🔥 The Best Grilling Charcoal of 2025
When it comes to outdoor cooking, the charcoal you use can make or break your grill session. Not all charcoal is created equal — and choosing the right one can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market.
That’s why we put together this curated list of the best grilling charcoals of 2025, tested and evaluated across multiple styles of cooking — from weeknight burgers to low-and-slow briskets and high-heat yakitori. Our goal? To help you find the right charcoal for your grill, your food, and your cooking style.
No brand placements, no fluff — just rigorous side-by-side testing and honest insights to help you grill better.
Rockwood Natural Lump Charcoal
Rockwood is a top-rated lump charcoal sourced from Missouri hardwoods like oak, hickory, and maple. It’s known for burning hot, lighting quickly, and producing very little ash. With a clean, neutral smoke flavor and excellent consistency, it’s a favorite among backyard grillers and pitmasters alike.
Best For: All-around grilling performance
Ideal For Cooking: Steaks, burgers, chicken, or any American BBQ
Spec Snapshot
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Lump Charcoal |
| Wood Source | Oak, Hickory, Maple, Walnut |
| Flavor Profile | Mild, Clean, Traditional |
| Smoke Level | Medium |
| Burn Time | Long |
Sale
Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes
Kingsford Original Briquettes are the go-to charcoal for backyard barbecues across America. Known for their fast ignition, steady burn, and affordability, they’re an accessible and reliable choice for beginners and pros alike. While they may produce more ash than lump charcoal, they offer dependable performance and great value for the price.
Best For: Reliable, budget-friendly grilling
Ideal For Cooking: Hot dogs, burgers, ribs, chicken — classic backyard fare
Spec Snapshot
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Briquettes |
| Wood Source | Hardwood blend with additives |
| Flavor Profile | Neutral, Classic BBQ |
| Smoke Level | Medium |
| Burn Time | Moderate |
Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Jealous Devil’s extra-large hardwood lump charcoal is beloved for its insanely hot burn, low ash, and long-lasting performance. Sourced from South American quebracho wood, it’s incredibly dense and burns clean with virtually no sparking. A great option for serious grillers or anyone who wants a bold flame without chemical additives.
Best For: High-heat grilling and reverse searing
Ideal For Cooking: Steaks, tomahawks, tri-tip, and large cuts
Spec Snapshot
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Lump Charcoal |
| Wood Source | Quebracho Blanco (South America) |
| Flavor Profile | Bold, Clean, Subtle Smoke |
| Smoke Level | Low-Medium |
| Burn Time | Extra Long |
Sale
FOGO All-Natural Large Sized Hardwood Lump Charcoal
FOGO Super Premium Oak Lump Charcoal features large, dense chunks of hardwood oak that are ideal for high-end grilling and smoking. It’s a favorite among BBQ pros for its consistent burn, long heat retention, and rich oak aroma. Though it can take a bit longer to light, once it gets going, it delivers impressive performance for longer cooks.
Best For: Long smoking sessions and large grills
Ideal For Cooking: Brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, or any slow-cooked BBQ
Spec Snapshot
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Lump Charcoal |
| Wood Source | Oak |
| Flavor Profile | Bold, Earthy, Smoky |
| Smoke Level | Medium-High |
| Burn Time | Very Long |
Nomad Fire 100% All-Natural Hardwood Charcoal
Nomad Fire is a 100% natural hardwood charcoal crafted for conscious grillers who want clean, efficient fuel with minimal waste. Made from sustainably harvested wood and free of additives, it’s a solid pick for eco-conscious users. It burns clean and hot with low ash, though it can be slower to ignite and doesn’t last quite as long as other premium options.
Best For: Sustainable grilling with minimal cleanup
Ideal For Cooking: Chicken, vegetables, skewers, or fast-cooking proteins
Spec Snapshot
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Lump Charcoal |
| Wood Source | Mixed Hardwood |
| Flavor Profile | Neutral, Slightly Smoky |
| Smoke Level | Low |
| Burn Time | Moderate |
Sale
FOGO Premium Oak Restaurant Grade All-Natural Hardwood
FOGO Premium Oak is a go-to hardwood lump charcoal for those who want reliable performance with a slightly bolder smoke profile. It offers consistent heat output, good burn time, and a mix of medium-to-large pieces that make it easier to manage airflow. While it doesn’t burn quite as long or as cleanly as FOGO’s Super Premium line, it’s still a solid choice for everyday grilling.
