best natural charcoal for grilling

Before testing this charcoal, I never realized how much quality control impacts a grill session. Many options ignite slowly or produce excess ash, ruining the flavor and cleanup. After hands-on testing, I found that the Jealous Devil All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal truly stands out. It ignites quickly—ready in about 15 minutes—and burns hotter than most, reaching over 1,100 degrees, perfect for searing steaks. Its dense hardwood lumps produce minimal ash, making cleanup a breeze and ensuring consistent heat for hours.

Compared to other options like Kingsford briquettes or FOGO’s premium hardwood, the Jealous Devil offers a clean burn with no chemicals, plus longer-lasting heat—over 4 hours in open air. While briquettes may light faster, their slower heat and higher ash can compromise flavor and performance. The unique dense hardwood lumps and high heat capacity make it my top pick for reliable, flavorful grilling. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll taste the difference in every bite.

Top Recommendation: Jealous Devil All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal 35lb

Why We Recommend It: This product excels with its dense South American hardwood lumps, which ignite quickly, burn hotter, and last longer. Its ability to reach over 1,100°F with minimal ash makes it ideal for high-heat grilling and clean-up. Unlike briquettes or lesser lump charcoals, it offers a pure, earthy flavor with all-natural ingredients, avoiding chemicals. Its fast lighting and long burn time outperform competitors like Kingsford or FOGO, providing better control and flavor consistency for serious grillers.

Best natural charcoal for grilling: Our Top 5 Picks

• Jealous Devil All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal 35lb – Best lump charcoal for outdoor cooking
• Mr. Bar-B-Q 8 lb Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal – Best hardwood charcoal for barbecue
• Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes, 16 lbs – Best organic charcoal for grilling
• FOGO Oak Hardwood Lump Charcoal 17.6 lb Bag – Best high-heat charcoal for smoking
• Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes, 8 lbs – Best eco-friendly charcoal for grilling

What Makes Charcoal ‘Natural’ and Why Does It Matter?

Natural charcoal is defined by its sourcing and production methods, which impact its performance and safety for grilling.

• Made from Hardwood: Natural charcoal is typically derived from hardwood species, which burn hotter and longer compared to other materials. This type of charcoal is often produced through a process called pyrolysis, where wood is heated in the absence of oxygen, preserving its natural properties and flavor-enhancing characteristics.
• No Additives or Chemicals: The best natural charcoal does not contain additives, binders, or chemical accelerants that are commonly found in briquettes. This purity ensures that the charcoal burns cleanly without releasing harmful fumes or altering the flavor of the food being grilled.
• Environmental Impact: Sustainable sourcing of natural charcoal is crucial for minimizing environmental damage. Charcoal made from responsibly harvested wood contributes to forest health and reduces carbon emissions, making it a more eco-friendly choice for grilling enthusiasts who are conscious of their carbon footprint.
• Flavor Enhancement: Natural charcoal enhances the taste of grilled foods by imparting subtle smoky flavors that are often preferred over the taste from briquettes. The absence of chemicals allows the natural wood flavors to shine through, providing a better overall grilling experience.
• Better Heat Control: Natural charcoal typically offers superior heat control due to its ability to maintain consistent temperatures for longer periods. This makes it easier for grillers to manage cooking times and achieve desired doneness without frequent adjustments.

What Are the Key Benefits of Using Natural Charcoal for Grilling?

The key benefits of using natural charcoal for grilling include superior flavor, environmental friendliness, and consistent heat.

• Superior Flavor: Natural charcoal is made from hardwoods without additives, which allows it to impart a rich, smoky flavor to grilled foods. Unlike briquettes that may contain fillers and chemicals, natural charcoal enhances the taste of meats and vegetables, making every grilling experience more enjoyable.
• Environmental Friendliness: The best natural charcoal for grilling is typically sourced from sustainably harvested wood, making it a more eco-friendly option. This type of charcoal burns cleaner than conventional briquettes, producing less carbon emissions and toxic substances, which can be better for the environment.
• Consistent Heat: Natural charcoal burns at a higher temperature and produces a consistent heat, which is essential for achieving the perfect sear on meats. It also has a longer burn time, allowing for extended grilling sessions without the need to frequently add more fuel.
• Low Ash Production: Natural charcoal tends to produce less ash compared to regular charcoal briquettes, which means less cleanup after grilling. This feature makes it easier to maintain your grill and ensures that the flavors of your food aren’t compromised by ash residue.
• Versatility: Many varieties of natural charcoal, such as lump charcoal, can be used for various cooking methods, including direct grilling, indirect grilling, and even smoking. This versatility makes it a popular choice among grilling enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting with different techniques.

How Do Different Types of Natural Charcoal Compare for Grilling?

