BBQ Lumpwood Charcoal

[HughiusMaximus]

Evening all,

Any recommendations for a good lumpwood charcoal to use in my kamado joe please?

I have been using the CPL restaurant grade stuff which is ok, but the chunks aren’t the biggest.

https://www.homefire.co.uk/restaurant-charcoal.htm...

Any alternatives people would recommend please?

[Mr.Grooler]

I haven’t exactly tried many different ones to compare, but I like the Big K stuff which has often been recommended on here. You get big lump “restaurant grade” and if you can store a few large bags it works out pretty reasonable when ordered online.

I tend to use the biggest lumps in the kamado (some are too big for me and I have to break them up a little) but of course you always get smaller bits down the bottom of the bag which I then tip into another bag to use in the normal bbq.

[LooneyTunes]

I use the Big K restaurant grade in mine too, often with a chunk of seasoned wood buried in the stack for smoking.

When I bought my KJ it came with a bag of their “big lump XL” that for some reason hasn’t made it to where I usually keep my charcoal. Through the bag that seems to have some decent sized chunks in it. Might break into it over the next few weeks and give it a go (already suffering BBQ withdrawal symptoms now the Aga’s gone back on).

[number2]

KJ big lump really is big lump... I often have to break some up, and they're still big .

I've got quite a stash of it but I need to buy some of that normal lump stuff that you talk of which is better for normal grilling!

[oddman]

I use https://everburningcharcoal.co.uk in my KJ after the recommendations here

There are massive lumps and long thinner branches (probable hazel). Together they create a lot of air gaps which are great whether you want a long or a hot burn.

Be careful not to get too hot. The firebasket in mine is cracked after going up to 1000F a few times. Still works OK

[HughiusMaximus]

Thanks for the recommendations, I went for a bag of Big K Dura restaurant grade charcoal in the end.

I'll see how I get on but will try some of the others after.

I intend on cooking through the winter which is the beauty of the kamado style bbqs I guess!

[trickywoo]

I make my own.

The amount shop bought costs is

[HughiusMaximus]

I sense a 'how to make your own charcoal' thread coming up