Charcoal preference

capt dan · Nov 6, 2007

I hope this is the correct place for this thread.

When I first started smokin stuff in the old CB silver, I used briquettes. Just too much ash, and it wasn't workin out too well. Started using some lump from Lowes. I think it is the "cowboy" brand. It was working out much better. I found a site called " The naked whiz's lump charcoal data base" I hope its ok I mention another site here. If not let me know and I will edit the post.

After an hours worth of reading I decided to use "royal Oak", and it is from the USA instead of argentina or Brazil. I have had great results with it, and the ash acumulation is minimal. At 11 bucks for a 20 lb bag, I really liked the price.

I was just a bit curious as to what other lump users are using these days.
Just wondering if I was missing out on a better available product!

richtee · Nov 6, 2007

Seems alot of the folks here like the Royal Oak. I have been somewhat taken with making a cooker to make my own, tho. But then again, I want to make something to make something WAAAY too often. Sigh..

ba_loko · Nov 6, 2007

Dan, I use the Royal Oak lump exclusively. Be careful though, it tends to spark. That wouldn't be good if you have a wood deck/cooking area, or small children around.

It burns hotter, lights quicker, and lasts longer, than the other brands I've used.

richtee · Nov 6, 2007

That Hardi-backer-Wonderboard is the chit for that. get a sheet and put it under the smoker. Absolutely fire proof. And cheap, when drippings make it ugly- Take the old sheet flip it over and lay it under your garden hose outlet, or anywhere you dont want weeds or a surface to walk on.

ba_loko · Nov 6, 2007

well, you covered half of the problem. Them young 'uns would look mighty funny with masonite on 'em though.

capt dan · Nov 6, 2007

I noticed the sparking too, but not too bad with my CB silver, the firebox is pretty safe, and I only need the vent cracked most of the time. Thanks for the kind advice though.

porkbutt · Nov 6, 2007

I started out with Original Charcoal Company brand lump from Ingles grocery store. It popped and zinged out sparks like fireworks. Also made lots of flying ash. I tried Royal Oak from Wal-Mart today and was MUCH happier with it. I won't be buying any more OCC lump. Until I have a problem with it, or can't find it I'm using Royal Oak.

peculiarmike · Nov 6, 2007

I use Best Choice lump, good charcoal! (check it out on Naked Whiz) May not be available in your area. It is distributed by Associated Wholesale Grocers out of KC, KS, Best Choice is their generic brand. They cover a lot of area.

fatback joe · Nov 6, 2007

I had been using the Rancher briquettes all summer, but am down to about 15 bags and it is looking like it will be hard to find for a while. After that is gone it will be back to Royal Oak lump , it seems to be the only thing that is half ways decent and readily available.

The stumper seems to like the bricks better (less bridges) and the ash production is not a real big concern in it, but I don't like Kingsford so it will be back to the RO lump.

phil s · Nov 6, 2007

I use Wicked Good Charcoal...It's expensive, but I really like it. Lights easy, you don't need to use much, little ash, and I really like the flavor it imparts on my food. When you get into the smaller pieces in the bag, I do see more sparking.

Another one I occassionly use is Humphreys...Not as much flavor as the Wicked Good IMO, but it lights a bit quicker with less sparks.

I bought the cowboy 1X...I got a bag that looked like used boards.

I threw it out and have never tried another one.

bbq bubba · Nov 6, 2007

Try the Rancher from Home Depot, if you can find any. $2.99 a bag and the stuff rock's!! Still got 300# but lookin to get some more, i understand a lot of store's have re-stocked. Great heat and little ash, you can't go wrong!!

crewdawg52 · Nov 6, 2007

Agree with the above dud, Tweedle Bubba. Talked me into it, so I went and bought 5 bags of the stuff. Then went back and got another 200lbs. Lets just say the "little mrs" wasn't too happy to see so many bags of charcoal stacked in the garage......AND IT'S ALL BUBBA'S FAULT!

In truth, just like he said, great stuff good burns, and very minimal ash compared to other brands. Heed his words and try it!

porkbutt · Nov 7, 2007

Ok, ya'll talked me into it. I'm going to try the Rancher. It's a good idea to have a back-up or two since the stores sometimes run out of stuff around here.

deejaydebi · Nov 7, 2007

We only have three choices here Royal Oak, Cowboy Lump or Kingford. Of the three I like Royal Oak the best. That Cowboy burns to fast and to hot for my ECB and pops like crazy. I got burned a few times using it in the in my horizontal. Of course I'm also built very low to the the firebox - that probably helped.

I did get hold of some Humpreys brand in NY. Talk about alot of ash! Man that stuff makes more ash than the coals I think. Burns slower than Royal Oak but to much ash.

capt dan · Nov 7, 2007

where do you get the " Rancher" brand lump at? Haven't seen it around here.

Thanks for the replies everyone!

bbq bubba · Nov 7, 2007

Home Depot carries the Rancher, just have to look for it!!

mjk2374 · Nov 7, 2007

I agree with your statement about Cowboy brand. The pieces are too small and they pop and crackle like crazy.

I picked up a box of Charbroil lump at Home Depot a few weeks back. It was the only lump they had this time of year.

I've been pretty happy with it. You get lots of fist sized and bigger pieces with very little popping.

muddy pond · Nov 7, 2007

I use the alterative to Cowby.....it really is the same as it is manufactured in Allardt Tenn. about 25 miles from my home. ! only use it to get thre hickory up and roaring. 20# bags go for $7.00. I will use 4-5 #s at a wack. Since I cook only with hickory or apple I dont want to waste the time for the charcoal to cook off.

porkbutt · Nov 8, 2007

My local wal-mart had the big bags of Royal Oak for $5 and change per bag. I guess I need to go back and stock up. They had a huge pallet of it when I got the bag I tried.

capt dan · Nov 8, 2007

Looked at 2 home depots today, they don't even have grillig,smoking utensils or charcoal out anymore. That section has been overrun with a bunch of silly Xmas stuff. Bah Humbug! Same thing at Lowes, couldn't even find a electronic thermometer. Must figure no one in michigan cooks outdoors once the leaves have fallen!

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