Jealous Devil Lump Charcoal Review: The Fuel That Burns Longer and Hotter

Why Charcoal Choice Matters

Most backyard grillers grab whatever charcoal is on sale and never think twice. But the fuel you burn is the foundation of every cook. It determines heat output, burn duration, ash production, and -- critically -- the flavor imparted to your food. After testing over a dozen premium lump charcoals in controlled conditions, Jealous Devil stands in a class of its own.

Sourced from Quebracho Blanco and other dense South American hardwoods grown in sustainably managed forests in Paraguay, this charcoal is extraordinarily dense. A single piece the size of your fist weighs noticeably more than comparable pieces from other brands. That density translates directly into performance.

Burn Time and Heat Output

We loaded identical amounts (5 pounds) of Jealous Devil and three competing premium brands into identical Weber Kettle grills and lit them simultaneously using chimney starters. Jealous Devil reached grilling temperature (450°F at grate level) in 14 minutes -- comparable to other quality brands. But where it separated itself was duration: the Jealous Devil maintained temperatures above 400°F for 2 hours and 45 minutes, versus 1 hour and 50 minutes for the next-best competitor.

At its peak, we measured grate temperatures of 725°F with the vents fully open -- more than enough for serious searing. For low-and-slow cooks on a kamado, we maintained 250°F for over six hours on a single load without adding fuel, using only vent adjustments to control temperature.

Ash Production

This is where Jealous Devil truly embarrasses the competition. After burning through 10 pounds of charcoal, the remaining ash barely covered the bottom of the grill -- roughly 3% of the original volume. Competing brands left 8-15% ash residue. Less ash means better airflow, more consistent temperatures, and less cleanup. It is a meaningful practical advantage on long cooks.

Piece Size and Consistency

Opening a bag of Jealous Devil reveals large, uniform pieces with minimal dust and fragments. In our 20-pound bag, the smallest piece was roughly the size of a golf ball, and most pieces were fist-sized or larger. Compare this to brands where half the bag can be marble-sized fragments that burn fast and clog your vents with ash. The consistency speaks to the hand-selection process Jealous Devil emphasizes in their production.

Flavor and Aroma

Quebracho burns remarkably clean, producing thin blue smoke rather than the billowing white smoke that indicates incomplete combustion. The flavor contribution is subtle -- a mild, slightly sweet woodiness that enhances rather than overwhelms the meat. It pairs well with any protein and never imparts the acrid, chemical taste that lesser charcoals can produce. If you want more aggressive smoke flavor, this is an ideal base fuel over which to add smoking wood chunks.

What We Did Not Love

Price is the elephant in the room. Jealous Devil costs roughly $2.00 per pound at retail, compared to $1.00-1.50 for other premium brands and $0.50 for commodity lump charcoal. You are paying double for better performance, and whether that value equation works depends on how seriously you take your charcoal cooking. The bags are also denser and heavier than you expect, which makes handling the 35-pound bag a workout. Finally, availability is inconsistent -- specialty stores and online retailers carry it, but your local big-box may not.

Our Assessment

Jealous Devil is the best lump charcoal we have ever used. It burns hotter, longer, and cleaner than anything else on the market, with negligible ash and neutral flavor that lets your food and technique shine. If charcoal is your fuel of choice, this is the brand to buy.