The Best Types of Charcoal for Your Grill
Updated: May 02, 2023
There are several types of charcoal, but our Test Kitchen team definitely has a favorite.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.
If you’re a serious grill enthusiast, you’ve probably learned that charcoal grills are the way to go. Using coals instead of gas as your heat source adds a ton of extra flavor to your food, imparting a rich, smoky element that’s hard to beat. But what’s the best way to fuel your charcoal grill? You’ll find several types of charcoal at the hardware store, from briquettes and hardwood, lump charcoal to flavored briquettes, coconut shell charcoal and binchotan (an activated lump charcoal used in Japanese cooking). Which one is the best for your grill? We asked our Test Kitchen team for their advice.
Psst: This is everything you need to know about how to use a charcoal grill.
Briquettes
If you head to the store to buy charcoal for the grill, you’ll likely encounter briquettes. These inexpensive cubes are made by compressing wood by-products like sawdust and lumps of wood together, along with additives to make the coals burn long and hot. They also tend to produce a lot more ash than lump charcoal, so you’ll want to remove the excess before each grilling session. Briquettes can give off a chemical odor as they’re started, too, so it’s important to let them burn until they’re covered with white ash before starting your cooking session.
Although the manufacturing process sounds off-putting, briquettes are a good option for anyone new to charcoal grilling. They burn more consistently and longer than lump charcoal, so they require a lot less hand-holding. For the cleanest burn, look for briquettes that don’t have added lighter fluid.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy to find
- Long, even burn time
Cons
- Take longer to light
- Produces a lot of ash
- Might impart additional flavor to your food
Cost
Roughly $1.50 per pound, or $30 for a 20-pound bag. The easy light briquettes are significantly more expensive, around $4 per pound.
What to cook with briquettes
We like using briquettes for any items with long cooking times, like grilling a whole chicken. Catherine Ward, our prep kitchen manager, always uses Kingsford briquettes when smoking. They provide a consistent, slow burn that makes it easier to turn your grill into a smoker.
How to start briquettes
The best way to start briquettes is with a chimney starter ($20). Fill the chimney with the appropriate amount of briquettes (a full chimney for high heat, half-full for medium heat and a quarter-full for low heat). Remove the top rack and set the chimney inside the grill. Place a piece of newspaper underneath the chimney and light it through the vents. Let the fire burn undisturbed until the coals are covered in white ash, about 30 minutes. Carefully dump the coals out into the grill using oven mitts to protect your hands. Spread them out into a direct or indirect heat pattern and cover the grill until it reaches the desired temperature.
Best charcoal briquette brands
When it comes to briquette brands, you really can’t go wrong with Kingsford Original ($13). These small, compact briquettes burn hot and long, and they don’t have any added flavor. We also like the all-natural briquettes from Cowboy brand ($37). If you don’t want to mess with lighter fluid or a charcoal chimney, look to Kingsford Easy Light ($23).
Hardwood/Lump Charcoal
Serious grillers tend to skip the briquettes and go straight to hardwood charcoal. This charcoal is made by slowly burning wood in the absence of oxygen. When all the sap and moisture is removed from the wood, the result is a clean-burning charcoal. Because it’s made from pure wood, hardwood charcoal has a more natural, smokier flavor than briquettes. It also tends to respond better to air control using the vents, allowing you to be more precise with the temperature inside the grill.
The vast majority of our Test Kitchen team prefers cooking over hardwood coal because of its cleaner flavor. Josh Rink, our food stylist and test cook, likes how it lights quicker and burns hotter than briquettes. And because it doesn’t contain any by-products or additives, hardwood charcoal produces fewer ashes, so you won’t need to clean out the grill as frequently. The unevenly-sized pieces do burn more quickly than briquettes, though, so be ready to add additional charcoal to the grill for long-cooking items.
Pros
- Lights quickly
- Burns hot and “clean” (no added flavors)
- Responds well to air control through vents
- Produces little ash
Cons
- Expensive
- Short burn time
- Unevenly-sized pieces
Cost
Roughly $2 a pound, or $35 to $40 for a 20-pound bag.
What to cook with hardwood charcoal
Shannon Norris, our senior food stylist, uses hardwood charcoal anytime she lights up the grill, so feel free to use them on any of your favorite grilling recipes. It has a cleaner flavor and fewer chemicals, so it lets the natural flavor of the grilled food shine.
How to start hardwood charcoal
You can start this charcoal in a chimney starter, but it’s much easier to use a lighter cube ($5) or a starter square ($21). Remove the top rack on the grill and loosely pile the charcoal in the middle of the grill. Bury a starter cube or square in the center of the pile, making sure there is still airflow to the cube. Light the cube and let the charcoal burn for about 15 minutes, until the center of the pile is red-hot and the pieces begin to be covered in white ash. Knock the pile down a little bit to spread out the heat and cover the grill until it reaches the desired temperature.
