SMF Members: Lump Hardwood Reviews

[sumosmoke]

With an ecb that burns charcoal, I'm always on the lookout for good lump hardwood that's available in my area. There are a few posts on the site that refer readers to the Naked Whiz lump hardwood charcoal reviews website for a starting point and/or recommendations. While reviews help in making a choice, nothing beats reviews from people that have used the stuff.

After spending $22 on a 20# bag of "recommended" BGE Lump Hardwood, I was completely disappointed with the way it burned and the amount of ash that it produced. The sizes of the actual product were also small, with very few large pieces. I'll use the rest of it because of the price I paid, but I bought myself the local grocery chain brand, Publix Greenwise 12# bag of lump, today hoping to post another review for the folks that have a Publix around.

I realize this is based on regional availability but with the forum reaching out to people all around the world, having a place where SMF Reader Reviews of a product that is commonly used, may be helpful.

Here's a link to another SMF thread with a review of Wicked Good Charcoal:

Wicked Good Charcoal - Weekend Warrior Blend

Happy Smokes!

 

[richtee]

Sumo..of the couple brands I have tried...The Royal Oak is hands down the best I have seen/used. I have a hard time getting it here, but it's around.

 

[sumosmoke]

Rich - good information to know. The local Lowes carries RO hardwood briquettes but not the lump charcoal. Can get Cowboy brand everywhere but have "heard" that it's not good.

Anyone out there use Cowboy, and if so is it really that bad???

 

[richtee]

SUX.

 

[bbq bubba]

Try GFS brand lump Rich.......RO in a different bag!

 

[bbqgoddess]

I used that BGE lump also and found the same, lots of small pieces, perhaps this is why when I shoul dbe blowing thru 10# I am blowing thru 20#??? not to mention the price....

I was out today at lunch hunting around for some today, went to an OSH and Costco..no lump ...It is not easy to find around here, yes the Cowboy brand at Trader Joes, but I did not like it when I used it!!
Please don't make me go to wally world....I was there once and I do not recall lump there anyhow....Any suggestions for lump in around the Pasadena, California area...???? It seems a bit extravagant to have it shipped to me...

 

[coyote]

All I can find around my part of the woods is cowboy and western, lowes and sportsmans warehouse. they both were terrible. the western was like fire works going off sparks and embers taking off like ittie bittie rocket ships.

several years ago (maybe some of you folks are familar with it) my wife brought home a bag of "EL DIABLO" lump coal, it was big pieces of branches and tree parts. I put a normal amout in the grill and fired it up..I am here to tell you that el diablo was named correctly. my grill caught on fire the seasoning was a flame. we just laughed and waited for it to burn out. the grill was sterile after that coal got done. burnt every thing off right down to the metal. wish I could find some, I know a little burns hot.

 

[sumosmoke]

Goddess - sorry you spent the same $ on the BGE, but am also glad to hear your results as well. We're at opposite ends of the country and it still sux!

Coyote - I also tried Western brand and it spit fire like it had ammo in it. Couldn't even think of using that stuff now with our state being the tinderbox it is.

Just a suggestion, but have either of you checked any of your local supermarkets for hardwood lump charcoal? That's where I'm getting the Publix brand. If this stinks it's my last resort ....

 

[tld]

I agree Cowboy is terrible. I always use Royal Oak. Hey Richtee on the west side of the state Walmart's sells R O. I always get about 8 bags to start the summer

 

[bbqgoddess]

I have check them once in a while they will have lump but it will be mesquite and I don't like mesquite....
I will continue my search.....I guess I am stuck with BGE for this long weekend....I will probably need 2 bags! the pcs were so tiny they did not burn very long at all....ARGH!

 

[doctor phreak]

here in oklahoma city at the local walmart..i get the royal oak and i really like it ...it burns nice and hot and very little ash....and the best thing is ..it is cheap a 10-15 lb bag is like $5 or $6

 

[low&slow]

I have searched high & low for Royal Oak lump with no luck. Found the bricketts but no lump. I buy the Krogers brand lump and am really happy with it. It pops a little at first but not bad and produces very little ash.

 

[snowsmoker]

I just bought a bag of BGE for 17.99 I was so excited (not about the price) to see what it looked like I opend it about 10 mins ago then came up to read this post... but my only other choice was cowboy, man Im glad I didnt get that stuff, the guy at the counter talked me out of it, he said BGE was great but the only time he used it was on sats outside the store for grill'in lunch.
I guess I have to do some more hunting for R.O. but in the mean itime I have a 20lb bag of BGE to burn up...

 

[sumosmoke]

Maybe you'll be the lucky one out of the three of us that has good luck with the BGE brand. If not, please post so people get the hint about BGE. Save the $$!

 

[snowsmoker]

I plan on having trying it this weekend. I will post a comment on the coal and maybe even so qview...

 

[danbury]

My local Menards has had Royal Oak Steakhouse lump. It's in a green bag. I bought a few bags last week and used it a couple time. I don't have any complaints at this point. They have it on sale for $4 dollars and some change for 8.8 lb bag. So far I've cooked chicken twice with it and I've been happy with the results.

 

[desertlites]

I have used and agree-cowboy sux's-1/2 the bag is construction lumber-from the cabinet & or flooring buss.-can tell from the tounge + groove machined in some of the pieces.Here I can get RO lump or which I also like our Fry's store brand is Kroger-8.5# bag for 5 and change.I need to get to the south side where I get my bellie's-recall seeing some that comes from mexico?I did lift the bag ( how I tell wheather I like or not) and it was pretty heavy and good priced.will get over there in the next day or 2 and report back.

 

[capt dan]

Yep, menards has it like danbury said, Gordon food service has it, my local ACE hardware has it, Family Farm supply has it too. Not sure how regional these stores are. The only Lump I use too. Tried the cowboy 1 time, a long time ago!

 

[danbury]

Ditto on the Cowboy stuff. I used it a few years back and I'm glad I only bought one bag. Just plain nasty.

 

[richtee]

I don't think that's a prob... at least you know it's a hardwood! I think they rush the process and don't cook it right. The Royal Oak burns SOO much smoother.

I am going to be making some lump soon. I have the wood, just need to cobble up a cooker. Not hard.

Bubba... got a spare drum? I'll share charcoal!