Type	Burn Time	Flavor Profile	Price	Origin	Ash Production	Ideal Cooking Methods	Environmental Impact
Binchotan	Long-lasting; up to 8 hours	Subtle, smoky flavor	High; $20+ per bag	Japan	Minimal	Direct grilling, smoking	Sustainable
Hardwood Lump	Moderate; 2-4 hours	Rich, natural flavor	Moderate; $10-$15 per bag	Various woods	Moderate	Direct grilling, BBQ	Variable
Charcoal Briquettes	Consistent; 3-5 hours	Less smoky; can include additives	Low; $5-$10 per bag	Compressed sawdust	High	Indirect grilling, smoking	Often not sustainable
Coconut Shell Charcoal	Long-lasting; 4-6 hours	Mild, sweet flavor	Moderate; $15-$20 per bag	Coconut shells from tropical regions	Low	Direct grilling, BBQ	Sustainable

What Should You Consider When Choosing Natural Charcoal?

When choosing the best natural charcoal for grilling, several factors should be considered to ensure optimal performance and flavor.

• Type of Wood: The type of wood used in natural charcoal significantly affects the flavor of the food. Hardwoods like oak, hickory, or mesquite can impart distinct tastes, while softer woods may produce a milder flavor. Selecting the right wood type based on your grilling needs can enhance the overall experience.
• Charcoal Shape: Natural charcoal comes in various shapes, including lump charcoal and briquettes. Lump charcoal burns hotter and faster, making it ideal for high-temperature grilling, while briquettes provide a more consistent burn and longer cooking times. Understanding the shapes and their burning characteristics can help you choose the best option for your grilling style.
• Additives and Chemicals: It is crucial to look for natural charcoal that is free from additives and chemicals, which can produce unpleasant tastes and harmful fumes. Many brands offer premium natural charcoal that is made from pure wood without any fillers or binders. Choosing unadulterated charcoal ensures a cleaner burn and a better flavor profile for your grilled foods.
• Burn Time and Heat Output: Different brands and types of natural charcoal have varying burn times and heat outputs. Some may ignite quickly while others may take longer to reach the desired temperature. Evaluating the burn efficiency and heat retention of the charcoal can help you determine which product will suit your grilling sessions best.
• Sustainability: Considering the sustainability of the charcoal source is important for environmentally-conscious consumers. Look for brands that use responsibly sourced wood and sustainable practices in their production process. This can help ensure that you are making a choice that is not only good for your grilling but also for the planet.

How Can the Type of Wood Affect the Flavor and Performance of the Grill?

The type of wood used in charcoal can significantly influence both the flavor imparted to food and the performance of the grill.

• Hardwoods: Hardwoods like oak, hickory, and maple are often considered the best for grilling due to their dense structure, which allows them to burn hotter and longer. They also produce a rich, smoky flavor that enhances the taste of grilled meats and vegetables.
• Fruitwoods: Woods such as apple, cherry, and peach provide a milder, sweeter smoke flavor, making them ideal for grilling poultry and pork. They burn cooler than hardwoods, which can be beneficial for low and slow cooking methods.
• Softwoods: Although not typically recommended for grilling, softwoods like pine and fir contain high resin levels, leading to a sooty flavor that can negatively impact the taste of food. They also tend to burn faster and produce more smoke, which can create an unpleasant grilling experience.
• Charcoal Briquettes vs. Natural Lump Charcoal: Charcoal briquettes are often made from a mix of woods and additives, which can affect flavor, while natural lump charcoal is made from pure hardwood and retains the wood’s unique flavor profile. Natural lump charcoal lights quickly and burns hotter, providing a better cooking environment.
• Wood Chips and Chunks: Adding wood chips or chunks to charcoal can enhance the flavor of grilled foods. Soaking the chips in water before use can prolong the smoke release, allowing for a more profound infusion of flavor during the cooking process.

What Are the Top Recommended Brands of Natural Charcoal for Grilling?

The top recommended brands of natural charcoal for grilling include:

• Royal Oak: Known for its high-quality, natural hardwood lump charcoal, Royal Oak is favored for its clean burn and minimal ash production.
• Jealous Devil: This brand offers premium lump charcoal made from 100% South American hardwood, providing a long-lasting heat and delicious flavor for grilled foods.
• Fogo: Fogo produces artisanal lump charcoal that is hand-selected for size and density, ensuring a consistent heat and a rich, smoky flavor.
• Big Green Egg: Although primarily known for their grills, Big Green Egg’s natural lump charcoal is made from 100% natural hardwood, perfect for achieving high temperatures and great flavor.
• Kingsford: While traditionally associated with briquettes, Kingsford also offers a natural charcoal option that burns cleaner than traditional briquettes, making it a reliable choice for grilling.

