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Quick Summary: We have picked the FOGO 35 LB All Natural Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal as the best lump charcoal as it is handpicked from sustainably-sourced Central American oak hardwood. It provides a restaurant-quality smoked flavor, while the large lumps burn hot and long for juicy grilling and searing. It lights quickly and is ready to use in around 15 minutes.
Humanity in its primitive stage started using coal and wood to create fire for the purpose of either cooking or lightening up their surroundings. What was once assumed as a traditional tool for cooking has now made its way back into a modern man’s life in the form of lump charcoal.
Lump charcoal is basically produced by gradually burning wood pieces until its natural oxygen, sap, and moisture is burned out. Lump charcoals are versatile in use and can be used for smoking and grilling as well.
Its quality of lighting up faster and quicker has made it famous amongst Barbeque lovers as it adds the perfect smoked taste to barbequed meals.
Another important feature of charcoal is that it is free from dangerous preservatives and chemicals and is commonly available in its natural, organic form.
What makes lump charcoal superior to regular coal is that it burns hotter and reaches the highest temperature in a matter of minutes.
However, its fast burning quality does not mean that these charcoal pieces produce eye-blinding smoke or dangerous ash-rather it gives off the least amount of ash so your barbeque sessions are mess-free. Buy the best lump charcoal today and impress everyone with spicy, smoky, delicious barbeque.
Quick Navigation
- Top 10 Lump Charcoals Comparison
- Reviews of Top 10 Lump Charcoals
- Why You Should Use Lump Charcoal
- How To Choose The Top Lump Charcoal For Grilling
- FAQS
- Conclusion
10 Best Lump Charcoals Comparison
 | 1. Fogo Natural Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal (Best overall)Filled with large pieces of charcoal-these charcoal bags will quickly light up your ceramic grills, smokers, and large-sized charcoal grills. These chemical-free charcoals will uplift the flavor of your dish with a mild smokey taste. | Read Our Review |
 | 2. Jealous Devil All Natural Lump Charcoal (Best Budget)Protected with a waterproof and resealable bag, these 100 percent pure charcoal pieces have over 7000kcal/g cooking power and keep on burning for four or more hours in open grills and 20+ hours in smokers. | Read Our Review |
 | 3. Original Natural CharcoalWith just 1 and a half sheets of paper, these oversized charcoal pieces can be lit up. Made from 100 percent natural hardwood, this unique and pure charcoal does not produce any smoke or spark. | Read Our Review |
 | 4. Char Broil Center Cut Lump CharcoalMade from center-cut organic hardwood, Char-broil's small-sized lump charcoal pieces burn quicker and faster. This premium quality charcoal ensures minimum production level of smoke, sparks, and ash. | Read Our Review |
 | 5. BIG CP 20 pound bag of natural lump charcoalAdd a unique taste and aroma to your food with BIG CP lump charcoal. These charcoal pieces are made from 100 percent natural oak and hickory hardwood and are free from fillers, nitrates, and harmful chemicals. | Read Our Review |
 | 6. Royal Oak 195228021 15.4 NAT Lump CharcoalRoyal oak’s charcoal is a unique blend of renewable oak, hickory, maple, and walnut and is, therefore, 100 percent natural. In a time of 15 minutes, these charcoal pieces are ready to work in every type of grill and smoker. | Read Our Review |
 | 7. KamadoJoe KJ-Char Big Block XL Lump CharcoalWeighing only 20 pounds, this charcoal bag consists of organic lump charcoal that has the benefit of being reusable up to three times. Another quality of these pieces is their ability to burn for a long time that is up to 18 hours. | Read Our Review |
 | 8. Fogo Super Premium Hardwood Lump CharcoalBring the ultimate restaurant quality smoked taste to your dish with Fogo’s lump charcoal. This authentic hardwood charcoal is easy to light up and burns to the maximum limit to produce just the right taste. | Read Our Review |
 | 9. Rockwood All-Natural Hardwood Lump CharcoalCompatible to work with any and every type of grill, these charcoal pieces burn faster and longer. Being a product of hickory, maple and pecan enable this charcoal to add strong flavors and aroma to every dish. | Read Our Review |
 | 10. Cowboy 24220 Lump CharcoalEnhance the taste of your food with Cowboy’s lump charcoal that gets extremely hot quickly and locks in all-natural flavors. Made from renewable resources, these pieces are easy to use and light up without any lightning fluid. | Read Our Review |
Reviews Of 10 best Lump Charcoals
After analyzing multiple lump charcoal mixes, we chose the following nine to be the best due to their flavor, burn, size, and possible temperature.
