Best Lump Charcoal (2022 Buying Guide)

The humble charcoal has been used for thousands of years to cook food. It was first discovered about 4,000 BC in China and is still the most popular type of fuel for cooking today. Whether you are a professional chef or just want to make your grilled cheese sandwiches at home, there are many different types of charcoal available on the market. Which one should you buy? This guide will take you through all the different options so that you can find what suits your needs best!

Best Choice

Kamado Joe Big Block XL Lump Charcoal is made of hardwood lump charcoal (oak, hickory, and pecan) that’s 100% natural with no additives or fillers for long burn time. Lump charcoals are different than briquettes because they don’t contain any chemical binders like clay or other materials to hold the pieces together. This means you get consistent heat without added chemicals. It lights easily and burns hotter than standard bagged brands so it can be used in kamados, fire pits, smokers, grills & more! This 30-pound bucket will last a very long time if using correctly.

Best Selling Lump Charcoal

If you enjoy cooking outdoors, then you understand firsthand the importance of having a good source of heat. The most popular type of charcoal is lump charcoal for its ability to put out consistent and high temperatures. Lump charcoal burns much more cleanly than briquettes and it has less ash residue left over after burning. It comes in two main types: hardwood or softwood.

Kamado Joe Big Block XL Lump Charcoal

Product Description

The Kamado Joe Big Block Lump Charcoal is made from 100% natural wood with no additives or chemicals. The blend of Hickory, Cherry, and Maple is carefully chosen to give you a perfect balance between sweet flavors and high heat. It lights quickly, burns strong for hours without adding messy lighter fluid. This lump charcoal will produce less ash than traditional briquettes making it an ideal choice for long cooks where every minute counts! Made in the USA by Kamado Joe’s family of outdoor cooking enthusiasts who has been producing premium grills since 2003.

• Made from 100 all-natural kinds of wood that are free from fillers and chemicals
• Burns clean, hot, and long with very little ash
• Each bag contains 30 pounds of lump charcoal – enough for several cooks in the backyard or on the competition trail.
• Kamado Joe KJ-CHAR30LB Big Block XL Lump Charcoal, 30-Pound, Black

Pros

• Burns clean, hot, and long with very little ash
• No chemicals or fillers were added
• Made from 100% natural wood

Cons

• A bit pricier than other brands on the market.

Recommended?

Yes, if you are looking for a quality lump coal that will last. This charcoal is worth the price because it produces less ash and burns longer than traditional briquettes. Kamado Joe has been producing premium grills since 2003 so they know what good BBQ is all about!

Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal

Product Description

This is all-natural hardwood charcoal with no chemicals or added binders, created in the US. It will light quickly and burn long when used properly. This is a great alternative for people who want to enjoy cooking outdoors without chemical additives altering their food’s flavor. This product comes from sustainably harvested wood that was either recycled or scraps leftover from furniture-making projects being reused to create this top-quality lump coal. The company also donates some of its profits towards environmental initiatives such as recycling programs and planting trees across America.

All-natural hardwood charcoal is a great alternative for people who want to enjoy cooking outdoors without chemical additives altering their food’s flavor. This product comes from sustainably harvested wood that was either recycled or scraps leftover from furniture-making projects being reused to create this top-quality lump coal. The company also donates some of its profits towards environmental initiatives such as recycling programs and planting trees across America. It will light quickly and burn long when used properly.

Pros

• No chemicals or added binders
• Quick lighting and long burning time when used properly
• Made from sustainably harvested wood in the US
• A portion of profits are donated to environmental initiatives

Cons

• Might need to be lit with a lighter or match
• Some people have complained that it doesn’t burn evenly

Recommended?

Yes, this is a great alternative for people who want to enjoy cooking outdoors without chemical additives altering their food’s flavor. It lights quickly and burns long when used properly. The product comes from sustainably harvested wood in the US that was either recycled or scraps leftover from furniture-making projects being reused to create this top-quality lump coal. A portion of profits are donated towards environmental initiatives such as recycling programs and planting trees across America too!

