As summers approach and the vacations are just around the corner, barbecues will soon be in season again! If you really want your meat to be the showstopper of the evening, then you will need the purest and the best lump charcoal.
Here’s why the best lump charcoal can transform the way you grill meat.
Using the right kind of charcoal can make or break your barbecue experience, as most of the flavor is derived from it. In order to have the juiciest meat with campfire smokiness, you will need the best lump charcoal to do the job.
Let’s dive into this article for more details of the best lump charcoal packs that you can find in the market today!
Contents
- Comparison Table
- Top 10 Best Lump Charcoals Reviews
- 1 Best For Kamado Grill: Kamado Joe KJFS Fire Starter
- 2 Best for Big Green Egg: Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Coal
- 3 Best Royal Oak Lump Charcoal: Royal Oak 195228021
- 4 Best Hardwood Charcoal Briquettes: Cowboy 24220 Lump Charcoal
- 5 Best Lump Charcoal for Grilling: Rockwood Lump Charcoal
- 6 Best Lump Wood Charcoal: Rockwood All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
- 7 Best Value and Quality: Original Natural Charcoal – 100% Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoals
- 8 Best Char-Boil Lump Coal for Mini Big Green Egg: Char-Broil Center Cut Lump Charcoal
- 9 Best Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal: Fogo FHWC35LB
- 10 Best Big Green Egg Lump of Coal: Big CP 20-Pound Bag of Natural Lump Charcoal
- Best Lump Charcoal Buying Guide
- Conclusion
Comparison Table
| Products | Piece/Weight | Flavor | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Also Great Kamado Joe KJFS Fire Starter  View Price | Piece/Weight 24 pieces in a box | Flavor Mild |  (4.7 / 5) |
Piece/Weight 35 pound bag | Flavor Mild-smoky flavor |  (4.5 / 5) |
|
Also Great Royal Oak 195228021  View Price | Piece/Weight 15.4 pound bag | Flavor Unique smoky & nutty flavor |  (3.9 / 5) |
Also Great Cowboy 24220 Lump Charcoal  View Price | Piece/Weight 20 pound bag | Flavor Distinct oak and maple |  (4.1 / 5) |
Also Great Rockwood Lump Charcoal  View Price | Piece/Weight 3x20 pound bag | Flavor Oak, hickory, maple, pecan |  (3.8 / 5) |
Piece/Weight 20 pound bag | Flavor Oak, hickory, maple, pecan | (3.8 / 5) |
|
Piece/Weight 17.6 pound bag | Flavor Sweet notes of apple, cherry & oak |  (4.3 / 5) |
|
Piece/Weight 11 pound bag | Flavor Briquette and smoky flavor |  (3.6 / 5) |
|
Best Choice Fogo FHWC35LB  View Price | Piece/Weight 35 pound bag | Flavor Smoky flavor |  (5 / 5) |
Piece/Weight 20 pound bag | Flavor Oak and hickory flavor | (4.5 / 5) |
Top 10 Best Lump Charcoals Reviews
1 Best For Kamado Grill: Kamado Joe KJFS Fire Starter
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly box of charcoal without compromising on the quality of the coal, Kamado Joe is your best bet.
It is non-toxic and doesn’t come with any preservatives, so there will be no flare-ups either. You can use it in a variety of different places, such as grills, wood fires, and smokers.
However, that’s not all you’ll be getting with this amazing deal.
For an impressive price, Kamado Joe offers versatility in its coal usage and has premium functionality as well. You can customize your cooking using these coals, as they can light up on different surfaces.
Moreover, the Kamado Joe firestarter kit also guarantees zero toxins and chemicals to ensure you with the safest barbecue experience. It is the perfect replacement for a chemical lighter fluid and provides great flavor to the barbecue as well.
Summing up, if you’re looking for the best box of charcoal for a kamado grill, then you can’t do better than the Kamado Joe FireStarter kit.
(4.7 / 5)Pros
- Non-toxic and free of chemicals.
- Budget-friendly for all types of users.
- Comes with 24 pieces for longer usage.
- Versatile functionality on different surfaces.
- Does not cause any flare-ups and is safe to use.
Cons
- Produces a lot of smoke.
- Some users felt a pungent petroleum taste using the coals.
2 Best for Big Green Egg: Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Coal
This is one of the most sought-after bags of coal, as it is truly one of the best ones in the market. The coal lumps are designed with lesser dust and a larger size to give you a fierier burn and reduce waste.
Moreover, this hardwood lump charcoal bag comes in a very durable and high-quality bag, which is heavy-duty and easier to hold.
Furthermore, the quality of the coal is also superior, as it has a low ash rate, no sparks, and a very easy clean-up afterward. The versatility of these lump coals makes them ideal for kamados like the big green egg, charcoal grills, and smokers too.
