View Full Version : Cowboy or BGE Lumps
dechols
03-04-2012, 08:25 AM
I have used both, the BGE seems to have more "large" lumps, but as far as cooking, I can't tell much difference. (other than the price) Am I missing something else?:confused:
shirknwrk
03-04-2012, 08:29 AM
Royal Oak (Wal-Mart and Restaurant Depot) makes BGE lump... It's just as good and cheaper.
dr13900
03-04-2012, 08:30 AM
BGE lump burns more consistently with less ash.
Garyclaw
03-04-2012, 08:35 AM
I think it was Cowboys that I found stange objects in.:shock:
Like........plywood. I think Gore said he found that too.
I'm pretty sure it was Cowboys.
dechols
03-04-2012, 08:39 AM
I know that's what they say...but have you witnessed this? I feel the Cowboy lumps are just as consistent and don't produce any more ash. If you have actually seen this, I respect your comment. I just don't want to continue paying twice as much for the BGE lumps if the difference is minimal. BUT, if the majority feel the BGE lumps are better, I will continue with those.
Thanks again
redvert05
03-04-2012, 08:40 AM
Regarding "strange objects" being found......I pulled a two fist size piece of fiberglass insulation from a bag of R/O this past season! :shocked: Plywood I could have dealt with.....insulation??.......just sayin!
I guess I did not expect that from the R/O!
rawtalent
03-04-2012, 08:43 AM
Cowboy used to have plywood, wood baseboard etc in it but now it seems to be nice lumps of logwood. I have no problem using it. Have found stones in RO.
dechols
03-04-2012, 08:44 AM
I think it was Cowboys that I found stange objects in.:shock:
Like........plywood. I think Gore said he found that too.
I'm pretty sure it was Cowboys.
Now this makes me more nervous!! I just opened my second bag of Cowboys last night for an all nighter (2 butts)
My first bag, I could not see much difference. But, since I was already on the forum this AM, I thought why not ask the quy's who know MUCH more than I do.
Thanks so much..
kennyd0118
03-04-2012, 08:50 AM
I am using a bag of Wicked Good Weekend Warrior. I just did 2 Butts over night.
So far I am loving it. Huge pieces. Sometimes I even break a few of them.
The BGE ran all night holding a steady temp. Lit fast and doesn't seem to produce much ash. It's also $8 cheaper per 22# bag. I'm sold on it.
-Kenny
Hozman
03-04-2012, 08:56 AM
I have never used cowboy so take this for what it is worth.
Last weekend I attended a cooking class on ribs and chicken. The first 15-20 minutes was lump vs. charcoal. The main point that came out of the talk was never use cowboy. Saying it is made in Mexico with no regulations and is made up of flooring scrap, ect. Stuff that US regs would not allow.
Again just going off what instructor said cause I have never used it.
Hankdad1
03-04-2012, 09:03 AM
I've found Cowboy to spark quite a bit and throw ash onto the meat. I've been pretty happy with RO, it's priced right and convenient for me to get. But last night I opened a new bag and noticed a bad smell coming from the Performer. There was 1 piece that was flaming and throwing off an acrid tar like smoke. When I pulled it off with the tongs it just fell apart and continued to burn. I have no idea what it was.
Ron_L
03-04-2012, 09:50 AM
There is a change of strange objects in any lump. The move the stuff around with front-end loaders, etc and stuff can get picked up. BGE lump is typically larger chunks and I've never found a strange object in it. I have found a fair share of rocks in regular RO, but I have found plywood, floor boards, un-burnt wood, old beer cans and all kind of other stuff in Cowboy, and I've only used two or three bags! I had a bag laying around that was a freebie that I use to burn in my BWS but that's all I would use it for.
Abelman
03-04-2012, 09:52 AM
I have used Cowboy and didn't like it as it sparks a lot and I have found plywood in the bag. I have also used BGE lump as I run a LG egg. It's great lump but as other have said, it's made by Royal Oak and marked up quite a bit.
I buy Royal Oak from Walmart. I just pull up to the garden center, go in, pay and leave. Very quick. A 10# bag costs $6 or so.
