Lump Charcoal vs. Briquettes

[Dr. Jeff]

Okay you bbq freaks, let me know what you think. When we got our lake house it had a charcoal grill which I haven't used in forever (I've been a gas man) but I'm starting to love it. I grabbed a bag of Lump Charcoal this last weekend, and I don't think I have the hang of it yet. Loved the flavor, but DAMN it burned out fast.

Who uses what and why?

[36Tango]

I always use 100% lump charcoal in my Big Green Eggs. There are no fillers or fluids in this charcoal. I have had a bag last me most of the season, as I only use a handful whenever I grill. The key to it is to control the air getting to the fire. This could be done via the top shutter, the bottom shutter, or both. I typically only have mine open about 1/8 to 1/4" in the Eggs. I never burn it without the lid on it unless I am getting it hot (1000 to 1200 degrees) to sear steaks. When I am done I close the shutters, the fire goes out, and I use the same charcoal next time. A bag of lump charcoal leaves very little ash when burnt, so you do not even need to empty it as often. I always use The Big Green Egg brand (patio store next to Lowes), but I will bet that it is all the same stuff.
Good luck, and I bet that you would not have any problem finding some test subjects to help you get it dialed in.
Check out biggreenegg.com and you will find out more about lump charcoal.

[Christian]

Lump is in the brand an dhow you light it. Find Ozark oak if you can and stay away from Cowboy brand. The best lump is the BGE coconut stuff but it is pricy and hard to find.

Depending on you grill arrange the charcoal in a mound and make it like a volcano with a depression in the center. Take a few pieces and start them in your charcoal chimney (you have a chimney correct :mrgreen: ) use you tongs once they are red hot and place them in the depression in the mound and they will slowly light each other and burn hotter and longer.

if you are doing steaks or somehting else where you want a very high grate temp (>800 degrees) to sear the steaks then full the chimney with lump and pour it in the depression let it get going then spread it out evenly and you will have a very hot fire for an hour or so.

NEVER USE LIGHTER FLUID WITH LUMP

you pay for gas, beer and steaks and I will drive over and teach you how to grill with lump [smilie=042.gif] :mrgreen:

[Christian]

Hey greta minds think alike. I wish I would have known they sell BGE lump I would have filled the excursion coming home :mrgreen:

Keep in mind that the BGE is a LOT more insulated and efficent that the standard weber kettle.

The BGE will be my next grill. But god I love my Fast Eddy, pellets are your friend, now if I could just selll my Jedmaster [smilie=crazy]

[eddie]

Get a weber and move on.......I've tasted plenty of lighter fluid meat in my days :roll: you have boating to do, not cooking out....

[Christian]

Get a weber and move on.......I've tasted plenty of lighter fluid meat in my days :roll: you have boating to do, not cooking out....

That is just blasphemy, keep talking like that and no more pulled pork or ABTs for you [smilie=265.gif]

[ASH]

DJ last time you grilled for me I noticed you did not have a chimney to start the charcoal......It starts WAY faster and uses a piece of newspaper in the bottom instead of using any lighter fluid (no gassy taste)........... You can pick them up at any outdoor store for around $10.......Cant help on the flavor part.......I do however love Big Green Eggs!!!!!!!!!!

[Wildcat]

I too have had trouble with it burning faster than i like, but I had the cheap Cowboy stuff. I think shutting down the vents and getting better stuff is the key.

As far as I'm concerned, charcoal is the only way to grill/bbq...

All hardwood fires for low-slow smokin' (BBQ).

[Dr. Jeff]

DJ last time you grilled for me I noticed you did not have a chimney to start the charcoal......It starts WAY faster and uses a piece of newspaper in the bottom instead of using any lighter fluid (no gassy taste)........... You can pick them up at any outdoor store for around $10.......Cant help on the flavor part.......I do however love Big Green Eggs!!!!!!!!!!

Actually we have one, I just didn't know where it was when you came over. :oops:

[T-rock]

After cooking some great steaks and a few drinks my next door neighbor started pushing his brand new big green egg into the garage. The wheel caught on an expansion joint and well, when they fall over they crack like eggs too.:mrgreen:

[Baja Tender]

I have thought about getting one of those big green eggs but WOW!!!!!!!!!! They dont give them away either.

[36Tango]

I have thought about getting one of those big green eggs but WOW!!!!!!!!!! They dont give them away either.

I have one at the lake and one at home. Without a doubt the best grill around. The first one that I bought is 13 years old, and it is as good as it was the day I brought it home. I burn nothing but BGE lump charcoal. NOTHING will do a steak better.