Best hardwood/lump charcoal brands
Our hands-down favorite lump charcoal for grilling is Royal Oak Lump Charcoal ($13). It burns hot and clean, with a lightly smoky scent. We also like the blended wood flavor from Rockwood All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal ($40), which uses a blend of oak, hickory, maple and pecan wood. You also can’t go wrong with Jealous Devil All Natural Lump Charcoal ($35), a chemical-free lump charcoal made with South American hardwoods.
Next: Learn how to grill (almost) everything using this handy guide.
Grilled Lobster TailsI had never tried grilling lobster tails at home until I tried this convenient and deliciously different recipe. It turned out amazing, and has left me with little reason to ever order grilled lobster tail at a restaurant again. Here's how to cook lobster tails on the grill. —Katie Rush, Kansas City, Missouri
Grilled GuacamoleIf you’re a guacamole lover, try this fun grilled version that has a smoky flavor. The veggies tend to darken a bit when heated, so stir it gently to prevent further discoloration. —Lindsay Sprunk, Noblesville, Indiana
Jalapeno-Lime Chicken DrumsticksBottled hot sauce isn't my thing, so I developed a fresh pepper glaze for grilled chicken. These drumsticks practically fly off the plate. —Kristeen DeVorss, Farmington, New Mexico
Grilled Pork with Pear SalsaMy husband, Dave, and I have been in a dinner group with three other couples for a few years. We often share our recipes. This grilled pork was served by one of the couples, and I decided to "pear" it with this fabulous salsa. —Suzan Ward, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Farmers Market Orzo SaladOrzo is a tiny pasta shaped like rice. We use it as a base for veggies, lemony vinaigrette and cheeses such as mozzarella, feta or smoked Gouda. —Heather Dezzutto, Raleigh, North Carolina
Grilled Southwestern Potato SaladThis salad is perfect with a grilled steak for a Tex-Mex meal, and most of it can even be prepared out in the backyard. Poblanos and cayenne make it pop. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Check out our other potato salad recipes that are perfect for your summer barbecue.
Summer Garden Fish TacosI like to serve fish tacos with quinoa and black beans for a complete and satisfying meal. If you’ve got them, add colorful summer toppings like bright peppers, green onions or purple carrots. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois
Dad’s Cola BurgersBefore you hand out the drinks, save a little soda to make these delectable burgers. Cola—used in the meat mixture and brushed on during cooking—really sparks the flavor and takes this favorite to a whole new level. —Emily Nelson, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Cookout Caramel S'moresThese classic treats make a fabulous finish to an informal meal. Toasting the marshmallows extends our after-dinner time together, giving us something fun to do as a family. —Martha Haseman, Hinckley, Illinois
Santa Maria Roast BeefA simple dry rub is enough to turn roast beef into a real crowd-pleaser. The slightly spicy meat is scrumptious piled on top of fresh crusty bread. —Allison Ector, Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Spicy Corn KabobsCorn transforms from so-so kernels to tangy sensation when grilled, dotted with sour cream and cheese and zinged with a splash of lime. —Leah Lenz, Los Angeles, California
Grilled Green BeansI cook almost everything outdoors, including grilled green beans. I prepare this snappy side dish while the entree is cooking. The recipe has won over my picky eaters. —Carol Traupman-Carr, Breinigsville, Pennsylvania
Bacon-Wrapped AsparagusMy husband and I grill dinner almost every night, and I love grilling veggies for a side dish. I serve this grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe with meat and sliced fresh tomatoes for a wonderful meal. —Trisha Kitts, Dickinson, Texas
Jim's Secret Family Recipe RibsFor more than 30 years, my brother-in-law Jim kept his famous rib recipe a secret. When he finally shared it, we just had to pass it along because we loved it so much. This one's for you, Jim! —Vicki Young, Brighton, Colorado
Buttery Grilled ShrimpThis grilled shrimp recipe is easy and delicious! These shrimp are great with steak, but for a special occasion, brush the sauce on lobster tails and grill. —Sheryl Shenberger, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Grilled Ribeye with Garlic Blue Cheese Mustard SauceThis simple steak gets a big flavor boost from two of my favorites: mustard and blue cheese. My husband and I make this recipe to celebrate our anniversary each year! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Steak with Chipotle-Lime ChimichurriSteak gets a flavor kick from chimichurri. This piquant, all-purpose herb sauce is so versatile, it complements most any grilled meat, poultry or fish. —Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California
