I've used them all. I just bought a very large bag of B&B at Walmart in MS last weekend for about $15. I'm in a sub-competition with Cowboy Charcoal, so I use that too. And I like Blues Hog. As far as I know, Blues Hog is made by one of the last independently owned Missouri Kiln charcoal processor. I just like lump for cooking, even the sparky South American lump.
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Let me know what you think of the B&B lump. I bought my first bag a few weeks ago. I really like it. Very few sparks, very low smoke, very little small pieces/dust (so far)... Overall I think it might be my fav!Originally posted by CandySueQ View PostComment
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I use RO. Never had plastic or other junk in the bag. Would like to try Rockwood but only one store sells it here and it is 2X the price of RO.Comment
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Haven't used the cowboy charcoal in a long time the last 3 or 4 times I did use it I was cooking ribeye steaks, I cook directly on top of the charcoal not on the grill grates on the charcoal itself, with great results I learned that trick on the food network, I cannot remember the BBQ Guru that I seen this from spend a few years back. Well I'm thinking about it it may have been Bobby Flay but I'm not sure about that, every time I've used the cowboy lump charcoal I've had a good experience it Cooks hot and it Cooks evenly.Comment
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I used to dislike Cowboy (a bunch of years ago) because it seemed to burn hot and fast. It's more stable now, and a good choice. Nature's Own Basque was my "go to" when I lived in New England. Always reliable.Comment
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I've used Wegman's store brand for years, with the understanding that it is manufactured by Royal Oak. It's fine. When I did buy Royal Oak, it was pretty much the same.
CeramicChef (are you out there, CC?) recommended FOGO, and I have to say, it is really good: it burns longer and the flavor is very neutral.
CharBroil Center Cut Charcoal lwas on sale at Lowes, so I bought several boxes of it. It burns fast and hot, and its flavor is also very neutral.
I didn't have good luck with Rockwood, my bags came pretty well pulverized. But it was made to burn, and burn it did.
I got a big piece of plastic in a bag of Cowboy. But I know many people who have been pleased with it. YMMV.
In the end, I would advise to find something you like and use it often. Lump can be unpredictable, so if you use the same product repeatedly, you should get consistent results.Comment
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I don't use lump very often. At the Labor Day sale Home Depot also had 2-packs of RO on sale (don't remember the price). I picked up a 2-pack and have about half a bag left. It burns pretty nice but I have found that it burns VERY quickly. Also, it has a ton of really little pieces which are a pain as is all of the dust that others have mentioned. But then, it's pretty cheap as far as lump goes, so....Comment
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I pick up the bags of lump and move them a bit so you can hear excessive dust and/or little pcs rattling around. I've found that a very "quiet" bag that holds its shape may not be foolproof but does cut down on the dusty bags and also small annoying pcs.
I probably look like someone that needs help but whatever.Comment
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You just can't trust those KJ - Costco roadshows. Others have commented about them not showing up on occasion. I've been watching the one for Chandler, AZ since early in March. It was set for 3/31 - 4/9. Looked yesterday, and there it was on the schedule. Was near the Costco today, so I went in to pick up some KJ Charcoal. KJ's charcoal is really good too. Grabbed a cart, walked all through the store, and couldn't find it. Gave up and went outside. Checked the Web Page on my phone, and presto, the roadshow had disappeared from the schedule.
Fortunately, there was a plan B.
40 pounds of El Diablo lump for $12.99. Over the years I've never found any foreign objects in this charcoal. It's 100% mesquite. Not much dust. Lots of really big pieces. Sometimes weird shapes but definitely mesquite wood. It is well named, however. It sometimes sparks a lot. Works great in my KJ, and it's only a little more than the double bag of Kingsford Blue bag on sale. Right next to the El Diablo, Costco had Kingsford Professional on sale 2 x 18LB for $14.99.
The El Diablo company's office is on the west side of Phoenix, but they get to other states in the SW, including California. The mesquite is from Mexico.Last edited by jgg85234; March 31, 2017, 07:49 PM.Comment
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Love my B&B lump. Oak lump, hickory lump... Love the B&B bricks too. Mainly all I use these days.
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El Diablo has been around for lots of years. I remember buying it when I would find it all the way back in the late 70s.
Costco has it at most stores. Their normal price is $14 and change, and in the winter when they move it to the back shelves, it's priced at $12.49 or $12.99.
Most Walmarts in AZ have it as well.
Best regards,
Jim
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jgg85234 wow.. Wal-Mart. Cuts down on the hunting around. Thank you. lonnie mac looks interesting. I'll research that one too. Love learning regions of the country and what people are doing with their Q. Thank you.Comment
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.325 per lb if you're being precise. Just think, I can use the money i save to go over to the meat section and get a prime packer for $2.99/lb. Everyone back east probably hates me now, right @Histrix?
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I'll throw this out there as well. I have never used it but heard of it. Black Diamond Lump. Picking up my bags of B&B today, I saw 2 boxes of the stuff at HEB. I may have to try it some day. Heard good things.Comment
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