Cowboy lump charcoal


 
PeterD

PeterD

TVWBB Super Fan
When I used up the last of my Kingsford Blue last week I bought 3 bags of Cowboy hardwood lump. I've never used this product before and was wondering what to expect when I fire it up for the first time next weekend.

I normally use Minion, full chimney and about 15 or so lit on top, with a few chunks of smoke wood on top of the pile. Will my starts be different or should I expect differences in heat or longevity of the coals once the smoke is in-progress?

Also, can someone point me to the discussion on changing from the standard water pan to either firebricks or clay, etc? I'm wondering if this is worth doing.

Thanks and happy Q
 
Cowboy doesn't have a very long burn time.

Depending on how long your cook goes, expect to reload. It won't make it through an overnighter.

I'd just use it for grilling personally......
 
I've never used Cowboy, but the consensus of those here who have seems to be that it's the cherry of charcoals, because it's the pits. But it's charcoal, it burns and provides heat and you bought it so got to use it up sometime. Go with it and see what you think. Somebody must be buying the stuff. If you don't like it in the smoker, like Craig said, save it for grilling. Let us know what you think.
 
Unfortunately, I would expect to be dissapointed and want to return whats left
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I do use Cowboy for grilling and yes it does get screaming hot. I've used it for low and slow and only got about 9- hours out of a full ring.

Now, I've bought a few bags lately and I can say that I've never found anything in a bag like they did in the nekkid review. Could it be that Cowboy has improved since the review was done in 2007? I'd like to think so.

IMO, It's not the best lump on the market, but it's not as bad as the review states either.
 
Although I have never used Cowboy on the WSM for smoking, I found it to be great, for grilling. Friday night, I used it for grilling up some nice chicken thighs, as well as grilled corn, and potatos, They all came out fantastic!!!!It gave the food a great, nice little smoky flavor, to the food. I would leave Cowboy Lump for grilling only. Just my 2 cents......
 
I used Cowboy once. It burned way too hot and fast for my liking.

Weekend Warrior Lump, by WGC, on the other hand, is incredible stuff. You can order it from their website or obtain it locally if you are lucky.
 
Cowboy also sparks like CRAZY when in the chimney. It's okay for grilling or for high heat cooks in the WSM,but is not real good for low and slow.
 
Don't like it. I only use it if I'm out of my regular (Humphreys). Burns too fast, has a lot of scrap flooring and trim in it, don't really like the smell, sparks a lot.
 
Good stuff guys, thanks for the feedback. Fortunately, Lowes took all three still-sealed bags back no questions asked.

Other than Cowboy and Royal Oak lump, does anybody know if other premium lump charcoal brands are sold in New Jersey? So far, my only choices in Lowes are blue Kingsford, the aforementioned two lump choices and mesquite-infused Kingsford. No mention of "competition" Kingsford or other premium lumps in HD or Lowes or Ace (about the only places in NJ suburbia that caters to Qin' and grillin').
 
Ive seen Competetion kingsford in Home Depot and Costco. But that could be different in yoru neck of the woods.

It burns allot like like lump.
 
Cowboy is indeed junk. Gordon Food Service has some decent lump. They dropped Royal Oak and went to a Private Label brand. I suspect it is made by Royal Oak.
 
Ive seen Competetion kingsford in Home Depot and Costco. But that could be different in yoru neck of the woods.
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I've had good luck with humphrey's lump. It produced in eastern pa. Look for it at independent markets. Unfortunately, its getting scarce around here. I think they increased their price and rather than charge more all my local sources dumped it for Fire King brand. This Fire King stuff is scary. I find huge pieces of bark, and we watched a piece ooze bubbly, black tar as it burned in the chimney.
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Originally posted by Chris S Lewis:
Yes Peter where in NJ do you live? There is a store in East Hanover that stocks Wicked Good Weekend Warrior. Good stuff!
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I'm in West Caldwell (in the heart of Sopranos-land
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West Caldwell!! You're only minutes away from East Hanover oops I mean Whippany.
The place is:
HOMETOWN HEARTH & GRILL
240 Route 10 West
Whippany, New Jersey 07981
(973) 463-0319
It's across the street from a PC Richard (I think)

I highly recommend the Wicked Good. Slow burning and really low ash.
 
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