Charcoal??


 
P

Paul Bright

New member
Hi all!!

I was just wondering what is the best charcoal to buy for smoking? Royal Oak briquettes, Kingsfor Blue, or Stubbs? Also, is lump charcoal the way to go with grilling?

Thanks!!!
 
I use K Blue because I can usually find a deal on it.

I've also used RO lump with great results.

I've produced great Q using both.
 
For grilling, I PREFER lump because of the total absence of binders that don't help in any way when juices hit the coals, especially if basting the meat like with Cornell chicken. (Speaking of grilling chicken, if worried about lump being too hot, avoid mesquite. Also, shut the air back and keep the lid on the kettle as much as possible between turning.) I shut down the fire after burning off the grate and use all the decent sized pieces left next time as well. I don't bother with saving leftover briqs, though. They just seem to fall apart and not burn near as hot or long next time.

You mention Stubbs though, so I'll tell ya what. I don't think you can find a better fuel for the wsm, at least not for the same price. I've only had one bag that acted funny, and I've used it quite a bit, especially for long smokes. I'm not worried about ash suffocation and it gets up to temp plenty fast compared to other fuels. With lump you have to pack it REALLY tight to get as long smokes as with Stubbs, (but I still don't think it'll last quite as long as briqs going from my own experience.) However, I can use a whole bag of STUBBS using my el cheapo Brinkman water smoker charcoal pan ($6 at Academy Sports) and still have enough room for my wood chunks.

I don't think that Kingsford lasts any longer than Stubbs, either. The best thing Kingsford has going for it is their huge marketing machine, and I only buy it when it's a loss leader at Home Depot. I use it for short smokes and grilling tube steaks, hamburgers, etc.
 
So for smoking and grilling I should use lump charcoal over briquettes? I've seen a 40lb bag of RO briquettes for $18, 17.6lb RO lump $15 or Stubbs 15lb all natural briquetes / kingsford blue for $8. I am new to this and I'm just not sure which would be the best to use. Does using the briquettes give the meat a bad flavor?
 
I have used both and like them about the same. I have used the big green egg lump, cowboy lump and kingsford blue. I get a longer burn on kingford but the lump runs hotter. I say get a bag of both and experiment and see which one you like.
 
I only use k blue. You will find on this sight and most others, of occasions when some one will notice a fowel smell and tast when using k blue. There are plunty of responders to support there claims, and just as many that point out the things thay may have done wrong. You should performe your own cooking tests, with any brand you want and decide which you and your family like best. There is an informative post on this sight abought the cook needing several hours or days away from there product to get a good taste and smell of there food. Spending to much time at your smoker/grill will affect your taste and smell as if you were smoked along with your food.
 
Sean has it right. Avoid putting your meat on while the Kingsford is getting started (way till the heavy smoke settles to a thinner volume).

Be aware that sitting in or near your smoker for a long time will affect your smell and taste buds and won't help the flavor of your cook -- you need to stay away or wait a day for best tasting.

Rich
 
Originally posted by Jeremy Erwin:
http://tvwbb.com/eve/forums/a/...401082016#5401082016
here is the short cut to the topic.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's a good thread and pretty much covers it. K blue is good for longevity and stability -- and when purchased a the summer Lowe's sales (usually 1/2 price) is the best available on a per buck basis (to me). But the heavy ash can be a true problem as it can smother your fire. I fight with this more with K than any other. I've used RO lump and also Stubbs and Rancher briquettes and prefer all. Good quality burns without the ash issue. I also have some Kroger lump and briquettes to try (after being recommended here at TVWB for similar properties).

I found the Wicked Good site to have excellent comparison info (as have many) which support posts made to TVWB.

But Paul, I agree, go with the K. Get to know what it will do (being aware that you MAY have some ash problems). Let the heavy initial smoke burn off before you add meat (frankly, best with any charcoal if you get that smoke). Then with that very common and inexpensive baseline, try whatever appeals to you (but watch out for the cheap stuff -- people have been known to throw cooks away because of it).

Also, Dave mentioned not reusing charcoal (though many do). I agree for the main cook (not enough heat) but I've found that using leftover burned charcoal in my chimney works fine to get new, fresh charcoal started.

Rich
 
Originally posted by RichPB (richlife):
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by George David:
I have been very happy with Stubbs Charcoal, available at most Lowes stores.
Click to expand...

And I understand that you can look out for 1/2 price sales on Stubbs too.

Rich </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yeah, I've looked and looked. Lowes has put had two different BOGOF sales for Stubbs, in different stores. However, no such luck here...I'm still lookin', though.
 
Show them the ad, they will match there price in another store. If it is from a different store chain they will give you 10% off. Same at home depot with matching there own ads.
 
I started with Kingsford, and it worked fine, but after trying Stubbs I switched to it.

The Stubbs gets ready quick, puts out heat for quite a while, and seems to disappear with very little ash left behind. I'm a big fan.
 
I wish I could use briquettes but after a couple of weekends experimenting I just cannot use them. I tried K and Stubbs but I just don't like the flavor of either of them. I'm really sensitive to smoke flavor and it can overpower my taste buds but I find Lump and maybe 1 fist size piece enough for me. Although I don't like the briquettes my family does not mind it at all.
 
I'm in Massachusetts. There's a Lowes 2 miles from my house. I went down there about two weeks ago and told the manager in the department where the Stubbs was that in California, based on a post here, they were having a BOGO deal. He checked and sure enough, I was able to buy 10 bags for half price. So don't just look for a deal in your local store.
BTW, if there's a Trader Joes near you, try their Rancher briquettes (when they get them). Excellent and last year a 17.6lb bag was selling for $6.99 and they don't care how many you buy.
 
I used blue K at first but recently I switched over to Royal Oak lump and Stubbs. I use the lump for smoking and the Stubbs for grilling and I like them both. Lowes carries Stubbs and WalMart carries the Royal Oak here in Southern California. I don't get that funny smell when its burning and no funny taste in my food. Both are all natural, burn hot and long and my food tastes better than it did with blue K.
 
Personally I'm not happy with the new Blue that I bought at Wally World. Smaller bag (13.5 lbs) and produces a LOT more ash IMHO, that it used to. Stop and Shop here in CT also carries Stubbs and it's on sale this week. Going to pick some up and give it a try. Also going to try Nature's Own. I've always liked RO. A lot less ash than K but it seems to be hard to find this year up here.
 
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