Lump Charcoal - Do you have a favorite?

[jacobyo]

I have tried several of the big store brands and have ended up finding trash and rocks in with the lump. Even found some insulation once.

I now grab the 40lb commercial bags of Royal Oak Brand. They a good mix of large and medium sized pieces. At the bottom there is always some dust but that's just the nature of lump. I only have to clean out my ash once every 5 or 6 cooks because there is no filler like in the briquettes. They burn long and slow.

 

[randolph]

Jacoby, where are you buying the Commercial Royal Oak?
 

 

[jacobyo]

I get it from the Fireplace & Grill joint where I bought my BGE. It's called Main Street Fireplace. The bag isn't branded like Royal Oak but its the same people.

 

[vaquero01]

 I also use Publix all fall and winter. During the summer months up North I buy Royal Oak and also have had real good luck with GFS (gordon Food Service) brand. Both Gordon and Royal Oak have about a 10% fallout of clay/brick type of material. But to be honest, I've done much worse with other brands.Decent sized chunks, good price, and large 20lb bags in the $11 range.

 

[randolph]

Thanks, next time I'm close I'll make the drive a little further and pick some up....for some reason not a lot of places that sell the BGE that sell anything but their charcoal.
 

 

[jacobyo]

The place is located in St. Charles. Just west of Randall Rd on Rt. 64.

 

[bob1961]

I have been using royal oak for years now and never have any problems with pieces bigger then normal....only place I can find it is at walmart in the 8.8lb bags, but just went to new local tractor supply and they have it in 17.5lb bags cheaper then two 8.8lb bags at walmart....gonna stock up before fall Thumbs Up ....

 

[woodman3]

I will not even try Cowboy for one simple reason. Made in Mexico. If I have choices of imported or domestic. Domestic wins every time.

 

[cajunmarinebbk]

I use the Good One Lump I am biased seeing that I cook on a Good One smoker.

 

[badmoont2]

I use Ozark Oak, I started using it because it's made locally and is readily available plus the price was right. It got a Highly Recommended review on TheNakedWhiz so I have never bothered to try anything else.