When it comes to barbecuing, many people will swear by charcoal as the best choice. Charcoal offers a more intense smoky flavour than gas grilling, as well as a smokier aroma. Many barbecuers love using charcoal to add an extra special touch to their food. In this guide, we will look at why barbecue charcoal is used, why it is a popular option, and what types of charcoal for cooking can be used. With proper care and attention, charcoal can be an excellent way to enjoy your barbecues!
Why is Charcoal Good for Barbecuing?
Charcoal is good for barbecuing because it can:
- Produce a high and even heat that can sear the meat quickly and create a smoky flavour.
- Barbecue charcoal also allows you to control the temperature by spreading the coals around or using vents to adjust the airflow.
- Charcoal is cheaper and more widely available than gas, and it can also be used for low and slow cooking or smoking with wood chips.
- It burns hotter than most fuels so you’ll need less of it to achieve your desired results.
- Can produce a distinctive smoky flavour that can’t be achieved with gas grilling. Because it burns so hot, it will give the meat a nice, smoky flavour.
- Charcoal is easy to use and clean up after. All you need to do is light the coals and wait for them to heat up before adding your food.
- Once you’re done cooking, simply let the coals cool and dispose of them safely.
What is the Best BBQ Charcoal?
Charcoal can be a great choice for your barbecue. It offers an intense flavour that is difficult to achieve with other grilling methods and it’s relatively inexpensive. When selecting the best charcoal for your barbecue, the two main types of charcoal for cooking are lumpwood and briquettes.
Lumpwood charcoal is made from hardwood logs that have been heat treated in an oxygen-free environment, resulting in charcoal pieces that are irregularly shaped and vary in size. Lumpwood charcoal burns hotter and faster than briquettes but it doesn’t last as long.
Briquettes are made from sawdust, wood chips, and other materials that have been heat-treated in an oxygen-free environment and then compressed into uniform shapes. Briquettes burn longer than lumpwood charcoal but they don’t get as hot.
The best BBQ charcoal will depend on how and what you are planning on cooking!
How To Cook on a Charcoal Barbecue
At first, setting up a charcoal barbecue and cooking can seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by adding high-quality charcoal briquettes or lumpwood charcoal to the grill and lighting them using natural firelighters.
- Once the BBQ coals are lit, wait until they turn grey before spreading them evenly across the grate.
- Place your food on the grill and close the lid.
- Adjust the vents to control the airflow and temperature.
- Cook your food as desired, making sure to check it regularly and turn it as needed.
- When you’re done cooking, let the coals cool before discarding them in a safe manner. It is recommended that you allow 48 hours to allow the ashes to cool down completely.
For more information, check out our guide on mistakes to avoid when charcoal barbecuing!
When is Charcoal Ready to Cook On?
When your barbecue charcoal is ready to cook with, you’ll know it by its colour and texture. The charcoal should be glowing a light grey with a few patches of white ash. If the coals are still black or dark grey, they’re not hot enough for cooking. You can also test the temperature of the coals by holding your hand about 5 inches away from them; if you can hold it there for 4-5 seconds, the coals are hot enough for cooking.
Other Sustainable Fuel Options
Firewood logs are also ideal for heating up your log fire, outdoor stove, pizza oven or campfire. If you’re cooking, you could add some barbecue wood chips to add flavour to your food that are easy to use and are available in many flavours, such as citrus, whiskey, applewood, olive wood, and more.
Overall, it really comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking for in your barbecue experience. If you’re willing to put in the extra effort, charcoal can offer a unique flavour that makes your food stand out.
The Best BBQ Charcoal From Green Olive Firewood
We are proud to produce consistent quality barbecue charcoal for all your cooking needs. Our barbecue charcoal is made from 100% natural hardwood, with no additives or chemicals.
With our organic charcoal, you can enjoy a long and satisfying grilling experience. Our incredible quality lumpwood charcoal can burn for up to 4 hours, while our high-quality briquettes can last for 2.5 to 3 hours. Whether you want to grill meat or vegetables, our organic charcoal will deliver a high-quality and consistent performance in addition to producing minimal smoke and no harmful chemicals. Don’t settle for ordinary charcoal products when you can upgrade your grilling game with our premium organic charcoal!