Best For: Backyard BBQs and intermediate pitmasters
Ideal For Cooking: Pork ribs, brisket, sausages, and smoked meats
Spec Snapshot
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Lump Charcoal |
| Wood Source | Oak |
| Flavor Profile | Smoky, Slightly Sweet |
| Smoke Level | Medium-High |
| Burn Time | Moderate to Long |
Sale
Fire & Flavor Premium All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Fire & Flavor’s hardwood lump charcoal offers a mild mesquite-oak blend that burns clean and steady. While some bags may contain inconsistent chunk sizes, it lights quickly and delivers a balanced smoke that won’t overpower your food. It’s a great mid-tier option for weeknight grilling or casual backyard cookouts.
Best For: Balanced flavor and fast lighting
Ideal For Cooking: Grilled veggies, chicken thighs, pork chops, or mixed skewers
Spec Snapshot
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Lump Charcoal |
| Wood Source | Mesquite and Oak |
| Flavor Profile | Mild, Nutty, Light Smoke |
| Smoke Level | Medium |
| Burn Time | Moderate |
Sale
Binchotan Charcoal for Japanese BBQ – Premium Hardwood, High-Grade for Yakitori
This Japanese-style binchotan charcoal burns incredibly hot, clean, and long—making it a top choice for yakitori and tabletop grilling. While not true white binchotan, it still delivers dense, reusable pieces with subtle wood flavor and minimal smoke. It’s a premium option for serious grillers who want high heat and authentic results.
Best For: High-heat, precision grilling
Ideal For Cooking: Yakitori, robata, Korean BBQ, or thin-sliced beef cuts
Spec Snapshot
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Binchotan-Style Charcoal |
| Wood Source | Oak (Matiew Tree) |
| Flavor Profile | Subtle, Clean, Mineral |
| Smoke Level | Low |
| Burn Time | Very Long |
Sale
Organic Charcoal Briquettes by Olivette Recycled Olive Tree Byproduct
Made from recycled olive pits, pulp, and branches, Olivette’s USDA-certified organic briquettes offer an eco-conscious alternative to traditional charcoal. They burn clean with virtually no smoke or chemical residue, making them a great option for grillers with health concerns or shared outdoor spaces. While they don’t deliver intense smoky flavor, they’re ideal for quick, clean cooking.
Best For: Eco-conscious and smoke-sensitive grillers
Ideal For Cooking: Vegetables, chicken, fish, or Mediterranean-style dishes
Spec Snapshot
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Briquettes |
| Wood Source | Olive pits, pulp, and branches |
| Flavor Profile | Mild, Neutral, Slightly Herbal |
| Smoke Level | Ultra Low |
| Burn Time | Moderate (2–4 hours) |
Mr. Bar-B-Q Ceramic Briquettes
These ceramic briquettes are designed for gas grills and offer excellent heat retention and even heat distribution across the cooking surface. Unlike traditional charcoal, they don’t impart flavor but do help prevent flare-ups by absorbing and vaporizing drippings. They’re self-cleaning, reusable, and ideal for home grillers looking to optimize their gas setup without frequent replacements.
Best For: Gas grill users seeking even heat
Ideal For Cooking: Burgers, chicken breasts, skewers, and grilled vegetables
Spec Snapshot
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Ceramic Briquettes |
| Wood Source | N/A |
| Flavor Profile | Flavorless |
| Smoke Level | None |
| Burn Time | Very Long (Reusable) |
Hydro Coconut Charcoal – Cubes Made of Coconut Shell
Hydro Coconut Charcoal cubes are made from compressed coconut shells, offering a clean and eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood-based charcoal. They burn hot with minimal smoke and ash, making them ideal for shisha, grilling, or compact tabletop cooking setups. These cubes are uniform in shape, easy to stack, and appreciated for their long-lasting heat and neutral flavor output.
Best For: Eco-conscious grilling or shisha
Ideal For Cooking: Kabobs, skewers, seafood, or use with tabletop hibachis
Spec Snapshot
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Coconut Shell Charcoal |
| Wood Source | Coconut Husk |
| Flavor Profile | Neutral |
| Smoke Level | Low |
| Burn Time | Moderate to Long |
Sale
Mr. Bar-B-Q, Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Mr. Bar-B-Q’s Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal is an affordable and accessible option for casual grillers looking for a basic lump charcoal. While it burns reasonably hot and fast, it’s best suited for quick cooks rather than long smoking sessions. The flavor is neutral to mild, and it’s free of chemicals and additives, making it a decent entry point for those exploring lump charcoal.