Best Overall
1. FOGO 35 LB All Natural Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal
What You Will Love: It is 35 LBS of lump charcoal that provides a delicious hardwood smoked flavor.
The FOGO 35 LB All Natural Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal is a brand you can trust to provide good-sized charcoal.
The bag contains handpicked, large lumps from Central American oak providing an enjoyable oak smoked flavor.
Some of these large lumps may even be too large for regular size grill, leaving you to have to break them before using them. It lights quickly and burns hot.
In fact, it is ready to cook within 15 minutes. One thing to bear in mind, though, is that as these are larger lumps, some pieces may take a little longer to light than others. The initial price is a bit high, but you receive a lot of large charcoal.
Pros:
- Produces hardwood smoked flavor
- Restaurant quality
- Lights quickly
- Burns hotter and longer
- Great for searing
- Large lumps
- Central America oak
Cons:
- High price
- May spark
- Lumps may be too large
Best Budget
2. Jealous Devil All Natural Lump Charcoal- 20 LBS
What You Will Love: This charcoal from Jealous Devil can burn over 1170 F for over four hours in open BBQ.
The Jealous Devil Lump Charcoal- 20 LBS is a great choice for grillers who are looking for a mild hardwood smoked flavor.
Many users will find the flavor to be a little too mild for their desires. It is hand-picked sustainable South American hardwood, and you get larger pieces in the bag.
The product comes in a waterproof bag that is both resealable and easily portable thanks to its carry handle. It provides hot temperatures for long outdoor cooking periods.
However, some have noticed that it does not burn as hot as some other options, so this charcoal may not be a good choice if you want to sear your meat or need high temperatures for another reason.
Pros:
- Fair initial price
- 20 lbs. and waterproof and resealable bag
- Carry handle
- Ultra-dense South American hardwoods
- Restaurant quality
- Hot temperatures
- Long burn times
- Handpicked
- Mild flavor
Cons:
- The flavor may be too mild for some
- May burn too cool for some cooking needs
3. Original Natural Charcoal- 17.6 LB
What You Will Love: It has a blend of apple, cherry, and oak hardwood, which provide a delicious flavor and aroma.
For those who enjoy a sweet flavor when grilling, the Original Natural Charcoal- 17.6 LB is a good choice for you. It is a tasty blend of apple, cherry, and oak hardwood. It is easy to light with just a piece of paper.
Though it claims to be a “no spark” charcoal, there have been a few reports of sparking. Additionally, it burns faster and hotter than many brands. In fact, it may burn too fast and hot for some people’s cooking needs.
You may also find that it contains smaller pieces than you would like. However, if you are not satisfied with the product for any reason, they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
As there is not much to lose, it may be worth trying just for the sweet taste and aroma.
Pros:
- Fair price
- Blend of great hardwood
- Sweet and fruity flavor
- Quick to light-can use paper
- No spark
- Satisfaction guaranteed
- Hot and fast
Cons:
- May burn too fast
- Contains some smaller lumps
4. Char-Broil Center Cut Lump Charcoal- 11 LB
What You Will Love: This product contains only center cut hardwood- no bark or limbs are present- producing a cleaner burn and less ash waste.
Char-Broil Center Cut Lump Charcoal- 11 LB is a product that comes in mostly uniform sized charcoal- around 3”. However, you may find that some smaller pieces have found their way into your bag.