B&B Charcoal Signature Low Smoke Long Burning Oak Lump Charcoal

Product not currently available.

Product Description

This product is a set of two 20 lb (weight) bags. It has all-natural material and it produces low smoke for grills and barbecues. This product is made in the USA with 100% wood pieces only, no dust or dirt like other products on the market. The bag is resealable so you can keep what you don’t use at this moment fresh and ready to go when needed! Each piece burns long and slow while providing an even heat distribution throughout your grill surface.

This Lump of Charcoal provides high carbon levels which means that they will burn cleanly without leaving any unburned residue behind them – producing less ash than briquettes over time since there are more actual charcoal particles than the overall weight would suggest due to the space taken by air.

This product is made with 100% natural, all-wood material only, and no chemicals or additives are used in the production process which makes this Lump Charcoal safe for you to use on your grill! If safety matters most to you then choose B&B Charcoal Signature Low Smoke Long Burning Oak Lump Charcoal with All Natural Material for Grills and Barbecues, 20 Pounds – a perfect choice that will not break the bank either since it comes at a reasonable price!

Pros

• 100% natural, all-wood material only
• Produces less ash than briquettes over time since there are more actual charcoal particles ​than the overall weight would suggest due to the space taken by air.
• Made with 100% wood pieces only, no dust or dirt like other products on the market.
• This product is made in the USA with 100% wood pieces only, no dust or dirt like other products on the market which makes this Lump Charcoal safe for you to use on your grill if safety matters most to you!
• Each piece burns long and slow while providing an even heat distribution throughout your grill surface.
• Reasonable price for the quality of the product on offer. ​
• The resealable bag so that after use, it can be resealed with ease which makes this Lump Charcoal easy to store in between uses – no need to open a new bag every time!
• This product is made with 100% natural, all-wood material only, and no chemicals or additives are used in the production process which makes this Lump Charcoal safe for you to use on your grill if safety matters most to you as well as being a perfect choice that will not break the bank either since it comes at a reasonable price!

Cons

• You may need to wait longer than with briquettes or lighter fluid for the lump charcoal to catch fire.
• Although this Lump Charcoal is made in the USA it is only available on Amazon, not in local stores which can be seen as a downside if you want your product now!
• The bag doesn’t seal completely after opening so some amount of dust might make its way into a storage container – not too much but still inconvenient when storing products like these that are supposed to be all-natural.
• This product has received outstanding reviews from people who have purchased and used it (click here to read them) although there were also few negative ones that mentioned slow ignition time among other things however far less common regarding this specific type of Lump Charcoal.
• The bag doesn’t seal completely after opening which can be seen as a downside if you want your product now but overall, it has received outstanding reviews from people who have bought and used it!

Recommended?

Yes, this product is recommended for people who want a high-quality Lump Charcoal that comes at a reasonable price and provides long hours of cooking with minimal ash production.

Royal Oak Chef’s Select Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal

Product Description

Lump charcoal is made from natural hardwood trees. Natural lump charcoals burn hotter, cleaner, and longer than traditional briquettes or compressed charcoals. They are easy to light using a lighter or chimney starter, which makes them an ideal fuel for grilling and outdoor cooking since they don’t require matches to ignite them.

Royal Oak Lump Charcoal is 100 percent all-natural wood with no harmful chemicals added during the manufacturing process making it clean-burning fuel that doesn’t emit dangerous fumes or chemical byproducts into your food when used indoors on gas, electric induction cooktops as well as in outdoor closed appliances like smokers & barbecues without having any of the bad taste imparted by petroleum coke products. As a result, it’s environmentally friendly and highly sustainable fuel for your grill or smoker.

The manufacturer offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee to ensure you get the most out of this lump charcoal which makes an ideal choice if you are looking for clean-burning hardwood lump charcoals that burn hotter and longer with less ash residue than traditional briquettes while emitting no dangerous fumes into your food.