Best For: Casual or budget-conscious grilling
Ideal For Cooking: Hot dogs, sausages, or weeknight burgers
Spec Snapshot
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Lump Charcoal |
| Wood Source | Unspecified Hardwood Blend |
| Flavor Profile | Mild |
| Smoke Level | Medium |
| Burn Time | Short to Moderate |
Best for Smoky Flavor
Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Dense South American hardwood delivers bold, complex smoke flavor without overpowering food. Ideal for ribs, brisket, and wood-fired BBQs.
Best for Low-and-Slow BBQ
Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes
Reliable shape and long burn time make these briquettes a top choice for smoking and slow cooks. Easy to manage and widely available.
Best for Minimal Ash
FOGO Super Premium Oak Lump Charcoal
Restaurant-grade oak lump burns clean and leaves behind very little ash — perfect for kamado grills or quick cleanup needs.
Best for High-Heat Grilling
Rockwood Natural Lump Charcoal
Lights fast, burns hot, and performs great for searing. Excellent choice for steaks, burgers, and fast, high-temp cooks.
Best for Japanese BBQ
Binchotan Charcoal for Yakitori
Premium binchotan offers incredibly clean, consistent heat for yakitori, teppanyaki, and other precision grilling styles.
How to Choose the Best Charcoal for Grilling
Choosing the right charcoal isn’t just about brand names — it’s about matching the fuel to your cooking style, flavor preferences, and grill setup.
Lump Charcoal vs. Briquettes
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Lump Charcoal: Made from natural hardwood with no fillers. It lights fast, burns hotter, and leaves behind less ash. Perfect for high-heat grilling and quick sears.
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Briquettes: Uniformly shaped and longer-burning, briquettes are ideal for low-and-slow cooks like ribs or brisket. Many also offer consistent temperatures, which is helpful for beginners.
What Matters for Beginners vs. BBQ Hobbyists
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Beginners often appreciate charcoal that lights easily and doesn’t require much airflow management. Briquettes or clean-burning lump options are great choices here.
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BBQ Enthusiasts may prioritize smoke flavor, heat control, and longer burn times. Hardwood lump charcoals with oak, hickory, or fruitwood tend to shine.
Why Charcoal Size Variety Is a Feature, Not a Flaw
With lump charcoal especially, bag consistency can vary — but that’s not always a bad thing. Larger chunks provide longer burns, while smaller pieces are great for quick ignition and spreading heat evenly. The variety can actually help create better temperature zones across your grill.
Smoke Flavor by Wood Type
Different woods yield different smoke profiles:
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Hickory, Mesquite: Strong and smoky — best for beef, brisket, and pork shoulder.
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Oak, Maple: Clean and balanced — great for general-purpose grilling.
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Apple, Cherry, Olive Wood: Milder and slightly sweet — perfect for poultry, seafood, and vegetables.
Charcoal Lighting Methods (and Gear You Might Want)
Lighting your charcoal correctly sets the tone for your entire grilling session.
Chimney Starter vs. Propane Torch
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Chimney Starter: The go-to method. Fill it with charcoal, light some newspaper or a natural fire starter underneath, and wait 10–15 minutes for glowing coals.
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Propane Torch: Fast and effective, especially for larger pieces of lump charcoal. Great for advanced users or those who grill often.
Avoid Lighter Fluid
Chemical accelerants can leave unwanted taste and fumes in your food — and they’re unnecessary if you’re using the right tools. Instead, use:
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Natural wax fire starters
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Newspaper
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Cube-style kindling blocks
How Long to Wait Before Cooking
Once your charcoal is ashed over (gray-white exterior), you’re ready to cook. This usually takes:
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10–15 minutes for a chimney full of briquettes
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15–20 minutes for lump charcoal depending on piece size and lighting method
Storage Tips to Keep Charcoal Dry & Clean
Charcoal might seem rugged, but it’s surprisingly sensitive to moisture and exposure.
Use Airtight Containers
Store opened bags in sealed plastic bins, metal tubs with lids, or dedicated charcoal containers. This keeps humidity and pests out.
Keep It Off the Ground
Place charcoal storage bins on shelves or pallets if stored in a garage. This avoids direct contact with cool cement that can cause condensation.
Avoid These Mistakes
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Don’t store bags outdoors, even under a tarp.
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Don’t leave charcoal in its original paper bag long-term (it absorbs moisture).
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Avoid placing charcoal near chemicals or solvents — even the fumes can affect flavor