What Brand or Kind of Charcoal to use...?

[smokeringred]

Ok, I've heard so many different opinions and answers to this question. But there are numerous brands of Charcoal out there, and different forms of charcoal. But What I want to know is, what brand or kind (lump or briquette) of charcoal lights faster and lasts longer with minimum ash left over.

 

[meateater]

Kingsford blue bag is all I use, wait now I have a watt burner. 

 

[adiochiro3]

I always prefer hard wood lump. The brand I use is Rancher. Closest thing on your list up there is RO lump. Provides a really nice TBS along with the heat.

 

[rowdyrawhide]

Started out using RO lump, tried the Cowboy, needless to say I went back to the RO lump.

 

[SmokinAl]

Kingsford blue bag.

 

[gros cochon]

Maple Leaf lump.

 

[kjlued]

For ease of use I have always used Kingsford and gasp at the fact that I have even used their matchlight. lol

But charcoal does not give the flavor that wood does and wood is free for me.

However, it is a little harder to light the charcoal.

So when I am having trouble getting the all wood lit, I will throw a few regular kingsford (blue bag) briquettes in let them get started and then throw the real wood chunks on.

 

[cabin fever]

Kingsford blue bag here. Don't really see a reason to switch to anything else.

 

[shooter1]

I use the Blue Bag or Stumps when I can get it. I have used the Kingsford Competition as well. I personally have not used lump all that much though I probably will when I start making pizzas on the grill.

 

[jirodriguez]

Use both Kings. Blue Bag, and RO Lump.

 

[oldschoolbbq]

   Little chunks of wood burned to embers(can be done in a chimney)

.

 

[jeff 1]

I like royal oak lump.  Kingsford smokes to much and puts off an odor

 

[alaskanbear]

Blue bagger here

 

[cliffcarter]

RO lump in the chargriller, Stubbs briqs in the kettle. I have used RO briqs in the recent past and thought they were OK.

 

[rp ribking]

I use cowboy lump 20lb bag, burns hot with very little ash, very convenient to get unlike other brands of fuel for the smoker. A lot of bad reviews on here from some folks, butt I like it.     

 

[exhaustedspark]

Kingsford blue bag. easiest to lite and burns the best. wood with that for smoking.

Never Never use gas lite type or add gas. Chiminey start or torch.

 

[michael ark]

I use sticks of hickory.I have 2 ricks on hand.

 

[kjlued]

   Little chunks of wood burned to embers(can be done in a chimney)

.

I am getting better with the straight wood no charcoal fires.

I found it is best to use less wood and have a little more patience to start.

I also cut the chunks a little smaller this last time.

Also I find newspaper is the best way to start it vs other paper.

However, when it is all done, the flavor is unbeatable.

 

[ak1]

Basques sugar maple lump, or if I'm out I use Maple Leaf lump.

 

[alelover]

RO Lump seems to work best for me.