Lump vs. Briquets

AlbuQue · 05-27-2008, 12:56 PM

I'm interested in what everyone thinks about the advantages and disadvantages of lump and briquets, considering Loews has Kingsford fo 22 cents a pound and HD is at 23 cents and I bought my first RO lump at Walmart for 56 cents a pound.

91vw03 · 05-27-2008, 01:16 PM

The RO lump produces less ash, which made it easier to control the temps. Almost set and forget. With the briquets the amount of ash seems to fill in the space below and block the airflow. This is all in my chargriller offset. I'm thinking a charcoal basket would help.

Also the lump produced a better taste? More like wood and less like filler?

zabor16 · 05-27-2008, 02:00 PM

I am a firm believer in lump, don't care for the flavor of briquets. Primarily use BGE lump or when they are out of that Patio Chef lump but will go for RO when the others are not available.

thillin · 05-27-2008, 02:11 PM

Depends on your cooker type. Some do better with lump, some do better with briquets. Lump burns hotter and produces less ash, and cleaner taste to me. Briquets are more consistant heat due to regular shape. Being said, I only used briquets for a coal base, then switched to wood with my offset. My Green Eggs only use lump, never briquets.

cmcadams · 05-27-2008, 02:18 PM

Lump has a huge variation in quality, so it's not really lump vs. briquettes. Briquettes have some variation, but not as much.

www.nakedwhiz.com is the best known site for lump reviews known to man... And I get Humphrey for a decent price locally, which I like best.

CaptGrumpy · 05-27-2008, 03:30 PM

Health reason #1 why not to use briquettes is the 7 chemicals used to bind the briquette that are cancer causing.
#2 the taste is not nearly as tasty. Something about the taste of pressed coal that is not appealing to my palate.
#3 lump burns cleaner and did I mention lump has no chemicals
#4 less ash with lump
#5 A bag of Lazzri Mesquite Lump Coal is $14which is 35 cents/lb
#6 lump burns hotter than briquettes
#7 lump burns longer than briquettes
#8 you are not putting cancer causing agents into your family when you use lump
#9 lump rocks!

Harbormaster · 05-27-2008, 03:43 PM

Capt Grumpy nailed it.
As a caveat, however, not all briquettes are the same.
Searching this site you may read about Rancher, which is a natural briquette, bound only with plant starch. It has no foul odor, no coal. Just charcoal and starch. I understand Wicked Good briquettes are much the same.
I have not touched regular briquettes in years. I can smell ammonia, petroleum, and coal when they are burning.
Keep in mind, this is my opinion and my observations. I am a humble backyard cook.

jazzspot · 05-27-2008, 03:48 PM

The only briquette type charcoal that I've used in the last 4 years is the Rancher that HomeDepot had available last year. I still have 14 bags left. I usually use Royal Oak or Wicked Good lump.

Sawdustguy · 05-27-2008, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptGrumpy

Health reason #1 why not to use briquettes is the 7 chemicals used to bind the briquette that are cancer causing.
#2 the taste is not nearly as tasty. Something about the taste of pressed coal that is not appealing to my palate.
#3 lump burns cleaner and did I mention lump has no chemicals
#4 less ash with lump
#5 A bag of Lazzri Mesquite Lump Coal is $14which is 35 cents/lb
#6 lump burns hotter than briquettes
#7 lump burns longer than briquettes
#8 you are not putting cancer causing agents into your family when you use lump
#9 lump rocks!

Capt. I agree with all except #1 and #7. Some briquettes use only simple starch as a binder. Some may use chemicals but not all. I also disagree with #7. Lump burns much faster than briquettes. It burns hotter because it burns at a faster rate. Most people with charcoal smokers would be better off using a good quality briquette because of the longer burn time. Grilling however is all about lump charcoal.

icemn62 · 05-27-2008, 04:01 PM

why not combine the two?

Sledneck · 05-27-2008, 04:02 PM

Here is my first experience from this past weekend trying to save some cash by going with the kinsford sale stuff. http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=43157

MattCom · 05-27-2008, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptGrumpy

Health reason #1 why not to use briquettes is the 7 chemicals used to bind the briquette that are cancer causing.
#2 the taste is not nearly as tasty. Something about the taste of pressed coal that is not appealing to my palate.
#3 lump burns cleaner and did I mention lump has no chemicals
#4 less ash with lump
#5 A bag of Lazzri Mesquite Lump Coal is $14which is 35 cents/lb
#6 lump burns hotter than briquettes
#7 lump burns longer than briquettes
#8 you are not putting cancer causing agents into your family when you use lump
#9 lump rocks!

