Best charcoal for grilling

When it comes to grilling, choosing the right type of charcoal can make all the difference. Whether you're a BBQ enthusiast or a casual backyard griller, selecting the best charcoal is key to achieving the perfect flavor and cooking efficiency. In the US, there are various charcoal options available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's explore the most popular types of charcoal used for grilling and how to pick the right one for your next cookout.

1. Lump Charcoal: The Natural Option

Lump charcoal is often considered the purest form of charcoal as it’s made from natural hardwood. It's a favorite among grilling purists who seek high heat and a clean, woodsy flavor in their food. Lump charcoal ignites quickly, burns hotter than most briquettes, and leaves less ash behind.

Benefits:

Burns at higher temperatures

Produces less ash

Adds a natural, smoky flavor

Drawbacks:

Burns faster, requiring more frequent replenishment

Irregular shapes can cause uneven heating

2. Charcoal Briquettes: The Consistent Performer

Charcoal briquettes are the most commonly used type of charcoal in the US. Made from compressed sawdust and additives, briquettes offer a uniform shape and consistent burn time, making them ideal for slow, steady cooking. While they don't burn as hot as lump charcoal, they provide long-lasting heat, perfect for longer grilling sessions.

Benefits:

Burns longer and more evenly

Easier to maintain a consistent temperature

Readily available in most stores

Drawbacks:

Contains additives that may affect the flavor

Produces more ash than lump charcoal

3. Sawdust Charcoal: Eco-Friendly and Efficient

Sawdust charcoal, made from compressed sawdust, is gaining popularity as an eco-friendly option for grilling. It offers consistent heat, low ash production, and is typically free from harmful chemicals, making it a great option for health-conscious grillers. This type of charcoal is also sustainable, as it's made from waste wood materials.

Benefits:

Environmentally friendly and sustainable

Consistent heat and low ash

Free from chemicals and additives

Drawbacks:

Less heat intensity compared to lump charcoal

May not be as widely available as briquettes

4. Binchotan Charcoal: The Premium Choice

If you're looking for an exceptional grilling experience, binchotan charcoal is the way to go. Originating from Japan, binchotan is known for its pure white ash and the ability to burn at a consistent temperature for extended periods. Although it's more expensive, it’s ideal for delicate grilling where you want to avoid overpowering flavors.

Benefits:

Long-lasting burn and consistent heat

Produces minimal smoke and ash

Imparts no strong flavor to food

Drawbacks:

Expensive and harder to find

Requires a longer time to ignite

5. Coconut Shell Charcoal: The Healthier Alternative

Coconut shell charcoal is another eco-friendly and sustainable option. It’s made from discarded coconut shells, which are carbonized and compressed into charcoal briquettes. This type of charcoal burns cleaner and longer than traditional briquettes, with minimal smoke and odor, making it a healthier choice for grilling.

Benefits:

Sustainable and eco-friendly

Clean-burning with minimal smoke

Long-lasting and efficient

Drawbacks:

More expensive than regular briquettes

May not provide as intense heat

How to Choose the Right Charcoal for Your Grill

When deciding which type of charcoal to use, consider what you’re grilling and how you prefer to cook. If you’re looking for high heat for quick searing, lump charcoal is your best bet. For slow, low-temperature grilling, briquettes offer the consistency you need. For eco-conscious grillers, sawdust charcoal and coconut shell charcoal are excellent alternatives...

No matter which type of charcoal you choose, always ensure you're using high-quality products to achieve the best results on the grill.