<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Steven Lesko:
[qb] Which do you prefer and why? I am worried about using the Minion method with briquettes due to the stuff used to hold them together. I was always told to let them burn white first because of this. I have heard there isn't much diference in the taste. However, I am concerned as to the safety of the meat absorbing the fumes from the newly lit briquettes. But, can you use charcoal and get a long burn like briquettes using the MM? [/qb] <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I use oak lump charcoal. The first and last time I used Kingsford, the ribs came out with an "off" taste compared with those I had cooked over lump.
I don't know how long a full load of briquettes will last, but I got close to 16 hours on my last brisket cook using lump.
If you really want to use briquettes but not have all those additives, try "natural charcoal briquettes", made with charcoal plus vegetable binders.