Wha its the real info on lump versus briquettes?


 
D

DaveD

New member
Hi All,

I have been reading way too much on this topic and would like to get a bit more info from the experienced cooks. Which is better?

I have used both and I lean toward the briquettes as they seem to burn more consistently and are easier to measure for consistency using the Weber starter.

I have had generally poorer performance from the lump. Maybe it is the Home Depot brand that I have been using. I just find that due to the inconsistent size that I end up with cooler burning fires (maybe not enough being used) less complete burns and I have to tend them more frequently and even mix the coals every so often.(possibly due to not letting them get up to a good heat before using).

I seem to have an easier time using the briquettes in general and a better overall temperature performance.

However, I am also aware of the purists who seem to indicate using briquettes via the Minion method are apt to add a poor taste to the food, due to the random manner in which new briquettes light up and smolder their additives into the smoker. I am not sure I have tasted any differences.

Do most of you claim you can taste a difference using lump verus briquettes?

Don't you find that the briquettes seem to burn more efficiently and more consistently versus the lump, equaling more stabilized temps?

I am thinking of trying the Kingsford Competition briquettes as it seems to be the best middle ground.

Thanks for your thoughts!

DD in Norcal
WSM 18 noobie
 
Its a matter of personal preference,I have always been a briq user but latly been suprised over how good lump is in the wsm.

Burning time i would say is the same,Lump burns hotter and need less air flow to hold temp. If you give lump infinite airflow it will burn to ash in no time.

I start the lump with 15 lit briq (MM)

pro/cons : Lump is cheaper here in sweden.
But i often get small pieces in the bag and they fall thru the coal grate witch i will fix by doing like glenn did in this tread : http://tvwbb.com/eve/forums/a/...80069052/m/230107686

And i get mutch less ash from lump then briq.

Taste wise i dont feel any difference.

But i have only tryed 2 different brands of lump(used briqs from same brands for a long time) in the wsm so far and liked them both,i cant buy kingsford,stubbs,RO or Cowboy here in sweden so i dont know how good there products is.

But as i started the thread its all about personal preference,if you can get a hold of a brand that sells quality lump/briquettes for a decent price and you are happy with the burntime stick with it.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DaveD:
I have used both and I lean toward the briquettes ... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>There ya go - question answered.

Just as there are many brands of briquettes, some better than others, there are many brands of lump, some better than others.

Indeed, even within brands there are differences ... some prefer Comp K and some don't.

All have their fans. It's mostly a personal preference.
 
Dave,it's a matter of personal preference AND availability. For low and slow,long cooks(PP & brisket),I use K. Avavilable year round and cost effective and burns consistently. I prefer lump for shorter low and slow(ribs) and grilling. There is a grocery store a mile and a half from here that stocks a pretty good lump year round.
Give both a try and see which you prefer. Some members here won't go near K,while some swear by it!
 
My 56 y/o taste buds cannot taste the difference between lump & briquette.
By weight lump & briquette contain the same amount of fuel but by volume briquette contain 1 1/2 to 2 times the fuel for longer burn times.
Briquette cost is about 1/2 that of lump. ( some consideration when you go through several hundred pounds a year!)
At this time I smoke with briquettes & grill with both.
 
I use both in various situations and have brands I prefer over others and methods with those brands that work for me. Experiment and try different things. As with homebrewing, the first key technique is learning your equipment.

And sorry Mike, a pick-up is always better ;-)
 
Right now I am on a Stubbs kick, but I have been there with Kingsford, Lazzari oak blend and even coconut extruded at one time. Over all price wise I like Kingsford for many reasons, Price and consistency are two. But not K comp because of too much smoke and ash. When my Stubbs hoorah is over I am sure I will be back on good ol' blue K. It's fun to try different charcoals once in a while. It breaks the monotony.
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Brad W:
And sorry Mike, a pick-up is always better ;-) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>ahhh ... but Ford or Chevy?!
 
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