How to Choose Charcoal | Grillabilities from BBQGuys

If you want to know how to choose charcoal, we have good news for you: essentially, there are only 2 options. Lump charcoal and charcoal briquettes are both popular among grillers, but each offers distinct properties you should be aware of the next time you stroll down the fuel aisle at your local grocery store. Fortunately for you, Chef Tony has plenty of experience with both types and is your go-to when it comes to choosing charcoal. He here’s to run down the pros and cons of both lump and briquette, starting with how cleanly they burn. That’s only scratching the surface, though. You should also consider how fast they light, how quickly they burn, and how hot they burn, along with their composition, shape, and reusability. Once you’ve wrapped your head around the differences between briquettes and lump charcoal — gasp\! A mysterious third option appears\! We’ll leave that shocking revelation to Chef Tony, whose final piece of advice covers why it’s important to stay consistent with a single type and brand once you’re done choosing charcoal. So, which will it be: lump or briquette?

Choosing the Right Charcoal for Your Grill:

Since its founding in 1998, BBQGuys® has helped more than 850,000 customers nationwide achieve their outdoor living dreams. The company based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, offers an industry-leading selection of grills, BBQ smokers, and outdoor living products, along with expert opinions and a free outdoor kitchen design service.

Chef Tony Matassa grew up in the restaurant business, starting in his family’s New Orleans eatery before running one of his own. No wonder he has such vast knowledge of and passion for food science, which he puts to use every day as our jack-of-all-trades (and master of many). Longtime fans of the channel know Tony has been testing grills for more than 10 years, though we’re partial to his performance in our recent Grillabilities℠ series.

Featuring: Tony Matassa
Filmed/Produced by: Sean Richardson

[marcinluczak]

Well, Weber briquettes can be easily reused as they are not turning into yellow ash as many brands do and not falling apart after being distinguished.

[michaelmilitello]

I reuse briquettes all the time. I use a chimney to light. No fluid. Lump bias?

[stephanemontour]

So fun to use different brands, it s the way to learn about charcoal!!