Fueling Flavor: 6 Types of BBQ Charcoal & When To Use Them

The choice of charcoal can make all the difference between a mediocre cookout and a mouthwatering masterpiece. But even if you use it routinely when you grill, barbecue charcoal may feel like a bit of a mystery.

If you’re new to charcoal grilling (or grilling in general), choosing the right kind of charcoal can be a daunting decision. There are countless varieties to choose from, all with different shapes and different compositions, and narrowing down your choices can seem downright impossible if you aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of each variety.

Just as a chef carefully selects the finest ingredients for a culinary creation, a seasoned grill master knows that the type of charcoal used can significantly impact the flavor, aroma, and overall grilling experience. But if different types of bbq charcoal are ideal for different uses, how do you know which is best for your cookout?

Whether you’re a traditionalist who swears by the classic allure of briquettes or an adventurous griller looking to explore the nuances of hardwood lump charcoal, this comprehensive guide will help you make an informed decision for your next backyard barbecue. In this post, we will explore:

  • What is BBQ charcoal?
  • What are the different types of BBQ charcoal?
  • Which type of charcoal is the best?

Let’s get cooking.

What is BBQ Charcoal?

BBQ charcoal is just wood with most or all of the water and volatile compounds burned away. It’s created by cooking wood slowly over the course of a few days in a low-oxygen environment to prevent it from catching on fire. When the organic matter is stripped away, barbecue charcoal can burn cleaner and hotter than normal wood, making it ideal for a grilling environment.

BBQ charcoal is made from a variety of different types of wood and occasionally has additives that make it easier to light, enhance flavor, or break down in a specific way when lit. When you understand the different types of BBQ charcoal, you can choose the best type of charcoal for your recipe or your grill. So without further ado, let’s dig in.

6 Types of BBQ Charcoal

There are several different types of BBQ charcoal. In this post, we’ll look at 6 of the most popular:

  1. Lump charcoal
  2. Charcoal briquettes
  3. Hardwood briquettes
  4. Coconut charcoal
  5. Binchotan charcoal
  6. Thai charcoal

1. Lump charcoal

What is it made of: A variety of hardwoods and fruitwoods including oak, mesquite, hickory, maple, cherry and apple.

Cost: $-$$$

Shape: Irregular lump shapes

Pros

Cons

When to use lump charcoal:

2. Charcoal briquettes

What is it made of: A mix of compressed hard and softwood charcoal and other types of wood waste mixed with a binder (such as cornstarch or clay) and other brand-dependent additives like limestone or borax

Cost: $

Shape: Uniform size and shape

Pros

Cons

When to use charcoal briquettes:

3. Hardwood briquettes

What is it made of: Primarily hardwood charcoal mixed with binders such as starch, clay, or other plant-based adhesives.

Cost: $$

Shape: Slightly more regular than charcoal lumps

Pros

Cons

When to use hardwood briquettes:
GRILL SPOT TIP: If you’re looking to add wood smoke flavor, you are better off using a smoker or smoker box as it will add a stronger flavor.

4. Coconut charcoal (shell and briquettes)

What is it made of: Ground up carbonized coconut shells and husks combined together with a slurry of cornstarch and water.

Cost: $$-$$$

Shape: Honeycomb or cube briquettes

Pros

Cons

When to use coconut charcoal:

5. Binchotan charcoal

What is it made of: Ubame oak tree branches selectively cut and burned in kilns at an extremely low temperature over weeks to reach the ideal consistency. Ubame oak is native to Japan and Korea.

Cost: $$$

Shape: Honeycomb or cube briquettes

Pros

Cons

When to use Binchotan charcoal:

6. Thai charcoal

What is it made of: Rambutan fruitwood

Cost: $$$

Shape: Semi-regular lumps

Pros

Cons

When to use Thai charcoal:

What’s The Best Type of Charcoal?

The best type of charcoal to use depends on what you are cooking, how experienced you are, and what your price range is. Keep the following in mind when choosing and using charcoal products:

As a general rule, regardless of which type you opt for, you should try to avoid self-lighting charcoal products. While they are typically cheaper, self-lighting products often contain additives such as lighter fluid to make them light faster and stay lit, which can expose grillers to hazardous fumes and add unpleasant flavors to your foodShop Charcoal Accessories:

Wrapping Up

There are many different types of BBQ charcoal, and the best type of charcoal depends on what you’re cooking and how experienced you are with grilling with charcoal. Charcoal briquettes are a safe bet if you’re new to the practice because they are cheap and easy to control. Choose hardwood briquette for shorter cooks, and for long grilling sessions, select lump, Thai, or coconut charcoal.

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