Additionally, with its powerful burning quality, these coals burn hotter as compared to other brands in the market, and they also last twice as long.
If you’re looking for a natural, pure hardwood lump of charcoal to impress your guests in the nest barbecue, then this is the one to go with. Jealous Devil ensures a safe, hassle-free, and chemical-free burn that adds a mild and smoky flavor to your meat.
Lastly, these coals are top-notch restaurant quality as well. This makes the coal a perfect ingredient to grill steaks and other hunks of meat for pro chefs. For precision, flavor, and high-quality, everyone reaches out to Jealous Devil.
(4.5 / 5)Pros
- Free of fillers, chemicals, and other toxins.
- Better quality bag for heavy-duty usage.
- Lesser dust and a long-lasting burn.
- Environmentally friendly as it reduces waste.
- Versatile and can be used for any sort of barbecue.
Cons
- Dust will cause a lot of mess.
- Some users complain that the flavor is too mild.
3 Best Royal Oak Lump Charcoal: Royal Oak 195228021
This lump of charcoal is special because it is sourced sustainably from renewable resources such as oak, hickory, and walnut. It is one of the most popular lumps of coal out there, because of its high quality and excellent taste.
The coal can light up as fast as 15 minutes and can constantly burn for about 18 hours nonstop.
Furthermore, it is very affordable and is the best option for beginners who are just starting to use coal instead of lighter fluid. However, that doesn’t mean it is not popular with professionals.
Along with that, this lump of coal provides a unique blend of flavors to your meat. The oak, hickory, walnut, and maple-flavored smokiness just makes the meat more enticing and flavorful. Moreover, it is easier to light and can burn for hours without needing any maintenance.
To sum up, for a pure hardwood charcoal flavor and great quality burning, this Royal Oak lump charcoal is one of the best lump charcoal bags you will find in the market. It is long-lasting, free of chemicals, and provides excellent value for your money.
(3.9 / 5)Pros
- Hot burning for a longer period of time.
- Blend is unique and made from sustainably sourced oak, hickory, maple, and walnut.
- Ready for cooking meat in about 15 minutes.
- Produces very little ash.
- Usable by beginners and professionals alike.
Cons
- May require a starter chimney to make it burn.
- Variation of coal lump sizes in the bag.
4 Best Hardwood Charcoal Briquettes: Cowboy 24220 Lump Charcoal
This all-natural hardwood lump of coal is your safest bet. It is sourced from sustainable renewable resources and is the perfect partner for your grill. The Cowboy lump of charcoal burns super-hot and fast, searing the entire hunk of meat with its distinct flavor.
Along with its high combustion quality, these lumps of coal produce no off-tastes or foul flavors from the additives used in the briquettes.
The high heat retention quality of these coals helps impart a distinct smoky flavor whilst retaining the moisture and juices of the meat. Moreover, they also burn cleaner as they are more environmentally friendly.
Lastly, with little ash production and cleaner-burning, this is one of the most impressive bags of coal that you will come across. If you are hosting a large barbecue for your friends and family, and need a bag of coal that can impress the guests with great flavor, this is the one for you.
(4.1 / 5)Pros
- No off tastes from the additives in the briquettes.
- Environmentally friendly and sustainable.
- Burns hotter and quickly as compared to other brands.
- Lights easily without needing a lighter fluid.
- All-natural and 100% hardwood coal.
Cons
- Lump sizes are varied and inconsistent.
- Sparks may form and may need a chimney starter.
5 Best Lump Charcoal for Grilling: Rockwood Lump Charcoal
This high-end lump of charcoal is rated one of the best packs of coal lumps that you can use for grilling. However, even if the price may be high for some, the quantity of the coal, as well as the quality, makes up for it, as it comes in a 3 pack.
Moreover, this lump of coal rates as best worldwide, and it is a popular favorite amongst home-cooks, professional chefs, and beginners as well. This is because the charcoal is made from the best hardwood that is harvested in Missouri.
Also, the flavor profile is attributed to oak and hickory majorly, and it comes with just the right amount of smoke.
Additionally, the rich and smoky aroma of this woody charcoal adds the most pleasant flavoring to your meat. The wood used in the charcoal is not specifically cut for burning but is made from leftovers that make it more environmentally friendly.
If you’re looking for a bag of charcoal that packs flavor, smokiness and is environmentally friendly, then get this one. With its superior quality, the Rockwood Lump Charcoal takes the cake for the best lump charcoal for grilling purposes.
(3.8 / 5)Pros
- Made and sourced sustainably from Missouri.
- A unique blend of oak, hickory, pecan, and maple wood.
- Suitable for both smokers and grills.
- Slower burnout and reduced wastage.
- Made exclusively in the United States.
Cons
- There may be debris in the bag.