With the only center cut hardwood and no limbs or bark, this charcoal produces a clean burn that gives off a maximum of 3% ash waste.
That makes it a bit healthier for the environment than other options. It is lightweight and burns quickly, so it is a great option for grilling.
However, that same fast cooking makes it less than ideal for smoking meats. The 11 LB bag is also priced very fairly.
Pros:
- Low initial cost
- Organic center cut hardwoods only
- No bark or limbs
- Clean burning
- Uniform lump size-around 3”
- Faster burning with less ash
- Good for grilling
- Lightweight
- Healthier for the environment than other options
- Easier cleanup
Cons:
- Fast burning may make it unsuitable for smoking
5. Big Green Egg BIG CP Lump Charcoal- 20 LB
What You Will Love: This brand produces low waste and meets the EPA’s environmental guidelines.
The Big Green Egg BIG CP Charcoal- 20 LB bag is United States made, so it adheres to the EPA’s standards. It lights easily and is ready to use about ten minutes after lighting.
The natural premium oak and hickory wood are not carbonized- there are absolutely no additives. With this quality comes a higher price than many options, but it is a praised brand so grillers should try it at least once.
Users state that a small amount of this charcoal goes a long way. So though you are spending more upfront, it may last you longer than your normal charcoal.
You might also find that the lumps vary in size. In fact, there are many reports of the lumps being much smaller than other options, which might affect your grilling.
Pros:
- Made in the United States
- Meets EPA standards
- Premium oak and hickory
- Lights easily
- Ready in a short time
Cons:
- High price
- Size of lumps may vary
6. Royal Oak Natural Lump Charcoal- 15.4 LB
What You Will Love: This lump charcoal is great for all grills and smokers, including ceramic and kamados.
The Royal Oak Natural Lump Charcoal- 15.4 LB is an aromatic blend of sustainably sourced American oak, hickory, walnut, and maple wood.
It provides hot and slow, consistent heating for up to 18 hours while producing less ash than other brands. It may be a little difficult to get going.
However, once it is started, you can begin grilling in about 15 minutes. There are no additives or chemicals, and it is great for all griddles and offset smokers.
The lumps may vary greatly in size, and some may be small enough to fall through the grate when burning. This will add to the mess you must clean. For the quality, it is a great price.
Pros:
- Fair price
- No chemicals or additives
- The hotter and slow consistent burning
- 100% natural
- Made from oak Hickory, maple and walnut trees
- Ready in around 15 minutes
Cons:
- Different size lumps in bag
- Some small lumps may fall through grate
- May take some effort to start
7. Kamado Joe KJ Char Big Block XL Lump Charcoal
What You Will Love: This charcoal is a blend of Argentinian hardwoods.The Kamado Joe KJ- Char Charcoal- 20 LB is unique in that it is a blend of Argentinian Guayacan, Guayaibi, Mistal, and White Quebracho hardwoods.
This blend gives food a very distinctive wood flavor. Though many people love this flavor, some may not. The large lumps of charcoal are great for smoking and will burn for up to 18 hours.
It burns fast and clean, making it a little more environmentally friendly than some brands.
Unfortunately, the large lumps are inconsistent in size, and some are large enough to require further breaking before use. Additionally, it lights quickly and easily and does not produce a lot of sparks.
Pros:
- Fair price
- A tasty blend of Argentinian hardwoods
- 20 LB
- Distinct flavor loved by many users
- Large lumps
- Burns up to 18 hours
- Clean Burn
- Great for smoking
- Quick and easy lighting
Cons:
- The flavor is not suitable for everyone
- Inconsistent lump sizes
- Some lumps are too large and must be broken down further
8. Fogo Super Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal
What You Will Love: The mellow, smoky oak flavor is a favorite among grillers.
The Fogo Super Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal contains Central American oakwood trimmings. You can expect to find large lumps in the bag of charcoal.
