-slow smoking, choose a brand like Fogo that provides a long, consistent burn time.
Flavor Profile: Different woods impart different flavors. Oak and hickory provide a balanced smoke flavor that works well with most meats, while mesquite is more intense and pairs well with stronger-flavored cuts like brisket.
Size of Charcoal Pieces: Larger pieces burn slower and longer, making them ideal for smoking or kamado-style grilling. Smaller chunks ignite faster and are better for quick grilling.
Availability: Some premium brands may not be available at local stores. Brands like Royal Oak and Cowboy Brand are more widely distributed, making them convenient options for everyday grilling.
Tips for Using Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Use a Chimney Starter: A chimney starter is the easiest and most effective way to light lump charcoal. It eliminates the need for lighter fluid, which can alter the taste of your food. Never use lighter fluid.
Control the Airflow: Adjusting the vents on your grill or smoker allows you to control the temperature. Lump charcoal burns hotter than briquettes, so be mindful of vent settings to avoid overheating.
Mix Wood Chunks for Extra Flavor: For an enhanced smoky flavor, add wood chunks like apple, cherry, or pecan to your lump charcoal.
Choosing the Right Lump Charcoal
Choosing the right hardwood lump charcoal can make a world of difference in your grilling and smoking results. With brands like Fogo, Jealous Devil, and Royal Oak, you’ll enjoy superior heat, a clean burn, and authentic wood-fired flavors that enhance your culinary creations. Whether you’re searing steaks, smoking ribs, or grilling vegetables, hardwood lump charcoal provides the natural heat and flavor you need for a perfect cookout.
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