I don't see 7 cancer causing chemicals in the list of ingredients.
Where'd you get that info?
http://virtualweberbullet.com/charcoal.html

Says there nothing toxic in Briquettes...

Norcoredneck · 05-27-2008, 04:29 PM

I think if K had that many and as bad as you say they would restrict its selling or atleast have large warning labels.

AlbuQue · 05-27-2008, 07:28 PM

Thanks for all the comments! Sunday I used about 75% RO and 25% K in my drum for 2 butts and 1 brisket. It held at 225 from 11:00pm Sunday to 1:30pm on Monday and still had plenty to go longer. I have used only Kingsford before but not lump only. I'll try lump only next weekend.

BBQ Enthusiast · 05-27-2008, 08:41 PM

mmm good info and opinions on this subject I'll have to get my popcorn and sit down for awhile.

05-27-2008, 04:01 PM	#10
icemn62 Babbling Farker Join Date: 07-10-04 Location: Los Angeles, CA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	why not combine the two? __________________ Weber Kettle, WSM, CharBroil Gas Grill, George Foreman Grilll I AM LOVING THE SMOKE WARNING: The consumption of alcohol may create the illusion that you are tougher,smarter, faster and better looking than most people.

05-27-2008, 04:02 PM	#11
Sledneck is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 12-04-05 Location: Wantagh, NY Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Here is my first experience from this past weekend trying to save some cash by going with the kinsford sale stuff. http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=43157 __________________ BBQ Illuminati Blog Disclaimer: The poster does not take any responsibility for any bad feelings or sense of exclusion that the reader of this post may have-whether real or imagined. Reading threads poses inherent risks. The poster of this thread would like to also remind readers to make sure they have a functional sense of humor before they visit any discussion board.

05-27-2008, 04:29 PM	#13
Norcoredneck somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 07-11-06 Location: Norco, Ca. Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I think if K had that many and as bad as you say they would restrict its selling or atleast have large warning labels. __________________ *Low and Slow.....* *The Prontologist is in...* *Ok let's see your Butt!*

05-27-2008, 08:41 PM	#15
BBQ Enthusiast Got Wood. Join Date: 05-17-08 Location: Antelope CA. Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	mmm good info and opinions on this subject I'll have to get my popcorn and sit down for awhile. __________________ weber kettle & UDS2.0

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05-27-2008, 12:56 PM	#1
AlbuQue Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 03-23-08 Location: Albuquerque, NM Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Lump vs. Briquets I'm interested in what everyone thinks about the advantages and disadvantages of lump and briquets, considering Loews has Kingsford fo 22 cents a pound and HD is at 23 cents and I bought my first RO lump at Walmart for 56 cents a pound.

05-27-2008, 01:16 PM	#2
91vw03 Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 05-30-07 Location: West Chester,Oh Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	The RO lump produces less ash, which made it easier to control the temps. Almost set and forget. With the briquets the amount of ash seems to fill in the space below and block the airflow. This is all in my chargriller offset. I'm thinking a charcoal basket would help. Also the lump produced a better taste? More like wood and less like filler? __________________ --Andy Char-griller pro deluxe w/SFB 22.5" weber kettle (rescue)

05-27-2008, 02:00 PM	#3
zabor16 Knows what a fatty is. Join Date: 07-08-07 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	I am a firm believer in lump, don't care for the flavor of briquets. Primarily use BGE lump or when they are out of that Patio Chef lump but will go for RO when the others are not available. __________________ Jim KCBS CBJ Moded Masterbuilt Offset 18" Weber Kettle

05-27-2008, 02:11 PM	#4
thillin somebody shut me the fark up. Join Date: 07-21-04 Location: Keller, Texas Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Depends on your cooker type. Some do better with lump, some do better with briquets. Lump burns hotter and produces less ash, and cleaner taste to me. Briquets are more consistant heat due to regular shape. Being said, I only used briquets for a coal base, then switched to wood with my offset. My Green Eggs only use lump, never briquets. __________________ Med Spicewine-adopted 3/13/10 *CL Score* 2 Large BGEs(pimped out w/Thirdeye Eggcessories)-hatched 6/4/07 & 4/20/11 Med BGE-adopted 2/2/08 *CL Score* -SOLD Mini BGE-adopted 1/31/08 *CL Score* Traeger 075-adopted 12/3/11 CL Score Weber 1 touch *CL Score* Weber Spirit 500 *CL Score* Weber Smokey Joe Silver *CL Score* BLUE & RED Thermapens Klose 20x42-SOLD Paddlin Pigs BBQ Ty