- Natural coal may be varying in size.
6 Best Lump Wood Charcoal: Rockwood All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
This pack of hardwood coal is rated as the best one in terms of flavor, smokiness, and burning quality. With its high-end features and supreme quality, it takes the cake for the best lump wood charcoal.
The ratings on this lump of coal are excellent worldwide, and it is a fan favorite amongst many different cooks all around the world.
The wood is sourced exclusively from Missouri, where the harvesting is done based on leftovers from trees. Additionally, the flavors used in this coal are a mesh of oak, hickory, maple, and pecan.
Moreover, the unique flavor profile of this coal allows the user to experience the juiciest and tastiest meat that you will ever have. The coal is also more environmentally friendly, since it burns longer and is sourced from leftover trees.
Summing up, if you’re looking for a great bag of charcoal that has flavor and reduces ash, then go with this one. It burns slowly, heats faster, and has a bold flavor for a tastier and juicier barbecue. It is highly recommended by professionals for barbecues and smoking.
(3.8 / 5)Pros
- Made and sourced sustainably from Missouri.
- Suitable for both smokers and grills.
- Paper bag is recyclable and landfill-safe.
- Slower burnout and reduced wastage.
- Flavorful and tasty.
Cons
- May not get as hot as other brands of coal.
- Natural coal may be varying in size.
7 Best Value and Quality: Original Natural Charcoal – 100% Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoals
This brand produces the highest quality lump of charcoal for barbecues. The quality and size of the coal are consistent, and it can light up easily with 1.5 sheets of paper. It is also popular for emitting zero sparks and reducing waste.
Moreover, this popular brand for hardwood lump charcoals is best known for its highly distinct flavor profile. The apple, cherry, and oak flavors are meshed together to produce sweet and smoky notes that amplify the flavor of the meat.
Additionally, there are no chemicals or additives in the coal, and the flavor produced is 100% natural.
Whether you are competing in a barbecue contest or making a lovely barbecue feast for your friends or family, the original natural charcoal will always ensure the best smoking experience. Also, for high-end dinners, memorable quality, and unique flavors, this is the best choice.
Last but not least, the makers of this exclusive brand guarantee a sizzling barbecue experience that will entice your taste buds and make you go into food heaven.
If you and your friends do not enjoy your experience, you can easily return the bag with no questions asked.
(4.3 / 5)Pros
- Unique and flavorful taste profile.
- Comes with a sizzling guarantee.
- No chemicals or harmful toxins included in the coal.
- Consistent sizes of the coals.
- Minimum ash and zero sparks.
Cons
- Burns faster than other charcoal brands.
- Small lumps of coal.
8 Best Char-Boil Lump Coal for Mini Big Green Egg: Char-Broil Center Cut Lump Charcoal
If you’re looking for a charcoal lump for char-boiling, then don’t forget to check out this brand. The Center-Cut lump charcoals offer a lot of versatility and better burning of coals. The coal comprises of organic and center-cut hardwood that does not have any limbs or excessive charcoal dust.
Moreover, they can be fired for longer burning and are cleaner and more environmentally friendly as well. This charcoal is also of premium quality as it reduces ash and removes unwanted sparks from the wood. The dirtiness of the smoke and the ash also makes it better for grilling.
Along with organic hardwood, the coal is also easier to burn and offers easy clean-up for better results. The coal is also light in weight, and the quality is superior. Also, if you are looking for a brand that has the highest level of quality standards, then you will be amazed by this one.
So, to sum up, if you want coal that is lighter in weight, organic and lasts longer, then you can buy this one. It is also easier to clean up the mess made from this coal, and it has better and more reliable results than most brands.
(3.6 / 5)Pros
- Quick start of burning.
- Chunks are all of the same sizes.
- Easy breezy clean up afterward.
- Flavor is mild but smoky as well.
- Environmentally friendly and reduces ash.
Cons
- The charcoal sizes are not big.
- Hard to cook with the coal if you are a beginner.
9 Best Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal: Fogo FHWC35LB
Looking for the best premium lump coal for your next gathering? The Fogo 35-pound lump charcoal will definitely not let you down. With its sustainable oak trimmings hardwood quality, the charcoal aims to provide a mellow and smoky oak flavor to your meat.
Moreover, this lump of charcoal is known to burn hot for a longer period of time, and it is very easy to start the fire too. The bag contains large lumps that are hand-picked to provide you with immense flavor and an easier burn.
Also, if you want to sear your meat and give it the best charcoal exterior, then you will definitely enjoy this hardwood coal. In addition to that, the bigger chunks, as compared to other brands, provide greater reliability for longer cooking, and are also reusable for another barbecue.
Therefore, if you want a superior experience with grilling, and want to impress your guests with the best, then Fogo is your way to go. With bigger chunks and long-lasting burning, you can sear steaks and burgers with ease.