Since I live in a cold climate, I stock up each fall as they discontinue it until Spring.
thillin
03-04-2012, 10:16 AM
I buy Royal Oak from Walmart. I just pull up to the garden center, go in, pay and leave. Very quick. A 10# bag costs $6 or so..
You will notice that the 10lb bag has now turned into an 8.8lb bag for the same price.
I've found rocks in every brand of lump I've tried, and i've tried many. I will never use Cowboy or Best of the West again. Don't even like the smoke smell along with the sparks. From what I've read, insullation found in bags are from the kiln walls. Same as for rocks or concrete (kiln walls and floor). I really like Ozark oak, but don't like to pay $1/lb in the area, so RO wins out for consistency and price.
BTW, only found insullation once, a metal band and have a nice rock collection for various bags.
Jay Gee
03-04-2012, 10:24 AM
Fledgling experience:
BGE: one bag experience - liked it and thought it was the best (at the same time, not worth the extra $$$)
RO: 30-40 bags experience - good stuff, my go to and the right price. Very close second behind BGE. (no foreign objects but un/under charred wood in a few bags)
Cowboy: used one time and never again, sparks like mad and thought I was going to catch something on fire when starting in my chimney. It's specific smoke flavor wasn't what I was looking for. (didn't find any foreign objects in my one bag though)
...bought three bags of RO at Walmart last month b/c they didn't carry it for a couple winter months. Went back this morning and they didn't even have a bag nor an empty shelf where it should be stocked. Guess I'll be buying six+ bags next time I find it!
Sly-one
03-04-2012, 10:28 AM
I've been using Cowboy and haven't found anything unusual in it. It's burned consistently for me (once I learned how to use it) and have not really had a sparking issue.
ozlites
03-04-2012, 10:30 AM
I had red brick rocks in the last bag of Cowboy I bought....
BigBellyBBQ
03-04-2012, 10:37 AM
Cowboy brand should put a warning lable on the bag..to wear proper eye safety glasses and wear fireproof apron! Burning cowboy is like having the 4th of July fireworks...sparks flying every where!!! I have burned a few bags of the Big Geeen egg and it seemed okay...But what i try to get is Malis brand, real nice BIG lumps of hardwood..then Royal Oak...rest depot caries it around here...I have probably burned a thousand bags over the years, yes I have seen some hard clay or a rock..but overall quaility is real good..I have used cowboy in a pinch, but I try to never put myself in that position..yes I have found plywood in there..
caliking
03-04-2012, 11:00 AM
With the BGE lump, you pay a pretty penny for the Big Green Bag it comes in. Made by the same folks as RO, but I got fed up of finding random chit (concrete, rocks, insulation, flooring/trim scraps, etc) in the bags of RO. I switched to Stubbs briqs last year when Lowes had a BOGO sale and love it. For lump ( mainly for my tandoor), I now use B & B which I think works pretty well - I usually find a good mix of larger chunks with smaller pieces.
dechols
03-04-2012, 12:37 PM
Thanks to everyone for your replies!! The info was very helpful!!
Catfish Charlie
03-04-2012, 12:57 PM
Thanks to everyone for your replies!! The info was very helpful!!
http://www.nakedwhiz.com/lump.htm
JMSetzler
03-04-2012, 01:16 PM
Which lump has the most consistently sized pieces in the bag? When I picked up the new Kamado last week I grabbed two bags of the Cowboy, knowing that it was one of the least popular brands. I just got it because it was convenient. I didn't find any 'crud' in the first of the two bags but the size of the pieces was all over the place from 'logs' that were 8 or 9 inches long with a 2-3" diameter to chunks that would fall through the charcoal grate.
someAZdude
03-04-2012, 03:23 PM
I bought several bags (12 or so) of Cowboy last year on sale. A lot of it was fine but there was several times that I found strange things in it. Not rocks but more like plastic looking stuff. Maybe it was fiberglass. I don't use that stuff anymore. I have been using the Costco brand of mesquite lump and the logs can be a problem as their consistency is lacking but I find it makes for interesting cooks. Just have to be more creative and ready for action. I recently purchased a bag of The Good One and am very impressed with the quality.
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