Pros

• It’s made from 100 percent natural hardwood, burns hotter, and emits less ash than traditional briquettes.
• It’s a clean-burning, environmentally friendly, and highly sustainable fuel for your grill or smoker.
• Offers an excellent choice if you are looking for clean-burning hardwood lump charcoals that burn hotter and longer with less ash residue than traditional briquettes while emitting no dangerous fumes into your food.
• A 100 percent satisfaction guarantee ensures the most out of this lump charcoal.

Cons

• Some reviewers found it to be a bit messy when packaging is opened.

Recommended?

Yes, Royal Oak Lump Charcoal is an excellent choice if you are looking for clean-burning hardwood lump charcoals.

Rockwood All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal

Product Description

The hardwood mix is perfect for grilling, barbecuing, hot smoking, and slow cooking. It’s also great for both direct heat and indirect smoke grilling. The Missouri Oak provides a mild smoky flavor while the Hickory lends its strong sweet taste. Add some Maple to give it that slightly sweeter touch or Pecan for more of a nutty finish! You can’t go wrong with Rockwood All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal – you get four different tastes in one bag!

Be sure to check out our other hardwood lump charcoal options as well!

If you’re looking for a more natural, organic option then try the best-selling Duraflame Lump Charcoal – 100% All Natural Hardwood. It’s made from premium timber and is extremely clean burning with no chemicals or additives. You can also go even greener by trying EcoSmart Organic Coconut Briquettes. These are all-natural coconut shells that have been ground into small pieces and compressed together without any binders or additives to be used as an eco-friendly alternative to standard charcoal briquettes!

Pros

• The best hardwood lump charcoal for grilling
• Different flavors to give your food the perfect taste!
• A perfectly sized bag makes it easy to transport and store away when not in use.
• Be sure to check out our other hardwood lump charcoal options as well!

Cons

• Can be a bit messy to work with.

Recommended?

Yes! Rockwood Lump Charcoal is the best hardwood lump charcoal on the market. It’s perfect for grilling, barbecuing, hot smoking, and slow cooking your food to perfection! Be sure to check out our other hardwood lump charcoal options as well!

Buyer’s Guide

Hardwood lump charcoals tend to be more expensive but they produce higher quality smoke that many people prefer for grilling meats while softwoods are cheaper but will burn hotter with less clumping together during use.

Another consideration with lump charcoal is how it will be used. Do you need your fuel to burn hot or long?

If so, then a harder wood type made from oak, hickory, mesquite, and other similar woods is probably right for you. These hardwood types produce heat that can last up to an hour which is generally enough time for any barbeque cookout. For longer cooking times though, softwoods might work better because they have more available oxygen in the form of larger pieces that allows them to burn hotter and brighter while also lasting much longer than many hardwood varieties. Softwoods like pine and poplar tend to burn 20-30 minutes compared to only 15 minutes with some hardwood options but this could give you the extra time you need to cook more dishes!

If you are looking for a versatile fuel that will allow you to grill, sear, and smoke your food then lump charcoal is just what you need. It can be used in any type of BBQ or smoker so if versatility is important then this might be an option for you. Once it starts burning though it creates quite a bit of ash residue which means frequent cooking times would require much more cleaning on your part afterward. The heat produced by both types also depends heavily upon how they are ignited but generally, hardwoods tend to put off brighter flames while softwood varieties burn with darker smoke.

The best way to tell whether wood-based charcoals are right for your needs is through personal experience. If you have a smoker or grill that is regularly used then your best option might be to invest in a hardwood lump charcoal since they generally last longer and put out more heat. This will save you money over time as well because the coal itself tends to be on the pricier side.

If, however, you are looking for an inexpensive fuel source that can still cook some food then softwood types of charcoals may suit your needs better. They tend to burn hotter which means less waiting but also require more cleanup afterward due to their ash residue left over from burning.

Making a decision about what type of lump charcoal is right for you will depend upon how often it is going to get used and whether versatility or pure heat output is most important. After all, no one wants to waste money on a fuel source that they will only use once or twice!

