Wood is cheaper...a lot cheaper. 
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I had issues maintaining consistent temps on long cooks using KBB in my 26-inch kettle with SNS. I found that it produced a ton of ash which clogged the holes in the charcoal basket. Temps would start to plummet less than 2 hours into the cook and I was constantly have to stoke the coals and shaking down ash just to keep temps consistent. I would also have to add more coals 3 hours into the cook.
The last few cooks I used Weber charcoal and I can nail temps for 4-5 hours without having to do anything. I did pork belly burnt ends this weekend and after 5 hours I still had anough coals for another hour, easily. In my hands, Weber charcoal is much better. It produces less ash, burns slower, and produces consistent heat.Comment
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Sounds like you've got a marriage made in heaven, ColonialDawg --Weber charcoal and the SnS.
Using Weber in the PBC, I've had the same experience you've had with KBB/SnS combo. Too much ash and difficult to maintain temps. KBB or KPro works best in my PBC.
For me, the jury's still out for Weber vs. Kingsford in the WSCGC with/without the SnS. That's why I enjoyed reading your post.
KathrynComment
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That’s interesting. Isn’t it crazy how people can have completely different experiences with the same charcoal? -
Same charcoal, different smokers, ColonialDawg . My smokers have specific tastes as to what they like to be fed.
Kathryn
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I as well use KBB for shorter cooks. For low and Slow JakeT I use the Kamado Joe lump. It works great takes a little bit to get going but creates a nice even fire. I have tried some of the cheaper lump like Royal Oak and El Diablo. I find Kamado Joe works a lot better. The El Diablo is mesquite and definitely has a different flavor profile than the Kamado Joe. The Kamado Joe is more clean like briquettes and less noticeable.Comment
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I tried cowboy lump and hated it. I live right near Lazarri Fuel company and get 20# bags for $9. Mesquite or Oak. Very happy with both but the oak does have some smaller chunks and dust. But at $9 a pop it's a great deal.Comment
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I’ve posted these before. The HQ is this big post apocalyptic looking area with an old creaky staircase up to the office. You order and pay and they ring a bell which summons a worker to load your car.
I live fifteen minutes from there in a much nicer looking area. Lol.
I personally find the mesquite too strong unless I’m making pizzas or a very quick cook.Attached FilesComment
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You should definitely drop in to the HQ in Brisbane when nearby. I load up the car about once a month as I cook on Gossamer 4-5 nights a week. If you do stop by I don't recommend buying the 40# bags even though they are only $15. They are heavier and a lot more of the lump is broken up.
I work in the city and the wife in upper peninsula so Pacifica with cool ocean breeze works for us..
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KBB although Weber leaves less ash (so less shaking and tapping on long cooks) and I still have a big bag I bought for comparison purposes. Unless it becomes easier to find (on short notice!), I likely will not use it instead of KBB. Cowboy lump used to get regular use, but clunkers (flower pot chips! chunks of tin can! gravel!) started appearing regularly, then sparking. When I want chunk, FOGO although when I use up my two remaining bags, I doubt I'll replace them.
Bottom line is - I've used KBB for so long, I've learned its peculiarities and don't really mind the "excess" ash. Sales are upcoming, and I have plenty in the garage to get me to them.Comment
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I have been using both Rockwood and Fogo......both are excellent.Comment
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What I find crazy is how pricing can vary between my Lowes and Home Depot, right next to each other (with Sam's Club behind the two). Last night Home Depot had no charcoal on sale, and when I went in Lowes, they had one bag of Weber for $12 (plus a pallet that was not down low), and they had the Royal Oak 15# bags 2 for $8. The same 15# bag of Royal Oak was $10 or $12 next door at Home Depot. Needless to say, I picked up the 1 bag of Weber and 2 bags of the Royal Oak just because $4 per was too good a deal to pass up, and the Royal Oak worked fine for me on short cooks in test runs recently, as well as for shorter cooks (ribs) with the SNS.Comment
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I have always used KBB (Kingsford Blue Bag) just because it is so available and cheap. I recently bought several bags of Royal Oak from Lowes because they had it on sale and it was cheaper than the KBB (they will have their Memorial Day sale on KBB and I will stock up then). So far I hate the Royal Oak. Hard to light. Poor experience with low and slow, especially if I try lighting a "snake" in my weber (which works great with the KBB). Haven't tried the Kingsford Professional but I picked up a bag last week and it will be the next bag I open. Can't imagine that it is that much better than KBB to justify the price difference, especially when Lowes has their Memorial Day sale.Comment
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Kingsford Blue Bag for me. I buy my charcoal like I buy my 9mm range ammo: wait for it to go on sale, and it always does, then stock up.Comment
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I usually go with what's on sale - either KBB or Royal Oak briquettes. No real issues with eitherComment
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KBB for me because it's consistent, one bag is the same as the next. I tried Royal Oak once and the bottom 10% or so of the bag was nothing but dust.Comment
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I'm a "cheapest food safe lump I can get delivered via Amazon prime" guy, but I will say this, the lumpwood is so irregular in shape and size that it can be a challenge to keep the temp steady on my bullet smoker.
One day I'l try briquettes, and assume their uniform shape and burn will be boring and predicatable and give me more drinking time overnight.
Wait....... er.... what' the cheapest food safe briquettes I can get delivered via prime......
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Anyone have an opinion on other Kingsford charcoals, like Long Burning or the wood-flavored briquets?Comment
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