Choosing the Right Charcoal
OVERVIEW:
There are two major types of charcoal: briquet and lump. Both are easy to light and cook with, and knowing the difference will help you choose what’s best for any grilling situation. Royal Oak proudly offers both, and we hope you’ll take a quick minute to familiarize yourself with some of the characteristics of each.
Charcoal Briquets
Our USA-produced briquets are made from ground charcoal mixed and bound with vegetable starch, which is then formed into Ridge briquets. The result is a consistent size and shape with an even, predictable burning time. Royal Oak briquets feature an innovative ridge, which allows for faster start-up times, quick ashover, and even burning. All our briquets are made in the USA with the highest quality control standards in the industry. They’re easy to light, easy to cook with, and are a favorite of grillers all over the nation.
Lump
Made right here in the USA from renewable resources, Royal Oak lump charcoal is 100% natural with no additives or fillers. It’s made from chunks of real hardwood that have been heated under controlled conditions to remove moisture and impurities. The result is pure lump charcoal, a unique product with different characteristics than regular charcoal briquets.
- Lump charcoal burns clean with very little ash
- It lights quickly and easily and gets up to cooking temperature fast
- It burns very hot, searing foods and locking in natural flavorful juices
- Lump imparts an unmistakable, classic wood-smoke grill taste
- High heat caramelizes the natural sugars in food, for mouthwatering flavors
PRO TIPS
Consider your cook time when choosing charcoal.
Briquets tend to offer a longer, more consistent burn, which can be helpful for longer cooks.
Consider your desired flavor when choosing charcoal.
Lump charcoal is known for a more distinct wood-smoke flavor, which some grillers prefer for certain foods.
Both types are easy to light and cook with.
Whether you choose briquets or lump, either can work well for everyday grilling.
High heat from lump charcoal is great for searing.
The high heat lump charcoal can produce helps develop a good sear on meats.
You can experiment with both types over time.
Trying both briquets and lump charcoal can help you find which one you prefer for different types of cooking.
FAQs
What’s the main difference between briquets and lump charcoal?
Briquets are made from ground charcoal bound together for a consistent size and burn time, while lump charcoal is made from whole chunks of hardwood with no additives.
Why does lump charcoal burn hotter than briquets?
Lump charcoal is made from pure hardwood chunks, which can burn at a higher heat than the more uniform, bound composition of briquets.
Is one type of charcoal better than the other?
Not necessarily — each has its own characteristics, and the better choice often depends on the specific grilling situation and personal preference.
Why does lump charcoal produce less ash?
Since lump charcoal doesn’t contain binders or fillers, it tends to burn cleaner and leave behind less ash than briquets.
Can I use briquets and lump charcoal together?
Some grillers do combine the two to take advantage of different characteristics, though this can vary depending on personal preference and setup.
