Preferred Briquettes for smoking on WSM 18

[Mojo0209]

I really like the Weber briquettes, but running low and can’t find them anywhere. I use the snake method and found the Weber’s lasted longer than KBB. I’m not opposed to KBB, I use it for grilling all the time. Just curious. Thx

[RonB]

I don't think Weber is selling their brand briquettes any more. I don't have a WSM, so I can't help.

[Richard Chrz]

Really? That will bum me out.

[RonB]

Sorry Richard Chrz - I just looked on the Weber site, and they are still there.

[Richard Chrz]

I think I still have 10 bags of Weber left, I will have to be more choosy on when using.

[au4stree]

I don’t have a WSM, but use Royal Oak Chef Select or B&B briqs in my PBC. The later produces slightly less ash.

[klflowers]

I usually use KBB in my WSM, but I ran a bag of FOGO lump the last few times. Less ash, but it burns quicker and hotter. I haven't tried it for a long cook yet, used it for ribs, a turkey and some chicken quarters. I really didn't notice any differences in taste or anything, maybe because I always use fruit woods for all of my rib and poultry cooks.

[Troutman]

KBB works fine for me, as does B&B. You just can’t beat the sale prices on Kingsford.

[jpietrantone]

I primarily use KBB and B&B briquettes in my WSM 22. It seems like I can get more time out of a load of B&B than I can from KBB. But for me KBB is easier to find and a little cheaper.

[Richard Chrz]

I run Weber charcoal, burns much slower then kingsford.

[jfmorris]

Yes indeed - I get 12+ hours with Weber in my kettle with the SNS, versus 7-8 with KBB. Too bad they discontinued it.

[Richard Chrz]

My 26 and a 2X2 snake with Weber gets 14 hours, my 22wsm gets 17 hours with minion.

[jpietrantone]

Yeah, too bad we can no longer get it. Those are awesome burn times.

[ecowper]

My fave brand of charcoal for the WSM is Cowboy. They give me the most burn time for dollar spent. But not super easy to find near where I live. My fall back is KBB or Kingsford Pro.

[jfmorris]

Does Cowboy make briquettes, or is the lump you are referring to?

[ecowper]

jfmorris they make briquettes. I think their lump is kinda crappy, but like the briquettes

https://cowboycharcoal.com/products/charcoal/cowboy-all-natural-hardwood-briquets

[SchweinStein]

Unfortunately my favorite briquettes by far were the weber briquettes. They are no longer sold. Been that way for about a year now. Best second option for me is the blues hog briquettes.

[glitchy]

Weber did discontinue their charcoal about 6-8 months ago:

https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/forum/fuels-discussion-not-for-grills-and-smokers/charcoal-aa/912264-weber-charcoal-discontinued

I had just discovered it and was growing very fond of it producing far less ash and less start up stink compared to KBB. I'll probably be looking for B&B when my little stockpile of Weber charcoal is depleted. After watching the last year unfold, my guess is that whomever was manufacturing it (Royal Oak most likely) wasn't willing to bargain much with Weber during unprecedented demands for charcoal and likely being unable to keep up with demand for their own branded products.

[jfmorris]

As others have said, Weber discontinued their briquettes. I am almost done burning the very last bag I had of them, purchased on clearance in December 2019. My new favorite charcoal is B&B, and I've used their lump, briquettes and char-logs at this point. Their briquettes seem to have fewer fillers than KBB, and produce less ash.

The briquettes I advise you stay away from with your WSM are Royal Oak. I like the aroma from the RO briquettes - it has much less of a chemical smell than KBB to me - but it is the shortest burning one I have tested in my Weber Kettle with the Slow 'N Sear. I got 5-6 hours on a load, versus 7-8 with KBB, 10+ with B&B and 12+ with Weber.

[jpietrantone]

Yes, I completely agree with you! I just tried the char logs this past weekend and really liked them as well.

[jfmorris]

jpietrantone the only problem I have with the char logs is that they are just not a great fit for use with the SNS, as their size is such that not many fit into the SNS basket.

[jpietrantone]

jfmorris yeah, I completely understand! I don't have that issue with my WSM.