Royal Oak on Sale

Yeah it's everywhere,I picked up 12 bags yesterday and plan on getting more! There was a 11% rebate at the bottom of my receipt even more savings if it works.

I got 2 bags of it today at my home location. Great price, better than the Kingsford deal

I got excited and thought this was for the Royal Oak Lump charcoal.  Whats anyones thoughts on their lump vs briquettes?

Bryan B, I like both. 

I prefer the lump for hotter cooks, or shorter cooks, with almost no ash buildup.  But I like the briquettes from RO too for longer smokes, although you will end up having to empty the ash a few times throughout the smoke, you won't have to add lit coals as often.

It's a trade off.  With lump you are always starting a new chimney to keep it at temp you want, but no ash, and a VERY clean burn.  I think a person could go 7 to 10 smokes, using lump before really having to empty the ash.  Never tried it, as I always empty after I am done.  But I only get a cup or two of ash from lump compared to 2 or 3 gallons of ash from briquettes.

Short smokes (under 7 hours) I use lump usually.

Long smokes of 8 to 12+ hours, I usually use briquettes because it's cheaper with less tending, even though I have to empty ash more often.

Don't get bogged down in only using the "best" recommended fuel.  Use what you need for the job.  I also toss on small 1 to 2 inch dia. dry branches if I only need a little help in temp recovery, or to get enough heat for the last 1/2 hour of cook without having to add charcoal, and then waiting for it to burn out after the cook is done..

Hope this helps you. 

I use lump for a good bed of coals and I start it with briqs. When the coals are right and I'm approaching my cook temp, I switch over to all splits.

Biggest problem, all of the big box stores around here are not stocking lump. I've asked store managers and no one can give me an answer as to why or when.

Kroger lump is also made from Royal Oak manufacturers.. so pick up Kroger lump too..