In fact, you may find some too big to use without breaking them down. It lights fast, is ready to use in about 15 minutes, and it burns hotter for longer periods.
This makes it excellent for grilling and searing. Though it does start rather fast, some users have stated that the really large lumps take longer to start than other brands.
Also, you may notice that this charcoal sparks more than other brands do. This charcoal is restaurant quality for a low price.
Pros:
- Hand selected large lumps
- Hardwood smoked flavor
- Burns hotter longer
- Lights fast
- Made with Central American oak
- Great for searing
- Oak smoke flavor
- Ready to use in 15 minutes
Cons:
- May produce more sparks than other brands
- Some lumps are too big so you may have to break them down further by hand before use
9. Rockwood All-Natural Hardwood
What You Will Love: This lump charcoal is exclusively waste of timber mills, meaning that no trees are harmed for the creation of this charcoal.
The Rockwood All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal is a U.S. blend of Missouri hardwoods, such as hickory, oak, maple, and pecan wood.
It provides a slow burn, which results in juicier meats. It is great for all BBQs and smokers, including kamado grills. Also, it produces low waste, so it is healthier for the environment than many brands.
The lumps may vary in size, some being very small pieces. These will likely fall through the grate, creating a larger mess for you to clean. Also, the temperature may not get as warm as some other charcoals.
Pros:
- Blend of Missouri oak
- Hickory, Pecan, and maple wood
- Professional reviewers highly recommend this product
- Burns slowly
- Produces minimal ash
- Lights easily and heats quickly
- Made from renewable resources
- Great for any grill or smoker
Cons:
- Lumps vary in size
- May not get as hot as others, and may include very small lumps and other debris
10. Cowboy 24220 Lump Charcoal 20-Pound
What You Will Love: Weighing 20 pounds, Cowboy’s Lump charcoal bag is filled with 100 percent natural charcoal lump pieces. Free from any preservatives and additives, these charcoal pieces are easy to light up and burn extra hot.
Cowboy’s high-quality lump charcoal represents a unique combination of oak, hickory and maple hardwood. With a minimum amount of this charcoal, you can cook any dish quicker and faster.
The main feature of this charcoal is that it warms up very quickly. This quality enables the grilling procedure to enhance the natural taste and flavor of the dish without drying up its moisture.
Another unique feature of this charcoal is that it is produced from renewable resources. Being an environmentally friendly product makes this charcoal free from every harmful chemical and thus the cooked food is full of taste and safe to consume.
Since this charcoal is made from oak, maple, and hickory hardwood-therefore, it is easy to use and lights up quickly. You do not have to shower these charcoal pieces with flammable fluids as they can work without lightening fluids.
Pros:
- Made from natural, organic hardwood
- Lights up without the help of any lightening fluid
- Produced from renewable resources
Cons:
- Creates a bad odor
Related reading: Outdoor Grill Buying Guide
Why You Should Use Lump Charcoal
Most grill connoisseurs choose charcoal over propane when it comes to grilling because they enjoy the benefits that lump charcoal provides.
Charcoal is made from natural, pure wood- not composites- and this affects your grilling in many ways. First, it provides a smoky flavor and aroma.
Unlike composites, though, it is natural and not too intense because there are no additives or chemicals.
Different wood types will give your food a different flavor and aroma, so always check the bag you are purchasing for the types of wood included in the charcoal.
Second, the charcoal can reach extremely high temperatures- up to 1200 degrees- in moments, and it usually burns longer than propane and briquettes.
Even with the high temperatures, there is minimal waste and much less ash. Additionally, charcoal is more reactive to oxygen, so it is easier to control the flame and the temperature.
Even better is the fact that it is usually sustainably sourced. Often, lump charcoal is simply scraps from lumber and other sources that prevent cutting down additional wood.
As it is more flavorful, more natural, gets hotter for longer, and can be sustainably sourced, it has many benefits over propane and briquettes.
