Got a bargain on a PBC in the UK - which charcoal?

[Helix]

This is my first time doing any BBQ beyond basic burgers on a grill, so I’d been looking around for a good place to start. I’d been considering a PBC based on a few reviews of it being good for a beginner, then I saw one for sale for £189 on a UK website. I think it was a mistake because within an hour of placing my order the price on the website was changed to £389, but they delivered it at the price I paid, so I’m pretty happy.

I've been reading through the forums for charcoal to use, but all the recommendations seem to be for brands that aren't available in the UK. Does anyone have a suggestion for a good UK option for doing ribs and brisket that's good specifically in the PBC?

[Draznnl]

Can't help you with UK charcoal, but welcome to the Pit from southwest Florida.

[Helix]

Thanks!

[Henrik]

Just get some good quality briquettes and you’re gonna be fine. And make sure you read fzxdoc thread on how to light the PBC. It really is a must read:

https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/fo...g-temperatures

[Helix]

Got it saved already, along with another thread they did that collated a lot of cooking times people had experienced for different weights/cuts. Helpful to have something to work from until I get the hang of it!

[HawkerXP]

Welcome to the Pit!
Another one recommending briquettes for a more stable burn. The key to the PBC is consistency in your lighting of the charcoal. Forget about trying to maintain 225*. 270ish is where they like to run. PBC, PBC, PBC!

[RonB]

I can't add anything, but welcome to The Pit.

[Skip]

Welcome from Minnesota. The PBC is a wonderful cooker.

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

When I lived there most of the BBQs I went to, my friends had Kingsford (I didn't buy it for them on the base, so not sure where they sourced it). I also recall Weber and Jamie Oliver had briquettes at BBQ world or the BBQ Shop I forget what it was called if you have one near you? I had to go to the bbq place in Surrey to get an adapter for my US gas grill, they had lots of stuff if I remember right.

[Helix]

Interesting. The only places I’ve found Kingsford is very expensive import websites. Amazon UK has it listed, but it says unavailable. A few places sell the Big Green Egg coal, but otherwise so far it's been mostly Weber or Big K.

I've got some stuff on the way for now, I'll see how I get on with that before I decide how much time I want to spend going down this particular wormhole!

[ItsAllGoneToTheDogs]

Helix I was at an American RAF base so there's a good chance the locals had someone buying them stuff from on base. After seeing your post I reached out to a few UK friends and they said some of the farm shops actually stock charcoal for BBQ so there's that option too

[BFlynn]

Welcome to the Pit!
​​​​​​Congrats on your PBC!!!

I promise, we're not a cult.

I don't think charcoal brand matters much.
Starting out, be sure to follow the lighting instructions here, and use the same charcoal for a while til you get that hang of it.

Be sure to ask questions.
More importantly, post pics of those tasty meats!

[Helix]

Thanks! Planning my first cook for next weekend. I’ll definitely take some photos, I’ll decide about posting them when I find out how much of a disaster it turns out 🤷‍♂️

[Red Man]

If you have Weber charcoal available, get it.

[Helix]

If you have Weber charcoal available, get it.

Yes, Weber Briquettes (https://www.weber.com/GB/en/accessor...d=1341#start=1) and Weber "Premium Lumpwood Charcoal" (https://www.weber.com/GB/en/accessor...d=1341#start=1) are both widely available here. Which do you suggest?

FYI I'd already ordered some "Big K Restaurant Grade Lumpwood Charcoal" (see attached photo) because there was an offer on somewhere and it seems well reviewed, so I thought I'd give it a go. But that was before I'd found this forum and all the other advice. So I'll probably give that a go first rather than waste money, but even if it goes well I'll want to try a few others before settling on one.

[Red Man]

I’d go with Weber briquettes. They’re clean burning and last a long time.

[Soonerpop]

I got nothing on your charcoal situation. I’m a briquettes man in my PBJ so far. Consistent. Welcome to the Pit.