As you can see, there are many different types of charcoal available but what matters most is your specific needs as the cook. Whether you would prefer hardwood charcoals for their heat output capabilities or softwoods because of their lower price tag and fast lighting times depends upon how often you plan on using them and whether those features matter more than anything else. No one lump charcoal option is perfect so try out a few brands to find which best suits your individual cooking style!

What is lump charcoal and how is it different from briquettes?

Lump charcoal is made from pieces of wood that have been heated until they’re very hot. The heat makes the chunks break down into smaller pieces, with no additional additives or chemicals used to produce them.

It can be confusing trying to figure out how lump and briquettes are different because oftentimes people use these two terms interchangeably. However, each type has its own unique composition and characteristics which make them suited for specific purposes in grilling food on a barbecue grill.

Types of Charcoal

Charcoal briquettes are typically made of compressed charcoal, with additives to control the production process and add flavor. These additives can include everything from lighter fluid chemicals to sodium nitrate. The most common type is the Kingsford brand, which produces its product by compressing sawdust into bricks that are then cut into cubes for packaging. While this creates a larger quantity of coals than other methods, it also means you’re getting more impurities without gaining additional benefits in terms of heat or longevity.

There are several types of lump charcoal, and each is unique in its own way. While most lump charcoals will be made from compressed hardwood sawdust, you can also find varieties that include such things as wood scraps or fruit pits. Lump charcoal is typically the most expensive type of product on the market – but there’s a reason for this: it burns cleanly with little to no ash residue and provides an intense flavor profile that doesn’t require any additional additives.

The biggest drawback?

Since it varies so much by manufacturer and batch, your results may vary quite a bit between products; however, they should all at least provide heat without too many problems.

The simple truth about barbecue briquettes vs. lump charcoals is that there are many variables to consider when trying to determine which one you’ll want in your backyard. For example, if the price isn’t too much of a concern and you don’t mind the additional additives present in briquettes, then Kingsford brand products may fit better with your needs.

Lump charcoal can burn hotter than briquettes but also burns faster because it typically has less quantity per bag. Briquettes produce more ash so they last longer but require extra work for adding lighter fluid or other chemicals during the burning process.

Some people prefer to use both types at once since each provides its own benefits depending on what type of meal they are cooking up themselves!

How to Choose the Best Lump Charcoal for Your Needs

There are many different types of lump charcoal on the market. The following information will help you understand what to look for in order to choose the best one for your needs…

• Picking out a good bag is just like picking up any other type of charcoal at first glance, however, there are still some things that can be looked into before making this important purchase.
• The most common brands used within our community here at CoalGuys USA include Royal Oak, Cowboy Charcoal, and more!
• In terms of cost per pound, these range from roughly $0.75-$0.80 cents an lb depending on where they’re purchased from and which brand it happens to be!
• Depending on if you’re using lump charcoal for home grilling or in a professional setting, there are many different things to consider.
• So when it comes down to which is the best lump charcoals out there and what they have to offer… here at CoalGuys USA we suggest reading through some of our top review articles below!

Pros and Cons of Using Lump Charcoal

• Burns hotter than briquettes, which can accelerate cooking time
• A bit messier and noisier than using a bag of charcoal coals with the same quality.
• It may take a little more effort to get the fire going.
• You will need to find a bag or can of lighter fluid, which is not always available at your local supermarket… This all adds up and it could be time-consuming as well!
• Lump charcoal is made from logs, which means it’s going to be a lot more expensive than some other types of coals.
• There are many different brands on the market, and each brand has its own individual qualities that make it unique. You may or may not like one brand better than another – this all depends on your taste buds!
• It will give off flavor when used for grilling foods … but some people prefer no flavors at all in their meats! Lump charcoal can also affect what you cook by leaving soot marks behind… Not the best news if you’re planning a romantic evening with candlelight dinners!!

Where to Buy Lump Charcoals

If you are thinking about buying lump charcoal, the first place to check out is your local hardware or department store. You can also try online stores like Amazon.com and even Craigslist if you live in a big city with many options for shopping close by.

