Are you a fan of barbeques and always looking for the perfect lump charcoal to light up your grill? Yes? Look no further, by the end of this article, you will find the best lump charcoal for barbeque perfection.
Lump charcoal is charcoal in its purest form. Therefore, it has the optimum burning capacity and is the best option to barbeque with. Expect perfect results while adding a natural smoky flavor to the meat.
Whether you are grilling burgers, lamb, beef, or even poultry, the best lump charcoal will allow you to have premium barbeque experience every time
What to look for in the best lump charcoal?
There are plenty of lump charcoal options available in the market. But which of those is the absolute best choice? How to know whether you are making the right choice and picking lump charcoal that is truly worth it?
Let us help you through this process of choosing the best lump charcoal in the market. We will provide you with a comprehensive lump charcoal buying guide that will provide detail about all the features you should be looking for when buying lump charcoal
Size
The size of the lump charcoal is one of the first things you should look at. The lump charcoal should be large. The bigger the chunks, the longer they will last once lit. Avoid picking lump charcoal that is too small, these tend to burn out quickly and leave you with a cold and dead grill.
When picking up a lump charcoal bag, pay attention to how much dust there is at the bottom of the bag. Dust can clog air vents and is useless for grilling.
Single Specie Charcoal
Most of the time, there is a mix of different charcoals that are sealed and packed in the same bag. The issue with mixed-species charcoal is that every species has its own flavor and a certain burning time. A mix will not ensure consistent temperature and the flavor profile can get mixed up.
Finding a single species charcoal source can be difficult, but you will notice a huge difference in the quality and taste of your barbeque when you use single species charcoal. The grill will burn consistently, and you will experience flavor accents based on the species of charcoal you are using. Plus, you will have the freedom to pick your favorite flavor profile as well.
Sustainable Sources
Many brands source their lump charcoal from sources that are not sustainable. These sources can be related to rainforest destruction. Therefore, make it a habit to do some research about the brand of lump charcoal you are choosing and ensure that the charcoal is sourced from sustainable sources so you can enjoy your barbeque with a good conscious.
Burn Quality
Charcoal lumps are the main source of heat over which you will be cooking and grilling your barbeque. Therefore, you need to ensure that the lump charcoal you select has a good burn quality.
The lump charcoal you pick should be able to ignite easily, so you do not have to struggle with lighting up your grill. Moreover, the lump charcoal should burn consistently and evenly so that you can easily maintain an even and uniform temperature in the grill.
Smoke and Ash
Naturally, burning charcoal lumps in your grill will lead to some smoke and ash production. This is unavoidable and part of the process. However, at the same time, you can pick a charcoal lump that produces as little smoke and ash as possible. The charcoals with lesser ash production also ease the cleanup process and make the grill easier to clean once done with the grilling.
Why should you consider buying lump charcoal?
Now that you know what you should be looking for when buying lump charcoal, the next question is why?
Lump charcoal is not the only fuel that you can use in your grill. So why should you consider buying lump charcoal? Lump charcoal is recommended because they are easier to light up. You do not have to struggle with lighting up a grill when you are using lump charcoal.
It is also a better option when it comes to maintaining a consistent temperature. Lump charcoal burns slowly, so maintaining temperature is easy and the food can cook evenly on the grill. One benefit of good quality charcoal lumps is that they are reusable, allowing you to reuse them in your grill up to three times.
If you are someone who likes a smoky flavor in your barbeque, getting lump charcoal for your grill would be an optimal choice. Lump charcoal adds a slight wood-fired flavor to the food. There are several flavor options and wood varieties to choose from.
Top 5 Best Lump Charcoal | Top Picks
Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
If you are looking for a naturally sourced charcoal that burns well and can maintain temperature consistently, the Jealous Devil All Natural Lump Charcoal is your best bet. The charcoal is sourced from a hundred percent natural sources, so you can be certain that you are not paying for chemicals or scrap wood.
With a longer burning time and higher temperature, the charcoal will ensure that you can enjoy your barbeque to the fullest. The charcoal’s flavor is also quite mild, so you can get the natural barbeque aroma and taste without being too powerful or overwhelming.
The package of the charcoal is also worth mentioning. It comes in a resealable bag, making the remaining charcoal easy to store for your next barbeque. The packaging is dustproof and waterproof, so the charcoal will be good as new for the next time you decide to light up your grill.
Pros
- Resealable, waterproof, and dustproof packaging.
- Sustainably sourced natural lump charcoal.
- Burns evenly while maintaining temperature.
- Pure and natural flavor.
Cons
- The charcoal lumps vary in size.
- There can be a lot of charcoal dust in the bag.
Rockwood All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
As indicated by the name, the Rockwood All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal comes from all-natural sources from oak, maple, and pecan trees. It is a personal favorite of all barbeque enthusiasts, and every professional seems to swear by its quality.
