5 Best Lump Charcoals Reviewed For Your Backyard Grill

We all enjoy grilled food with a hint of charcoal flavor. One of the most conventional and effective ways to enhance food flavor is to use lump charcoal. But, hold on a second, are all lump charcoals on the market of the same quality?

And as always, the answer is a strong no. They’re not all the same. We’ve compiled a list of the top lump charcoal reviews based on their unique features and usage.

You can cook using lump charcoal on a portable grill, kamado grill, or other outside griddles. Furthermore, lump charcoal performs well at temperatures around 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Best lump charcoals reviews

If you’re wondering which ones to try, check our list of best lump charcoals in the market today.

Jealous Devil All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal

To maintain freshness, this Jealous Devil All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal is packaged in a waterproof, re-sealable bag with a zip top clasp. Without any additives or fillers, it comprises 100% pure and ultra-dense South American hardwood lump charcoal.

First, let’s talk about the bag’s quality. To prevent any breakage or spilling, it’s made of premium-quality kraft paper.

Furthermore, each bag weighs around 35 pounds, sufficient to support numerous grilling sessions. As a result, the bag provides additional moisture protection for the charcoal during transportation or delivery.

South American wood, comparable to oak, is used to make the final charcoal. Not only that, but the charcoal is made up of various hardwoods, giving the cooked meal a mellow and pleasant flavor. This way, the original flavor of the meal is preserved.

This wood, by the way, is the safest alternative because it sparks less than the other coal options on the market. It can survive a continuous 20 hours of smoking or four hours of hard cooking at a higher temperature. The Jealous Devil lump charcoal can reach a maximum temperature of 1,170 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fogo All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal for Smoking

Fogo’s All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal for Smoking is an all-natural hardwood lump charcoal that’s perfect for smoking and reverse sear cooking. It’s also a great match for kamado grills like the Green Egg, Kamado Joe, Primo, and many more. It gives your grilled meal a mellow, mild oak flavor.

A 35-pound bag of charcoal contains 11.1 pounds large, 18.6 pounds medium, and 3.5 pounds little lumps, as well as 1.6 pounds of chips and dust. If you wish to put the larger pieces in a tiny grill, you may need to break them down with a hammer.

You’ll need five sheets of newspaper in the chimney to light the charcoal. The finest part is the lack of glitz and subtle pops. Furthermore, the fire spreads slowly, producing moderate smoke from the charcoal.

The charcoal reaches a maximum temperature of 859 degrees Fahrenheit, which is typical compared to other brands.

On the plus side, Fogo lump charcoal burns for a longer time and produces average ash. You can also use it for slow cooking for more than 20 hours at a reduced temperature. It just takes 15 minutes for the entire batch to reach its optimal fire rate, allowing you to begin grilling immediately.

B&B Charcoal Oak Lump Charcoal

B&B Charcoal Oak Lump Charcoal is made entirely of Texas-style oak charcoal with no additives or fillers. For over 50 years, B&B has been producing charcoal. During smoking or searing, this high-quality oak wood imparts an exquisite flavor.

The extensive process of burning oak wood into charcoal is a distinguishing feature of B&B charcoal. The procedure removes any undesired foreign matter from the wood, such as acids and resins. The final component is a natural fiber that imparts a natural, delicate flavor to the dish.

The charcoal burns hotter and rapidly reaches a high temperature. Furthermore, it lasts longer and produces less ash residue.

Kamado Joe All-Natural Big Block Argentinian XL Premium Charcoal 

The Guayacan, Mistal, Guayaibi, and White Quebracho hardwoods from Argentina are used to make the Kamado Joe All Natural Big Block Argentinian XL Premium Charcoal. To make lump charcoal, all these woods, which are recognized for their hardness, are burned in outdoor ovens. As a result, you get clean-burning wood with a pleasant scent.

By the way, these lump charcoals can be reused up to three times. Furthermore, a single batch can burn for 16 to 18 hours, making slow-smoking possible overnight. Charcoal provides a cleaner and longer burning experience unlike any other brand on the market.

A heavy-duty paper bag protects against moisture and spills. There are lumps of various sizes in the pack, including huge, medium, and small pieces. Large portions can be used for a long cooking session. Smaller pieces, on the other hand, light up faster and faster while grilling meals like steaks and burgers.

With a strong woody flavor, Kamado Joe lump charcoal enhances the flavor of the cuisine. It also contains oak in addition to Argentenain hardwood. It may reach a maximum temperature of 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also cook your steak at a steady temperature of 750 degrees Fahrenheit.

These lump charcoals are ideal for ceramic grills since they insulate and contain heat. Because they light up so quickly, you can reach the ideal cooking temperature in about 15 minutes.

Rockwood All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal

The Rockwood All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal is made of Hickory, Maple, Missouri-grown oak, and Pecan and is 100% natural. It adds a rich aroma and pleasant flavor to your foraged food. Furthermore, it burns slowly but swiftly, leaving little ash behind.

The best part is that instead of harvesting trees, the coal is generated from renewable natural resources. It denotes that the coal is made from wood scraps left over from the milling process. Chemicals, binders, fillers, and any other contaminants are also absent.

Furthermore, the paper bag and soy-based inks are both recyclable and landfill-friendly. It means that if the decaying bag is burned, it will not emit dangerous vapors.

Each 20-pound bag includes 3.8 pounds of large pieces, 12 pounds of the medium, 4.1 pounds of small, and one pound of chips or dust. These lump charcoals are the purest type of carbon, and when burned, they emit a high-pitched glass sound.

The maximum temperature that Rockwood lump charcoal can reach is 900 degrees Fahrenheit, which is higher than other brands. On the other hand, the fire spread slowly to reach the necessary temperature.

The Buyer’s Guide

Lump Charcoal vs. Briquettes

Lump and briquettes are both types of charcoal. Lump charcoal is pure carbon made from wood that’s been slow-burned in a low-oxygen environment. Briquettes, on the other hand, contain additives to maintain their shape.

Origin and Materials

Lump charcoal can be made from various types of wood, offering a range of flavors. Briquettes usually use sawdust as their base, with additives like cornstarch.

Burn Time

Lump charcoal burns hotter and faster, while briquettes offer a steady burn but at lower temperatures.

What to Look For When Buying Lump Charcoal

• Quality: Opt for hardwood lump charcoal, as it offers a consistent burn.
• Packaging: Look for resealable bags that keep the charcoal fresh.
• Smoke: Make sure your chosen lump charcoal produces minimal smoke.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lump charcoal for your grilling needs can transform your outdoor cooking experience. Whether you prioritize flavor, heat, or sustainability, there’s an option out there for you.

Last update on 2025-04-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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