There might be a few hardware shops that sell all types of charcoal including lump wood, but most will carry regular briquettes instead. If this doesn’t work, there’s always eBay! e-commerce sites have made it easy for anyone to buy just about anything – from anywhere around the world “and often at very good prices!

IKEA is another great option since they only sell one kind of barbecue fuel: Lump Charcoal so no confusion here 😉 Another resourceful website to discover is Best-Lump-Charcoal.com where you’ll find a comprehensive review of the best lump charcoals on the market today.

What is the difference between lump charcoal and briquettes?

Lump charcoal, or natural lump charcoal, is made from 100% wood. It comes in large pieces and requires further “breaking down” before use (i.e., it should be separated into smaller pieces). The type of wood used to make the product can vary but typically includes hardwood trees like oak or hickory. Some manufacturers will add liquid binders to hold the lumps together; however, this isn’t always necessary as long as they are packed tightly enough during manufacturing that the lumps don’t fall apart when picked up with tongs at a barbecue restaurant!

Briquettes on other hand refer to charcoal pieces that are pressed together to form a specific shape. They often contain binders like starch or sodium nitrate, which help keep the coals from falling apart when they’re stacked up on top of each other.

This is done because briquettes are smaller than lump charcoals and can be used for grilling food at higher temperatures over direct heat whereas larger chunks of charcoal may only burn hot enough to cook via indirect heat. Lump charcoal will typically not produce as much ash below it compared to briquettes since there aren’t any fillers added during the production process (e.g., additives).

Tips on Buying Lump Charcoals Online

The tips below will help you get the best out of your lump charcoal. As for any other purchase, read reviews and customer feedback available online to ensure that you are buying what you want at an affordable price.

• Know which type is right for your grill or smoker by checking if the manufacturer recommends it – Lump Charcoal has more than one type so make sure you know which kind goes with your equipment! Check whether they need a special starter fluid-like lighter cubes, natural gas, or propane before making a choice. Some brands even require electric starters while others come with their own chimneys! Make sure everything comes together without too much hassle because grilling should not be complicated especially on holidays.
• Know the correct way of handling and storing your lump charcoals. – It is not as simple as tossing them into a pile on top of one another, you need to give it some thought before doing so. If rolling or crushing, make sure that it breaks up only when it’s time for grilling, and do not let moisture get at it first! Do not stack like regular charcoal because this makes airflow difficult which can cause uneven burning during cooking. Only store in a well-ventilated area away from children and pets who might want to explore what they smell like inside those bags! Never mix old coals with new ones either since chemical reactions may take place resulting in an unpleasant taste in food.
• Find out if there are any additives such as lighter fluid or chemicals used to speed up the lighting process.
• Some manufacturers add petroleum distillates and other hazardous additives in lump charcoals because it makes them easier to light! While this may be convenient for you, your cooking experience will not last long since these polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are known carcinogens that could impact your health once ingested through food.
• Look out for brands that use recycled materials as fillers with their products.
• These days, environmental awareness is at its best so look out for labels that say “100% natural” especially when buying lump charcoals online. There are even those that boast of all-natural ingredients such as coconut shells and pine cones to give you the best value for your money!

How to light your grill with a chimney starter

The chimney starter is a great way to get your grill lit and ready for cooking. They’re easy-to-use, simple, and fast – but they aren’t the most efficient way of lighting charcoal briquettes. If you want more uniform heat distribution throughout your cooking area, we would recommend using lighter cubes or crumpled paper instead of using a chimney starter.

The best way to use a chimney starter is by filling it with charcoal, lighting the coals inside until they are glowing red, and then dumping them out onto your grill. By using this method you can be sure that all of your briquettes will get hot enough (and stay hot long enough) for cooking.

More importantly, though – perhaps even essential when considering which brand of lump charcoals to buy – there’s no better way than tasting test some yourself! So next time you’re at the grocery store or market stop in front of our display area pick up one of each kind on hand so give us feedback later after trying ’em out. We’d love to hear how they compare against other brands too!

