7 Best Lump Charcoal for the Big Green Egg
The Big Green Egg grill is a popular choice among barbecue enthusiasts because of its versatility and ability to produce exceptional flavors. But to get the best results from your Big Green Egg, it’s important to use the right type of charcoal. Lump charcoal is often preferred over briquettes because of its natural composition and ability to produce high heat without excessive smoke or ash.
In this article, we will explore the seven best lump charcoal options for the Big Green Egg. We carefully selected these options based on their quality, performance, and user reviews. Whether you’re a grilling enthusiast or a professional chef, these lump coals will help you achieve excellent results with your Big Green Egg.
1. Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Jealous Devil Lump Charcoal is a fan favorite among grilling enthusiasts. Made from all-natural hardwood, this lump charcoal offers a superior burn with twice the cooking power. It produces a pure and mild flavor that enhances the taste of your grilled foods. The charcoal comes in extra-large lumps, making it ideal for use in the Big Green Egg. The resealable, waterproof bag keeps the charcoal fresh and dry.
Pros:
- Provides a superior burn with twice the cooking power.
- Provides a clean and mild flavor.
- Comes in a waterproof, resealable bag.
- Made from natural hardwood with no added chemicals or fillers.
- Available in multiple sizes.
Disadvantages:
- Packaging may cause carbon dust.
2. Royal Oak 100% Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Royal Oak Lump Charcoal is another highly rated option for the Big Green Egg. Made from a blend of oak, hickory, maple and walnut, it offers a unique combination of smoky flavors. This lump charcoal is all natural and contains no chemical additives. It burns hot and fast, so your grill will reach the desired temperature quickly. The lump charcoal comes in a natural lump shape and is compatible with various types of grills, including ceramic and Kamado-style grills.
Pros:
- Combination of wood types for a distinctive flavor.
- No chemical additives.
- Burns hot and fast.
- Suitable for any type of grilling.
Disadvantages:
- Traces of rock may be present in the charcoal.
3. Rockwood All-Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
Rockwood Lump Charcoal is made from 100% Missouri hardwoods, including a blend of oak, hickory, maple and pecan. This blend of hardwoods adds bold and flavorful notes to your grilled foods. Lump charcoal burns slowly, so the lumps last longer before they need to be replenished. It also heats up quickly and burns hotter than many other options. Plus, the environmentally friendly bags in which Rockwood Lump Charcoal is packaged make it an even more appealing choice.
Pros:
- Unique, natural shapes for optimum performance.
- Made exclusively from Missouri hardwoods.
- All-natural, renewable materials that do not involve the cutting down of trees.
- Available in bulk quantities.
- Highly rated on a consumer board.
Cons:
- The charcoal tends to produce smoke and pops during use.
- The charcoal burns faster overall than some competitors.
4. Fogo Premium Oak Lump Charcoal
Fogo Premium Oak Lump Charcoal is a premium option that delivers exceptional performance. Made from 100% oak hardwood, this lump charcoal provides a clean and consistent burn. It comes in large pieces that won’t crumble or fall apart, making it ideal for use in the Big Green Egg. Fogo Lump Charcoal lights up quickly and heats up quickly so you can start grilling in no time. It also burns for a long time, eliminating the need for frequent refills.
Pros:
- Large, natural pieces.
- Ignites quickly and burns long.
- Made from oak hardwood with no fillers.
- Designed for grills like the Big Green Egg.
Disadvantages:
- Best for hot and fast grilling; slow-cooked foods may take on an unusual flavor.
5. Harder Charcoal 100% Natural Lump Charcoal
Harder Charcoal is a restaurant-style lump charcoal known for its quality. Made from all-natural hardwood, this lump charcoal is extra-large in size, providing a longer burn time. It provides consistent heat and produces minimal ash for a hassle-free grilling experience. Harder charcoal works well for both low and high temperature cooking, making it versatile for a variety of grilling techniques.
Pros:
- Extra-large size for longer burn time.
- Made from 100% natural hardwood.
- Suitable for low and high temperature cooking.
- Minimal ash production.
Disadvantages:
- None reported.
6. Kamado Joe Big Block Lump Char
6. Kamado Joe Big Block Lump Charcoal
Kamado Joe Big Block Lump Charcoal is specifically designed for ceramic grills like the Big Green Egg. It comes in large blocks that provide a consistent and long-lasting burn. This lump charcoal is made from 100% natural hardwood and offers a clean and pure flavor to your grilled foods. It is known for its excellent heat retention and ability to reach high temperatures quickly. Kamado Joe Big Block Lump Charcoal is perfect for searing steaks or cooking pizzas in your Big Green Egg.
Pros:
- Designed for ceramic grills like the Big Green Egg.
- Large blocks for even and long burning.
- Made of 100% natural hardwood.
- Excellent heat retention and rapid temperature rise.
Disadvantages:
- Some users have reported excessive sparking during use.
7. Cowboy Brand 100% Natural Lump Charcoal
Cowboy Brand Lump Charcoal is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality. Made from natural hardwood, this lump charcoal burns hot and adds a smoky flavor to your barbecue. It comes in large chunks that ignite quickly and produce minimal ash. Cowboy Brand Lump Charcoal is great for a variety of grilling applications, including smoking, roasting, and searing.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly option.
- Made from natural hardwood.
- Burns hot and gives a smoky flavor.
- Ignites quickly and produces minimal ash.
Disadvantages:
- Inconsistent lump sizes.
Conclusion
Choosing the right lump charcoal is critical to achieving exceptional results with your Big Green Egg grill. The seven options mentioned in this article are among the best lump charcoal available for the Big Green Egg. Each of these coals offers unique features and benefits to ensure a quality grilling experience.
Whether you prefer the superior burn of Jealous Devil, the distinctive flavors of Royal Oak, or the environmentally friendly packaging of Rockwood, there is a lump charcoal to meet your grilling needs. Consider the specific qualities and features of each lump charcoal and choose the one that matches your preferences and cooking style.
Investing in quality lump charcoal will not only enhance the flavors of your grilled foods, but will also provide consistent heat and efficient burn times. Get ready to up your grilling game with the best lump charcoal for your Big Green Egg!
FAQS
What is the advantage of using lump charcoal over briquettes for the Big Green Egg?
Lump charcoal is preferred over briquettes for the Big Green Egg because it generates higher heat levels and produces a cleaner, more natural flavor. Lump charcoal also tends to burn hotter and faster, making it ideal for grilling on the Big Green Egg.
Are these lump coals made from natural materials?
Yes, all of the lump charcoal mentioned in this article is made from natural materials such as hardwood. They do not contain any chemical additives or fillers, ensuring a clean and natural grilling experience.
Can these lump charcoal be used with other types of grills?
Yes, these lump charcoals are compatible with various types of grills, including ceramic grills, Kamado-style grills, and other charcoal grills. They can be used to enhance the grilling experience and flavor on different grill models.
What is the typical burn time for these lump coals?
The burn time of lump charcoal can vary depending on factors such as the size of the lump charcoal and the cooking temperature. However, the lump coals mentioned in this article generally provide a long burn time, allowing for extended grilling sessions before the charcoal needs to be replenished.
Do these lump coals produce excessive ash?
No, these lump coals are known for their minimal ash production. They are designed to burn cleanly, reducing the amount of ash residue left behind. This makes cleanup easier and ensures a more enjoyable grilling experience.
Can these lump coals be used for both high and low temperature cooking?
Yes, these lump coals are versatile and can be used for different grilling techniques. They are suitable for both high temperature searing and low temperature smoking or roasting, allowing you to explore different cooking styles on your Big Green Egg.