Charcoal grilling isn’t just cooking – it’s a ritual. The fire, the smoke, the sizzle… it’s where flavour is born. But if you’ve ever stood in the charcoal aisle wondering, “Should I use lump or briquettes?” – you’re not alone.
This guide breaks down the differences between lump and briquette charcoal, the best ways to light your grill, and how to master heat control — so you’ll know what fuel to use, how to start it, and when to go direct or indirect.
Why Choose Charcoal Over Gas?
Gas may be convenient, but charcoal delivers something special:
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Flavour – That rich, smoky, wood-fired taste propane can’t match.
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Heat – Higher direct heat for steakhouse-quality sears and caramelized crusts.
- Tradition – The satisfaction of building and managing a fire — it’s part of the experience.
Lump vs Briquette Charcoal
🔥 Lump Charcoal
- Made from 100% hardwood – no additives, no chemicals.
- Burns hotter and faster than briquettes.
- Produces a clean, bold wood flavour.
- Best for quick, high-heat cooks like steaks, chops, and burgers.
- Recommended Lump Charcoal:
- Looking to stock up? Here are some of our most popular lump charcoal options to elevate your next cookout:
- African Superior Lump Charcoal – Floral flavour, long burn, sustainably sourced.
- Big Boy Hardwood Lump – Extra-large chunks for longer burns and fewer refuels. 22lb bags provide extra value.
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Buffalo Lump Charcoal – Hickory | Oak | Mesquite – Hickory = smoky, Oak = steady, Mesquite = bold & aromatic.
- Jealous Devil Chunx XL – South American hardwood, more heat, less ash.
- Big Green Egg Lump – Oak & Hickory – Pure carbonized wood, no additives.
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Kamado Joe Big Block – Dense hardwood XL lumps, reusable up to 3x.
🔥 Briquette Charcoal
- Formed from charcoal by-products with natural starch binders.
- Burns at a lower, consistent temperature for longer periods.
- Ideal for low-and-slow cooks like ribs, chicken, roasts, or turkey.
- Great for beginners — steady heat means less guesswork.
👉 Pro Tip: Keep both on hand. Use lump charcoal when you need searing heat, and briquettes when you’re smoking or cooking over hours.
Recommended Briquettes:
- Blues Hog Charcoal Briquettes – 100% natural hardwood with Southern hickory for smoky flavour and long burn.
- Weber Charcoal Briquettes – Consistently sized, long-burning 100% hardwood, in a resealable 20 lb bag.
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Cowboy Hardwood Briquets – Cleaner burn, authentic wood-smoked flavour, no fillers or chemicals.
👉 Ember Members Loyalty Program Perk: Collect points on every bag of charcoal or pellets. Reach 250 points and earn $25 back — like buying 10, getting 1 free!
Choosing Your Charcoal Grill
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Kettle Grill → Affordable, portable, and beginner-friendly. Perfect for backyard basics or camping trips.
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Kamado Style Grill → Ceramic, heat-retaining, and built for long cooks. Great for brisket, pork shoulder, or turkey.
How to Light a Charcoal Grill (Without Lighter Fluid)
Skip the lighter fluid — it leaves a chemical taste. Instead, try these foolproof methods:
✅ Chimney Starter (Best Method)
Fill the chimney with charcoal, place newspaper or a fire starter underneath, and light. In 15–20 minutes, your coals are glowing and ashy — ready to pour.
Recommended Chimneys:
- Big Boy The Smokestack Charcoal Chimney – Deep chamber design gets coals hot fast.
- Weber Rapid-fire Chimney Starter – Cone-shaped grate for quick, even lighting.
✅ Electric Starters
Electric starters are fast, safe, and reliable–just plug in and go.
Recommended Electric Starters:
- Grill Pro Electric Charcoal Starter – Simple, effective, eco-friendly.
- Big Boy The Big Bad Wolf Electric Charcoal Wand – Multi-setting wand, staff pick for quick ignition.
- EGGniter Electric Charcoal Lighter – Designed for kamado lovers, uses super-heated air to light lump fast.
✅ Fire Starters
Compact and reliable, especially handy in Kamado Style Grills like Big Green Eggs.
Recommended Fire Starters:
- Flamers Natural Fire Starters – Eco-friendly, long burn, instant ignition.
- Big Boy Fire-Starter Squares – Compact, quick-lighting, camping essential.
- Meeco Firelighter Squares – Sure-start squares, even light when wet.
- Meeco Safety Matches – Extra-long matches with strike-anywhere tips.
👉 See our full Fire Starters Collection — including chimneys, electrics, and more.
Direct vs Indirect Cooking
Mastering heat control is the secret to great barbecue.
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Direct Heat → Coals directly under the food. Best for burgers, hot dogs, chops, and steaks.
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Indirect Heat → Coals on one side, food on the other. Perfect for ribs, roasts, or whole chickens.
Final Thoughts: Lump or Briquettes?
So, which is better? The truth is — it depends on what you’re cooking.
- Use lump charcoal for high-heat grilling and bold flavour.
- Use briquettes for steady, long burns and low-and-slow BBQ.
Charcoal grilling is part science, part art, and 100% fun. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at managing heat, timing, and flavour. With the right fuel and the right tools, you’ll master the flame and unlock incredible taste.
⭐ Special thanks to our Barbecues Galore Edmonton team for the original Charcoal 101 pamphlet, and to Marisa and Crystal from our Burlington team for updating this guide with practical tips and friendly advice for today’s grillers.
