Any preference on charcoal?

[oldbay]

Anyone have an preference on what charcoal they use? I like Kingsford, and occasionally use the Cowboy lump charcoal if I'm cooking something like a steak or burgers. I think the Kingsford matchlight never finishes vaporizing the lighter fluid. And the other brands of charcoal don't light as well or cook as well as Kingsford.

My 2 cents

Rob

[tinker]

For me, any kind of rough charcoal will do. It brings out all the flavor. One downside to this is that they burn shorter than briquettes. But it depends on the type of cooking, really.

[Bandaloop]

I use Kingsford mostly, but that's just because of name recognition. But you're right, it never seems to burn all the lighter fluid away. There's nothing quite like bitting down into a burger and tasting lighter fluid.

[alice.b.toklas]

I disagree. Kingsford is superior to the bags of junk briquets loaded with coal. Kingsford is made from wood without fillers. The other brands mix in coal. They ain't the same.

[DrPepper]

We have a gas grill. But it's so much easier to just light the grill and be ready to go. I'm not sure I'd go back to charcoal after using the gas grill.

My parents use charcoal and they won't buy anything but Kingsford. A friend of ours likes the lump Cowboy brand charcoal made from scrap wood. It burns faster and hotter then the Kingsford.

[aeiou]

If you are tasting the lighter fluid on your grilled foods you are not letting the coals heat up enough to burn up all the lighter fluid that was used to start charcoal or you need to use a little less lighter fluid to start the charcoal. When you let the coals heat up about 10-15 minutes before cooking it allows the lighter fluid to burn up completely. Once the charcoal is well heated then place your food on the grill.

[khartman]

I noticed that Lowes has the Cowboy lump charcoal in stock right now. It was on the right as I walked in the door. Quiet prominent.

[peacherina]

My preference is charcoal. I just love the smoky flavor. I have tried grilled but it just doesnt suit me. We dont currently have a grill but are looking to get one soon.

[aeiou]

I agree the smoky flavor of charcoal is the best when BBQing. If you prefer charcoal over gas I recommend getting a Weber grill. They are built well and last a long time. The newer ones have plastic handles instead of the wooden ones that weathered over time. I have the large kettle version on my deck and a smaller kettle one for the beach. Don't know what I would do without my Weber grill.

[Traciray]

My Dad only uses Kingsford and has been for years, he doesn't believe in using a gas grill.