In this post, we review the best lump charcoal for smoking.
If you’re looking to take your smoking game to the next level, you need to start with the right fuel.
That’s where lump charcoal comes in. Unlike charcoal briquettes, which are made from compressed sawdust and other materials, lump charcoal is made from natural hardwood that’s been burned down to its most basic form.
With so many brands to choose from, how do you decide what is good or not?
We spent hours researching various brands of lump charcoal to find the best ones for smoking. Our past experience with lump charcoal was also a factor in our selections.
In the next section, we’ll share our top picks and what makes them stand out.
Contents
Best Lump Charcoal for Smoking Reviewed
Quality lump charcoal burns hotter and longer than briquettes. This gives your food a smoky taste without chemical additives.
The following list includes the best lump charcoal options for your next barbecue.
1. Kamado Joe Big Block XL Lump Charcoal – 30 LBS
Kamado Joe Big Block XL Lump Charcoal is made from real trees, not scrap furniture or processed wood. It burns clean and gives your food a delicious wood-fire flavor.
The hardwood used in this lump charcoal burns hotter than other charcoals, allowing you to achieve steak-searing temperatures. Plus, it burns longer, providing the right mix of small and large sized pieces of lump charcoal for extended slow cooking.
One of the best things about Kamado Joe is that it costs less per use than other lump charcoals due to its high quality and longer burn time.
While it may be a bit pricier upfront, you’ll get more use out of each bag, making it a great value in the long run.
2. Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal – 35 LBS
Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal is a premium product that delivers superior performance. The waterproof and re-sealable bag ensures that the charcoal stays fresh and dry.
The pure, ultra-dense South American hardwoods provide a clean, mild flavor-enhancing aroma that won’t overpower your food.
Jealous Devil has twice the cook power, hotter temperatures, and a longer burn time than other options on the market. So, it is perfect for smoking brisket, pork shoulder, or any other meat that requires a long, slow cook.
Unlike some other lump charcoals, this product burns cleanly and doesn’t produce a lot of ash. This means that clean up is much easier after you cook.
Jealous Devil costs a little more than others, but it’s worth the investment because you get a high-quality product that delivers superior performance.
3. Fire & Flavor Premium All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal – 20 LBS
Fire & Flavor Premium All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal is a true grill master’s charcoal that produces professional-level results on the grill and in the smoker.
The blend of mesquite and oak produces a gentle smoky flavor that doesn’t overpower your meats. The big lumps of charcoal ensure that you get a full bag without disappointing dust and tiny chips.
Fire & Flavor lights quickly and burns longer. The result is consistent heat and a perfect cooking experience every time.
The price point for this lump charcoal is higher compared to other brands, which may be a consideration for some buyers.
4. FOGO Premium Hardwood Premium Lump Charcoal – 35 LBS
FOGO Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal is perfect for everyday smoking and grilling. The charcoal shows versatility by being perfect for Kamado Grills like BGE Minimax, Kamado Joe Jr, Weber Kettle, Weber Smoky Mountain, and more.
The blend of Inga wood produces a unique flavor that is sure to impress your guests.
FOGO Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal lights fast and burns long. This results in efficient and thorough cooking.
The 35-pound bag is perfect for those who love to grill and smoke regularly.
5. FOGO Super Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal – 17.6 LBS
FOGO Super Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal is made from dense Central American hardwoods. It is hand-selected to ensure that you get the very best charcoal you can find.
It lights very quickly and is ready to use within 15 minutes. It burns very hot and is long burning.
FOGO is a completely natural product that is made exclusively from dense hardwoods. It is an all-natural, high-quality product that imparts your food with the very best flavor and taste.
FOGO Super Premium is used by several exclusive restaurants around the country to prepare their food. This speaks to its quality.
The large hardwood lump sizes are perfect for smoking and grilling.
It is also very easy to light and burns hotter and longer than most other charcoal brands.