05-27-2008, 02:18 PM	#5
cmcadams Quintessential Chatty Farker Join Date: 02-15-06 Location: Waynesville, Ohio Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Lump has a huge variation in quality, so it's not really lump vs. briquettes. Briquettes have some variation, but not as much. www.nakedwhiz.com is the best known site for lump reviews known to man... And I get Humphrey for a decent price locally, which I like best. __________________ Curt McAdams Livefire Blog Livefire Whisky CBJ, some comps, a few awards, Certified Artisan Steak Taster. XL Big Green Egg, Bubba Keg Convection Grill, Weber Kettle, Charbroil Infrared and mad livefire cooking skillz! :)

05-27-2008, 03:30 PM	#6
CaptGrumpy is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 03-03-08 Location: Sacramento, CA Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Health reason #1 why not to use briquettes is the 7 chemicals used to bind the briquette that are cancer causing. #2 the taste is not nearly as tasty. Something about the taste of pressed coal that is not appealing to my palate. #3 lump burns cleaner and did I mention lump has no chemicals #4 less ash with lump #5 A bag of Lazzri Mesquite Lump Coal is $14which is 35 cents/lb #6 lump burns hotter than briquettes #7 lump burns longer than briquettes #8 you are not putting cancer causing agents into your family when you use lump #9 lump rocks! __________________ [SIZE=3][COLOR=black][B][U]Team Grumpy[/U][/B][/COLOR][/SIZE] [COLOR=blue][I]Stone Cold Killas- If it moves, we kill it & then BBQ it! [/I][/COLOR] [COLOR=blue][I]We don't care what it is so you had better sit real still![/I][/COLOR] [COLOR=red]Red Thermapen & Red Guru DigiQII[/COLOR] [COLOR=darkgreen]Extra Large Big Green Egg [/COLOR][SIZE=1][COLOR=yellowgreen]adopted 13JUN08[/COLOR][/SIZE] [COLOR=darkgreen]Large Big Green Egg[/COLOR] [SIZE=1][COLOR=yellowgreen]adopted 25MAR08[/COLOR][/SIZE] [COLOR=darkgreen]Small Big Green Egg[/COLOR] [SIZE=1][COLOR=yellowgreen]adopted 01JUN08[/COLOR][/SIZE]

05-27-2008, 03:43 PM	#7
Harbormaster Quintessential Chatty Farker Join Date: 07-14-06 Location: Wyocena, WI Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Capt Grumpy nailed it. As a caveat, however, not all briquettes are the same. Searching this site you may read about Rancher, which is a natural briquette, bound only with plant starch. It has no foul odor, no coal. Just charcoal and starch. I understand Wicked Good briquettes are much the same. I have not touched regular briquettes in years. I can smell ammonia, petroleum, and coal when they are burning. Keep in mind, this is my opinion and my observations. I am a humble backyard cook. __________________ Clark My Boys: Joseph (EI); Andrew (EE); Daniel (EE) My Toys: 10 WSMs (B, C, DH, DA, EZ, DZ, EO, DU, DR, EE/DU mutt); Brinkman Cimmaron; Chuckwagon Cooker; 22.5" OTG (DT); Two 22.5" Bar-B-Kettles; One 18.5" Bar-B-Kettle; Red OTS (H); Smokey Joes (A, K); Genesis Silver C (DU); 3 WGAs (EZ, DE, N); 3 SJPs (DT, DU, DR). "For when democracy becomes tyranny, those of us with rifles still get to vote"

05-27-2008, 03:48 PM	#8
jazzspot On the road to being a farker Join Date: 04-12-07 Location: New Jersey Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	The only briquette type charcoal that I've used in the last 4 years is the Rancher that HomeDepot had available last year. I still have 14 bags left. I usually use Royal Oak or Wicked Good lump. __________________ [FONT=Comic Sans MS]BDS - Deluxe 2343 Char-Griller Smokin' Pro Cookshack Super Smoker 50 Exceptionally Accurate and Fast Red Thermapen [/FONT]

05-27-2008, 07:28 PM	#14
AlbuQue Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 03-23-08 Location: Albuquerque, NM Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Thanks for all the comments! Sunday I used about 75% RO and 25% K in my drum for 2 butts and 1 brisket. It held at 225 from 11:00pm Sunday to 1:30pm on Monday and still had plenty to go longer. I have used only Kingsford before but not lump only. I'll try lump only next weekend.