(5 / 5)Pros
- Hotter and longer burning of the coal.
- Hand-picked large chunks of coal.
- Oak and smoky flavor.
- Made sustainably from Central American wood.
- Large bag that lasts for a long time.
Cons
- Some lumps may be too big and need to be broken down.
- May take longer to burn such large pieces.
10 Best Big Green Egg Lump of Coal: Big CP 20-Pound Bag of Natural Lump Charcoal
Originally made in the United States with premium quality oak and hickory, this charcoal contains the best quality wood to make your barbecues more fun and flavorful. The coal lumps are lightweight and easy to burn and are ready for cooking in just 10 minutes.
Furthermore, the charcoal is also minimum waste, and it comes in a 20-pound bag that can last you for a good amount of time. The brand also follows EPA environmental guidelines to provide you with premium-grade wood without harming the environment.
Also, the charcoal does not have any additives, chemicals, or toxins inside that release while burning. The odor is non-chemical, and the flavor is incredible. In fact, you can feel the difference in your meat as soon as you cook it with this charcoal.
Moreover, the profile and smokiness of the meat that come from this ultra-premium coal are just incredible.
Lastly, for minimal clean-up and lesser ash, get your bag of BIG today. It is arguably one of the best brands out there for natural hardwood charcoal. It will also impress your guests at any barbecue.
(4.5 / 5)Pros
- EPA environmental guidelines followed, making it eco-friendly.
- More value and higher performance.
- Better, faster, and cleaner burning.
- Distinct and high-quality smoky taste.
- Free of chemicals and other toxins.
Cons
- Different sizes of charcoal lumps.
- May not be very long-lasting.
Best Lump Charcoal Buying Guide
Before purchasing any of these bags of charcoal lumps, you must make sure that you go through this buying guide. This will help you in making the right decision for your barbecue needs.
It is also recommended to go through it so you have an idea of how to burn charcoal lumps safely.
Times of Grill Cooking
In order to make sure that your food is cooked all the way through and you and your surroundings are safe, keep a cooking thermometer in hand. This will check for the internal temperature of the food, making sure that the meat is safe to eat or not.
However, if you want to check the temperature of your grill, you can easily use your hand to gauge the heat. Make sure that you are careful during this process, as it can be dangerous.
Additionally, if you are able to hold your hand above the grill for more than five or six seconds, then the temperature is most likely on medium-low heat (325-350-degree Fahrenheit). However, if the seconds are three to four, then it is just medium heat.
Lastly, if you cannot hold your hand above the grill for more than a second or two, then the temperature is quite high (400-500-degree Fahrenheit).
Less than a second suggests a temperature rising up to 600-degree Fahrenheit. This is how you can test the burning capability of your charcoal lumps.
Lighting the Charcoal Lumps
There are quite a lot of methods to light up charcoal. The most standard method used is to light up a piece of paper and then light the charcoal. However, this method had proved to be unreliable, and it is not easy to do this when the weather is wet.
Another method used is to add some firestarters to the charcoal so that you can fire up the coal. Charcoal chimneys are also used, and some people even prefer electric starters to light up the coals.
However, whatever method that you may use, make sure that you avoid lighter fluids, as those can be easy to use but can leave a very bad chemically aftertaste in your food. This will put off your guests and will make your barbecue inedible.
Safety from Carbon Monoxide and Charcoal Grills
When grilling your food, it can be super easy to just push the griller in the garage and save yourself from the heat outside. However, this can be detrimental to your health. This is because indoor grilling can increase the risk of being poisoned by carbon monoxide.
Since carbon monoxide is tasteless and odorless, you may never know that you have inhaled it, and it can get into your bloodstream very easily. Most of the people are only aware that they have inhaled this fatal gas when it is too late.
So, in order to avoid you and your family from being poisoned from carbon monoxide, make sure that the grill is at least a good 20 feet away from your doors or other vents.
Furthermore, you should also consider adding carbon monoxide detectors in your home to ensure further safety in your house.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article was insightful and aided you in choosing the best lump charcoal for your next barbecue. Even though most of the bags have inconsistent lump sizes, they are becoming an increasingly popular way of grilling or smoking food.
Moreover, Hardwood Charcoal is gaining popularity in terms of grilling as they have unique and distinct flavor profiles. They are also more environmentally friendly and produce lesser ash, which is easier to clean up for the users.
To conclude, the winner of the best lump charcoal goes to Fogo, as it is the most unique one out of the pack. Along with the source being sustainable, Fogo also handpicks the coal pieces to make sure that the sizes are all consistent.
Lastly, this is very beneficial for users who do not want to waste the charcoal and are looking for consistency and flavor in their charcoal lumps.