We Tested 10 Charcoal Brands — Here's What We Found

The Test Nobody Else Is Running

Charcoal is the foundation of every charcoal cook, yet most grillers spend more time agonizing over rub recipes than the fuel beneath their food. We decided to change that. Over three weeks, we tested 10 of the most popular lump charcoal brands in rigorous, controlled conditions to answer the questions that matter: Which burns hottest? Which lasts longest? Which produces the least ash? And does any of it actually affect the flavor of the food?

Our Testing Methodology

We used identical Weber Kettle 22-inch grills for all tests, ensuring consistent airflow and cooking geometry. Each brand was tested with exactly 5 pounds of charcoal, lit in a standard Weber chimney starter for exactly 15 minutes. We measured:

• Time to grilling temperature (450°F at grate level): How quickly the charcoal was ready to cook.
• Peak temperature: Maximum grate temperature with vents fully open.
• Burn duration above 400°F: How long it maintained grilling heat.
• Total burn time: Time from ignition to complete ash.
• Ash production: Weight of ash as a percentage of starting weight.
• Piece size consistency: Percentage of pieces larger than a golf ball.

We ran each brand through the test three times and averaged the results to account for natural variation. We also grilled identical chicken thighs over each brand for a flavor comparison, evaluated by our four-person tasting panel.

The Contenders

We tested the following brands, all purchased at retail to ensure we got the same product any consumer would receive:

• Jealous Devil All-Natural Hardwood
• FOGO Premium Hardwood
• Kamado Joe Big Block
• Royal Oak Lump Charcoal
• Cowboy Brand Hardwood Lump
• B&B Oak Lump Charcoal
• Rockwood All-Natural Hardwood
• Harder Charcoal (Australian)
• Jealous Devil XL (restaurant grade)
• Weber Hardwood Lump

The Results: Performance Rankings

Longest Burn Time

Jealous Devil dominated this category, maintaining temperatures above 400°F for an average of 2 hours and 48 minutes -- nearly a full hour longer than the average of all brands tested. The extreme density of the Quebracho Blanco hardwood is the key factor. FOGO Premium came in second at 2 hours and 22 minutes, followed by Kamado Joe Big Block at 2 hours and 15 minutes.

At the bottom, Cowboy Brand burned through its 5-pound load in just 1 hour and 18 minutes above 400°F. The smaller, inconsistent piece sizes meant faster combustion and more ash clogging the airflow.

Highest Peak Temperature

Harder Charcoal from Australia reached the highest peak grate temperature at 782°F, edging out Jealous Devil at 725°F and FOGO at 710°F. Harder's eucalyptus-based charcoal burns extremely hot but does not last as long as the South American hardwoods. For searing applications, all three are more than adequate.

Lowest Ash Production

Jealous Devil again led the pack at just 2.8% ash residue by weight. FOGO was close behind at 3.4%, and Kamado Joe Big Block produced 4.1%. The worst performer was Royal Oak at 12.3% -- meaning roughly one-eighth of what you buy ends up as ash rather than heat. High ash production clogs vents, reduces airflow, and destabilizes temperature on long cooks.

Best Piece Size Consistency

Jealous Devil and Kamado Joe Big Block tied in this category, with over 85% of pieces being larger than a golf ball. FOGO was close at 80%. Cowboy Brand was the worst at only 45% large pieces, with excessive dust and small fragments that burn quickly and unevenly.

The Flavor Test

Here is where things got interesting. Our blind tasting panel evaluated chicken thighs grilled identically over each brand, rating smoke flavor, off-notes, and overall preference. The differences were subtle but real:

B&B Oak produced the cleanest, most neutral flavor -- the oak lets the chicken speak for itself. Jealous Devil was similarly clean with a very faint sweetness. FOGO added a slightly more assertive smokiness that our panel found pleasant. Cowboy Brand received the lowest marks, with two panelists noting a faint chemical or "off" aftertaste -- likely from inconsistent wood sourcing or residual bark.

The honest truth? For most backyard cooking, the flavor differences between premium charcoal brands are minor. Where the brands differ dramatically is in performance: burn time, heat output, ash production, and consistency. These factors directly affect your cooking experience and the ease of temperature management.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Jealous Devil All-Natural. It won or placed in every category. The price premium is justified by performance that no other brand matches.

Best Value: B&B Oak Lump. Solid performance across the board at a significantly lower price point. The oak flavor is clean and versatile. Widely available at hardware stores.

Best for Searing: Harder Charcoal. If you need maximum heat for steakhouse-style searing, nothing burns hotter. Limited availability in the US, but worth seeking out.

Avoid: Cowboy Brand. Inconsistent piece sizes, high ash, short burn time, and questionable flavor. There is no reason to buy this when better options exist at similar prices.

The Bottom Line

Your charcoal matters more than you think. The difference between the best and worst brands we tested was a 90-minute gap in burn time, a 60°F gap in peak temperature, and a 10% gap in ash production. Those differences translate directly into your cooking experience. Invest in quality fuel, and every cook gets easier, more consistent, and more enjoyable.