It is all-natural with no additives or chemicals, and it provides a very distinct smoky flavor and aroma. If you are ready to improve your grilling skills, let the lump charcoal help.
How to Choose the Top Lump Charcoal for Grilling?
If you are new to grilling or never really given it much thought, you may not know that there are actually different types of lump charcoal.
You may try to go to the store and buy the first and cheapest thing you see, thinking it is all the same. Unfortunately, that method of purchasing lump charcoal can lead to disappointment in your food, mess, and more.
The following factors are things you should consider when choosing your lump charcoal.
Lump Charcoal VS Briquettes
There tends to be a lot of debate between charcoal and briquettes. While it is mostly a personal preference, there are definite benefits with using each.
Briquettes keep a more consistent temperature, which makes them a more reliable product. However, they do come with additives making them less natural.
This can cause your meat to taste and smell weird. Lump charcoal, on the other hand, has no additives. You generally find it 100% natural, giving your food a great taste and aroma. Also, lump charcoal burns hotter for longer.
Grill Cooking Times
Just as what you are cooking will impact your tools and processes in an oven, so will it in a charcoal grill. You should consider the food item you are cooking, how thick it is, and how much time it generally takes to cook.
If it takes a long time, you should either find charcoal that burns a little slower or cut the food into smaller pieces
This will prevent the food from being charred on the outside and raw on the inside. Smaller food items will likely take less time to cook, so pay attention to how big those items are.
Adjust your amount and type of charcoal, as well as your cooking times, as needed.
Know the Materials
Different charcoal brands are made with different raw materials, each with its own burning pace and flavor. Klin-dry hardwood, oak, maple, and charred hardwood burn faster and longer than most others.
In fact, hardwood lumps are used and praised by expert chefs for their scent and the flavor that gets added to the food.
Your best bet is to first determine the type of flavor you would like your meat infused with, then purchase the charcoal that will produce that flavor.
At times, this information is printed on the product’s packaging. Other times, you will have to do a little deeper research into the options available to you.
Size of the Charcoal Pieces
The bigger the pieces of charcoal, the better they burn. Small pieces and fillers affect charcoal’s ability to burn properly. It is no secret that you get what you pay for.
In the case of charcoal, you will often find that the cheaper the bag, the more fillers, and small pieces you will have.
This might be okay if you do not mind digging around for the large pieces, but that will only leave you with about half a bag of charcoal. It will likely be cheaper to buy the good quality charcoal up front.
Know Your Cooking Goal
You will learn that different charcoals are better for different cooking. For instance, some may be better for cooking steaks while others are better for smoking.
Some create lower smoke content than others, making them better to use in apartment complexes and similar places. Knowing your cooking needs and cooking goals can lead you to choose the top lump charcoal for you.
FAQS
Is Charcoal Grilling Safe for the Environment?
This is a relative question. Because charcoal is sustainably sourced, it does benefit the environment. However, it emits higher levels of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than propane, making it less eco-friendly in that way.
The lower the quality of the materials in the lump charcoal, the higher the negative impact on the environment.
What are the Disadvantages of Charcoal?
For one thing, charcoal does not always maintain an even cooking temperature, which may make it hard to gauge the length of time you should leave an item cooking.
Also, as previously mentioned, it is not really recommended safe practice for the environment. If you do not purchase good-quality lump charcoal, you might find yourself faced with a lot of sparks and ash.
It is also very important to note that charcoal gives off carbon monoxide, so charcoal grilling should only be done in wide-open spaces.
Conclusion
The best lump charcoal is made from pure, natural ingredients like hardwood and coconut shells. It burns hotter and cleaner than other types of charcoal, making it ideal for grilling and smoking.
The ten products on our list are all made from high-quality materials and will help you create delicious meals that are sure to impress your friends and family.
To choose the right lump charcoal for your needs, be sure to check out our buyers’ guide, which includes information on the different types of charcoal and what to look for when making your purchase.
Thanks for reading, and we hope you find the perfect lump charcoal for your next cookout!
