Stubbs vs Trader Joe's briquettes

[TXNewbie]

So I've been using TJ's a lot lately and gotten used to it. I like it. But with all the comments on how great Stubbs is, and seeing it on sale at Lowes I picked up a few bags to try.

To be brief - not a fan for grilling, though I will use the left over for my smoker.

I prepared on two back-to-back nights burgers to compare the two with family in town for multiple opinions. It was unanimous.

• I filled up my chimney to the same spot on both nights.
• I used the same exact spot on my Assassin grill.
• I gave them the same time in the grill to get set.
• I seasoned the burgers the same exact way with Carne Costa rub.
• I used the same amount of sliced cheese.
• I even made sure the ambient temp was quite similar.

Observations:

• Holy molly, the Stubbs took forever and ever and ever to actually ash over in the chimney.
• By the time it was ready to be put in the grill, the volume of briquettes in the chimney had degreased about 15% with a considerable ash pile underneath.
• The burgers did not sizzle when I put the burgers on the Stubbs. It seems as though they did not run nearly as hot as the TJ's.
• When I put the burgers on the TJ's, you noticed the wonderful aroma of the Carne Costa rub. Never got that aroma with the Stubbs.
• The burgers with TJ's had a much better crust than the Stubbs.
• The burgers did not taste as good with the Stubbs as the TJ's.

I'm not saying the Stubbs is bad. I Think it will work fine in my smoker. But for me, with the way I cook using my grill, I like the TJ's for more heat intensive cooking.

 

[Deebo]

I never thought of trying Trader Joes charcoal briquettes. I don't know why since I do get a lot of other stuff from TJs. I'll definitely give it a try now. How pricey is it?

 

[CptKaos]

Have you tried HEB grand champion briquettes. I like them a lot more than kbb just picked some up $8 for 15#

Larry

 

[upStomp]

I've never had an issue with Stubb's. My local Lowe's stopped carrying it in favor of Cowboy Briqs (which produces Stubb's anyway, from what I hear). Still, I'd love to try the TJ briqs if they're priced competitively.

 

[TXNewbie]

Have you tried HEB grand champion briquettes. I like them a lot more than kbb just picked some up $8 for 15#

Larry

There is only Central Market's around me - no HEB's.

 

[TXNewbie]

I've never had an issue with Stubb's. My local Lowe's stopped carrying it in favor of Cowboy Briqs (which produces Stubb's anyway, from what I hear). Still, I'd love to try the TJ briqs if they're priced competitively.

It is definitely a bit more expensive than Stubb's. I'm paying $5.99 a bag and the bag is not as big as Stubbs.

 

[CptKaos]

I figured by your name that you were in Texas.

Larry

 

[TXNewbie]

I figured by your name that you were in Texas.

Larry

I am - but only Central Market's here (a higher end HEB).

 

[Tannhauser42]

Yeah, HEB is really dragging its feet on moving into the DFW area here in Texas. They've been here with Central Market for years.

 

[TXNewbie]

I don't think I've seen charcoal at Central Market. However going forward I think the Trader Joe's charcoal is a real winner. I have a bag of B&B briquettes I got at Academy I do need to try, though.