The charcoal heats up quickly, so you do not have to wait for your grill to get to the right temperature. Moreover, once lit, the charcoal burns slowly, thus maintaining temperature and adding an authentic and unique flavor to the food.
When burning, the charcoal does not produce a lot of smoke or release dust, making for a cleaner grilling experience. The ash production of this lump charcoal is also less in comparison with other brands.
It is environment-friendly charcoal. From the charcoal itself to the bag, everything is naturally sourced, so you can be certain that you are not hurting the environment in any way when you are burning this lump of charcoal in your grill.
Pros
- One hundred percent naturally sourced.
- It Burns evenly and for longer.
- Easy to heat up.
- Produces less smoke and ash.
- Adds a mild flavor to the food without being too overpowering.
Cons
- The charcoal is prone to sparking.
- The charcoal burns very quickly and does not last long.
- It does not burn uniformly, and some pieces do not burn at all.
Kamado Joe KJ-Char Big Block XL Lump Charcoal
A bag of Kamado Joe KJ0-Char Big Block XL Lump Charcoal consists of nothing but a hundred percent natural lump charcoal. The charcoal is a blend of different types of wood. Each wood adds its aroma and flavor to the blend, resulting in a unique barbeque flavor you would have never experienced before.
A special focus has been laid on the shape and size of the charcoal. The lumps, therefore, burn quickly and ensure a consistent temperature. The charcoal can be burnt for up to eighteen hours due to its tremendous burning capacity. Another perk is that you can light up the charcoal and use it to refuel your barbeque grill up to three times!
Pros
- The charcoal burns consistently and evenly.
- It can be re-used up to three times.
- Burns quickly but lasts longer.
- A unique blend of wood adds a fantastic aroma and subtle taste to the food.
Cons
- Produces a lot of sparks.
- It is slightly expensive in comparison to other available options.
Cowboy 24220 Lump Charcoal
The Cowboy Lump Charcoal comprises a mix of all-natural hardwood charcoal. If you are not a fan of a charcoal flavor in your barbeque, you should try this lump charcoal since the mix imparts almost no flavor to the meat so that you can enjoy your meat without the smoky flavor.
The charcoal can be lit up quite easily, so you will not have to struggle with lighting up your grill. Once lit up, the charcoal burns evenly, maintaining a uniform temperature and helping cook food evenly. The charcoal burns slowly to the last longer, and it does not produce a lot of smoke or ash, making it a clean barbeque experience.
Pros
- Maintains uniform temperature and even heat throughout.
- Does not produce a lot of smoke or ash.
- It can last for up to twelve hours.
- Affordable and budget-friendly lump charcoal.
Cons
- The bag can be filled with many small pieces
Harder Charcoal HAXLWC33 100 Percent Natural XL Restaurant Style Barbeque Grilling Lump Charcoal
It is one hundred percent naturally sourced charcoal, so you do not have to worry about any chemicals or scrap wood charcoal pieces when lighting your grill. The charcoal is sourced from all-natural sources, so you do not have to worry about harming the environment.
The Quebracho Wood blend in the charcoal adds a unique aroma and taste to the food. The taste is quite mild, so it is not overpowering. The aroma is smoky and natural. If you are not a fan of strong charcoal flavors, you will find the Harder Charcoal Restaurant Style Barbeque Grilling Lump Charcoal will be the best choice for you.
The shape and size of the charcoal lumps are uniforms, so it burns slowly yet uniformly. You can burn this charcoal lump on any grill. The results will be the same. Moreover, you will be able to light up the charcoal lumps with ease. They will not produce too much ash, also making the cleanup process simple and easy.
Pros
- A hundred percent naturally sourced charcoal.
- Chemical-free and good for the environment.
- Produces uniform heat while maintaining temperature.
- It can be used with all types of grills.
- Quebracho wood adds a unique taste and aroma to the food.
Cons
- The charcoal takes time to start burning.
- The lump charcoal chunks are uneven in size.
Wrapping it up
There is a huge range of lump charcoal that you can find on the market. But not all of them are made equally. If you want to have the best barbeque experience while ensuring a smooth grilling experience, you should pick nothing but the best lump charcoal.
Lump charcoals are known for their unique flavor and aroma. People who are true barbeque fans like the slightly smoky taste and scent that lump charcoals add to the food. No matter how much you like barbeques, if you want to have the best possible experience, you need to pick the right lump of charcoal for your grill.
Some things you have to consider when buying lump charcoal include the charcoal’s size, the burning quality of the charcoal, and the species of wood used.
But most importantly, whenever you are picking up a pack of lump charcoal, make sure that you select one that is naturally sourced so you can be a hundred percent certain that you are making a conscious effort to protect the environment.
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Last updated: September 24, 2023
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