Environmental Protection

When it comes to environmental protection, lump charcoal has the upper hand over other types of charcoal. This is because they are made of 100% hardwood and contain no harmful chemicals. They also do not emit any toxic fumes or flavors during use which makes them preferable for outdoor cooking as well as indoor grilling with family members who have asthma or allergies. If you want a more sustainable alternative that doesn’t burn your wallet then this might be just what you’re looking for!

Safety Tips

• Never leave a lit grill unattended.
• Always extinguish the fire with water and never use sand or dirt, which can cause embers to flare up again and spread in windy conditions.
• Keep children away from grills at all times when they are hot or still warm. For safety reasons, do not allow them to sit on top of it either! Use oven mitts while handling the charcoal grate as well since this is often very hot during cooking.
• Keep your grill away from combustible materials such as trees, wooden fences, dry grasses, and shrubs.
• Always have a water hose or fire extinguisher on hand when using the charcoal grill in case any of these safety tips are not followed.
• Remember that it is better to be safe than sorry!
• Never use charcoal lighter fluid as this can cause a fire hazard. Instead, prepare the grill with natural means such as newspaper or gas lighters for best results. These are typically much safer and do not leave behind a residue of any kind either.
• Always wear protective gear including mesh gloves and closed-toe shoes when handling hot coals and cooking utensils during grilling sessions so one does not accidentally burn themselves.
• Remember to handle all equipment used in the outdoor cooking area carefully by using oven mitts, tongs, etc., so there is no chance they will slip from your hands unexpectedly causing injuries.

FAQs

What is lump charcoal?

Lump charcoal, or natural lump charcoal, is made from 100% wood. It comes in large pieces and requires further “breaking down” before use (i.e., it should be separated into smaller pieces). The type of wood used to make the product can vary but typically includes hardwood trees like oak or hickory. Some manufacturers will add liquid binders to hold the lumps together; however, this isn't always necessary as long as they are packed tightly enough during manufacturing that the lumps don't fall apart when picked up with tongs at a barbecue restaurant!

How does lump charcoal work?

I have created an animated infographic that provides a high-level overview of how to lump charcoal works. Lump charcoal, or natural lump charcoal, is made from 100% wood. The type of wood used to make the product can vary but typically includes hardwood trees like oak or hickory. Some manufacturers will add liquid binders to hold the lumps together; however, this isn't always necessary as long as they are packed tightly enough during manufacturing that the lumps don't fall apart when picked up with tongs at a barbecue restaurant! Lump charcoals work by combusting and then carbonizing organic material (e.g., plant matter). Charcoal has been around for thousands of years and was first discovered in China after digging into coal mines hundreds of years ago.

What types of wood can I use?

There isn’t just one type of wood you should use for barbecue cooking. In fact, several different types of wood can be used depending on the flavor you're going for! For example: • Mesquite gives a strong smokey and sweet taste to meats because it is a hardwood that burns hot and fast. • Oak or hickory are excellent choices when smoking pork shoulder, ribs, brisket, sausage, wildfowl, or venison due to their long-lasting smoldering qualities. They also have medium levels of both fruitiness and bitterness which helps add complexity to your final dish without overpowering other flavors in the meat itself.

What should I look out for when buying lump charcoal?

Lump charcoals vary in quality just like many other products. It is important to look out for the following key factors when shopping around. • Appearance: The lumps should be uniform in size and shape, have a low moisture content, and should not contain any foreign objects (e.g., rocks). • Price: Lump charcoal prices are typically higher than other types of charcoals because it takes more time for manufacturers to break down larger chunks into smaller pieces that can then be used for cooking food over an open flame or hot coals. • Quality Control Measures: Manufacturers will sometimes use additives like sawdust, resins/binders, fillers (such as clay), gluten meal, animal by-products (e.g., blood meal), coal dust, etc…

Conclusion

Lump charcoal is a great choice for barbecuing or grilling because it provides an even and consistent heat source over long periods of time. The type of wood used to make the product can vary but typically includes hardwood trees like oak or hickory. Lump charcoals are made from 100% wood and burn at hotter temperatures than other types of charcoals (i.e., briquettes).