Royal Oak is a staple in the grilling community due to its ability to ignite quickly and burn evenly, which enhances cooking performance. It is often produced from oak and hickory, offering a subtle flavor that complements various types of meat.

Jealous Devil stands out for its unique sourcing and production process, which utilizes dense, high-quality hardwoods. This results in a charcoal that not only burns hotter and longer but also infuses food with a rich, robust flavor, ideal for serious grill enthusiasts.

Fogo’s artisanal approach means that each bag contains lump charcoal that is carefully sorted to ensure uniformity. This consistency helps maintain a steady temperature during grilling, which is crucial for achieving the perfect sear on steaks and other meats.

Big Green Egg’s charcoal is specifically designed to complement their ceramic grills, providing the high heat necessary for achieving excellent results. Its natural composition minimizes chemicals, allowing the true flavors of the grilled food to shine through.

Kingsford’s natural charcoal option is an excellent bridge for those looking to transition from briquettes to more natural alternatives. It offers the reliability and familiar performance of Kingsford while ensuring a cleaner burn, making it a great choice for casual and novice grillers alike.

How Can You Achieve the Best Grilling Results with Natural Charcoal?

To achieve the best grilling results with natural charcoal, several key factors should be considered:

• Quality of Charcoal: Choosing high-quality natural charcoal is crucial for optimal performance and flavor.
• Proper Lighting Techniques: Utilizing the right lighting methods ensures an even burn and consistent heat.
• Temperature Control: Managing the grill temperature effectively allows for better cooking results.
• Grill Setup: Arranging the charcoal properly can impact heat distribution and cooking efficiency.
• Use of Additives: Incorporating natural flavor enhancers can elevate the taste of grilled foods.

Quality of Charcoal: The best natural charcoal for grilling is often made from hardwood and free from chemicals and additives. This type of charcoal burns hotter and cleaner, imparting a rich flavor to your food without the unpleasant taste that can come from inferior products. Look for brands that emphasize sustainability and have a good reputation in the grilling community.

Proper Lighting Techniques: There are various methods for lighting natural charcoal, but using a chimney starter is one of the most effective. This method allows you to light the charcoal evenly and avoids the use of lighter fluids, which can impart unwanted flavors. Once the charcoal is hot and ashed over, it’s ready for grilling.

Temperature Control: Understanding how to control the temperature of your grill is vital for achieving the best grilling results. This can be managed by adjusting the airflow through the vents or by adding more charcoal as needed. Maintaining the correct temperature allows for even cooking and prevents burning or undercooking your food.

Grill Setup: The arrangement of charcoal in your grill can affect how heat is distributed. A two-zone setup, where one side has more charcoal for direct heat and the other has less for indirect cooking, can provide versatility for different cooking methods. This setup allows you to sear meats and then move them to a cooler area to finish cooking through.

Use of Additives: To enhance the flavor of your grilled foods, consider adding wood chips or chunks to your natural charcoal. Soaking these in water before adding them to the grill can create aromatic smoke that infuses your food with additional flavor. Experimenting with different types of wood can lead to unique and delicious grilling experiences.

What Are the Best Practices for Storing Natural Charcoal?

Proper storage of natural charcoal is essential for maintaining its quality and performance while grilling.

• Keep it Dry: Natural charcoal should always be stored in a dry environment to prevent moisture absorption, which can lead to mildew and spoilage.
• Use Airtight Containers: Utilizing airtight containers helps to keep out humidity and pests, ensuring that the charcoal remains in optimal condition for grilling.
• Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Exposure to direct sunlight or high temperatures can degrade the quality of natural charcoal, so keeping it in a cool and dark location is recommended.
• Avoid Stacking Heavy Items on Top: Stacking heavy items on top of your charcoal can break the briquettes and reduce their effectiveness during grilling.
• Label and Date Your Charcoal: If you use different types or brands of natural charcoal, labeling and dating your storage will help you keep track of freshness and performance.

Keeping natural charcoal dry is crucial because moisture can compromise its ability to ignite and burn effectively, leading to an unsatisfactory grilling experience.

Airtight containers are beneficial as they not only shield charcoal from environmental factors but also keep pests at bay, which can otherwise contaminate the charcoal.

Storing charcoal in a cool, dark place prevents the degradation of its chemical properties, allowing it to ignite quickly and burn evenly during your grilling sessions.

Stacking heavy items on top of charcoal can lead to broken pieces, which may not ignite properly; preserving the integrity of each piece is essential for optimal performance.

Labeling and dating your charcoal storage ensures that you use the oldest stock first, maximizing freshness and minimizing waste when grilling.

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