6. Masterbuilt Lump Charcoal – 16 LBS
Your smoking sessions will benefit from the consistent high heat and authentic hardwood flavor that Masterbuilt Lump Charcoal offers.
This charcoal is designed to ignite quickly, reaching high temperatures in no time. And, it has been crafted for a clean burn, ensuring that the flavors of your food are not compromised by the charcoal used.
Masterbuilt Lump Charcoal provides consistent temperatures. This is especially helpful for low and slow smoking sessions where managing temperature can make or break the outcome of your barbecue session.
While it offers excellent performance in terms of heat output, some users point out that there can be some variation in the size of the chunks of charcoal. Smaller pieces burn faster than larger ones.
7. B&B Hickory Lump Charcoal – 8 LBS
B&B Charcoal is a reputable brand that offers quality natural lump charcoal. Their hickory and hardwood lump charcoal blend provides a long, consistent burn.
With a focus on all-natural materials, this charcoal provides peace of mind for health-conscious barbecue enthusiasts. It’s designed to cater to your desire for authentic smoky flavors without compromising on the quality of the burn.
However, the product could improve with clearer labeling. There have been concerns about the exact makeup of the wood used, which is significant for those expecting pure hickory.
It comes in an 8-lb. bag, so you will get a smaller number of uses compared to others we recommend.
8. Rockwood Lump Charcoal – 20 LBS
Selecting Rockwood Lump Charcoal means you’re choosing a top-notch fuel for your smoking and grilling needs.
Lump charcoal made from natural hardwoods like oak and hickory imparts a robust smoke flavor to your smoked meats.
It is made in the USA, and burns hotter and cleaner than many other charcoals. You’ll find it’s easy to ignite also.
Beyond the product itself, Rockwood is committed to the environment.
The charcoal bags are recyclable, and the company’s products are made from sustainably sourced materials.
9. Big Green Egg Lump Charcoal – 20 LBS
The Big Green Egg Lump Charcoal is crafted from high-quality oak and hickory hardwoods. This all-natural product does not include any fillers or chemicals.
Other advantages include its quick lighting and clean burning properties. This makes it easy to reach the desired temperature and maintain it throughout your cook.
Big Green Egg Lump Charcoal is known for its consistent quality.
Despite being on the costlier side, many find the price justifiable for its superior performance and reliability.
To see how Big Green Egg Lump Charcoal is made, check out the following short video.
Buying Lump Charcoal
When it comes to buying lump charcoal for smoking or grilling, there are a few key features to consider.
By taking these into account, you can ensure that you’re getting a high-quality product that will deliver the flavor and aroma you’re looking for.
Wood Type
Different woods have different flavors and aromas. It is important to choose one that complements the type of meat or vegetables you’ll be smoking. Common options include hickory, mesquite, apple, and cherry.
Lump Size
It’s also important to look for charcoal that is uniform in size. This will ensure even heating and cooking.
Larger pieces will burn slower and produce little ash. Smaller piecesignite faster and produce more heat.
When shopping it’s also a good idea to check the bag of lump charcoal for any additives or fillers.
Look for charcoal that is made from 100% natural wood, with no added chemicals or fillers that could affect the flavor of your food.
Value
Even though lump charcoal is affordable, consider the price and value of the charcoal. High-end options may be more expensive, but they may also offer superior flavor and performance.
However, keep in mind that there are plenty of less expensive options that deliver great results.
Wrapping It Up
In your pursuit of top-notch barbecue, selecting quality charcoal is a must. Our list gives you the best lump charcoal to choose from. They are all quick to light, long-burning, and all-natural.
We are sure that there is smokey wood flavor on this list that matches your taste.
No matter which popular lump brand you choose, you can’t go wrong. Each is made by a good charcoal company that has been making charcoal for many years .
Ready to take your barbecue game to the next level? Opt for the finest lump charcoal for grilling or smoking. Find it here!
So, grab your preferred bbq charcoal now and show off your smoking and grilling expertise.