Pina Colada Pork Chops with Tropical Fruit SalsaThese zesty chops with kiwi, banana and avocado salsa are a one-way ticket to the tropics. The grilled pork and fruit make a perfect pair. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Mexican Hot DogsMy stepmom was born in Mexico and introduced us to hot dogs with avocado and bacon. We were instantly hooked. Now our whole family makes them. —Amanda Brandenburg, Hamilton, Ohio
Grilled Sausages with Summer VegetablesAfter 30 years of camping, we've come up with an arsenal of surefire recipes. Our grilled sausage with veggies would be a superstar on the table. —Nancy Daugherty, Cortland, Ohio
Lime and Sesame Grilled EggplantWhen I lived in Greece, I fell in love with eggplant. My recipe's seasonings have an Asian theme, but the dish still makes me think Greek. —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Tarragon AsparagusI grow purple asparagus, so I'm always looking for new ways to prepare it. Recently, my husband and I discovered how wonderful any color of asparagus tastes when it's grilled. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Grilled Honey-Balsamic Glazed FruitOne summer my mother-in-law made us grilled peaches basted with a sweet and tangy sauce. These are so good I'm always tempted to eat the whole batch. —Kristin Van Dyken, West Richland, Washington
Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula SaladThis hearty salad was created when I needed to clear out some leftovers from the fridge—and it became an instant hit! The grilled peaches are the ultimate "tastes like summer" salad booster. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Grilled Garden Veggie PizzaPile on the veggies—the crisp, grilled crust can take it! This colorful, healthy pizza looks as fresh as it tastes. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Grilled Pears with Mascarpone CheeseFor a light dessert after a big barbecue, we stuff pears with mascarpone cheese and gingersnap cookies. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for a sweet touch. —Faith Cromwell, San Francisco, California
Cilantro Lime ShrimpA quick garlicky lime marinade works magic on these juicy shrimp. They come off the grill with huge flavors perfect for your next cookout. —Melissa Rodriguez, Van Nuys, California
Bacon Cheeseburgers with Fry SauceIn Utah, fry sauce is a beloved condiment. We use it not just as a dip for fries, but also as a spread for hamburgers. Utah is known as the Beehive State, so I added honey as a special touch to my fry sauce. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Banana Butter Pecan KabobsDesserts with bananas remind me of Grandma. She and my mom taught me to cook. I rarely measure. For this dish, I set out pecans and butterscotch with kabobs so everyone can customize. —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Grilled Ribeyes with Greek RelishThe classic Grecian flavors of olives, feta cheese and tomatoes are a surefire hit. Combine them to complement a perfectly grilled steak, and it’s magic. —Mary Lou Cook, Welches, Oregon
Grilled Fig and Honey PizzaI had figs I needed to use up, so I made a batch of dough, tossed the figs on the grill and created a scrumptious dessert pizza. —Aaron Reynolds, Fox River Grove, Illinois
Grilled Chicken and Mango SkewersThe inspiration for this recipe came from the charbroiled chicken skewers I used to enjoy while strolling along Calle Ocho in Miami on Sunday afternoons. Feel free to garnish them with sesame seeds or spritz them with fresh lime juice. —Wolfgang Hanau, West Palm Beach, Florida
Tomato-Herb Grilled TilapiaThis super tilapia with ginger and lemon takes dinner over the top with minimal prep. Grilling the fish in foil is about as easy as it gets. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Pina Colada Grilled PineappleDuring a cookout with friends, I forgot about dessert. I had a fresh pineapple and coconut, so I improvised. Now I grill pineapple at every cookout. —Josee Lanzi, New Port Richey, Florida
Grilled Stone Fruits with Balsamic SyrupGet ready to experience another side of stone fruits. Hot off the rack, these grilled nectarines practically melt in your mouth. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Lime-Rosemary Shrimp SkewersI had a big bunch of rosemary, so I turned the stems into skewers for grilling shrimp. Serve with rice or couscous and lime wedges. —Leah Lenz, Los Angeles, California
Grilled Caprese QuesadillasHere's a quick and easy summer lunch that makes great use of garden-grown tomatoes. Feel free to make your quesadillas heartier by adding grilled chicken. —Amy Mongiovi, Lititz, Pennsylvania
Grilled Banana Brownie SundaesMy niece Amanda Jean and I have a lot of fun in the kitchen creating different dishes. One of us will start with a recipe idea and it just grows from there—and so does the mess. In this case, the happy result was our Grilled Banana Brownie Sundae. —Carol Farnsworth, Greenwood, Indiana
Originally Published: May 04, 2020
