Fuel of choice for grilling on a Weber kettle w/ Slow n Sear

[rwalters]

Howdy- Long time kamado/lump charcoal guy. Sold my last kamado about a year ago. Been happily smoking away on a MAK Pellet pooper ever since. Even does a pretty good job when it comes to grilling. With that said, there are times when I need a bit more grilling power then the MAK can provide. Needless to say, I have a 26.75 Weber kettle w/ XL Slow n Sear arriving this Thursday. Haven't cooked on a kettle in quite some time...and have never used a SnS. For you long time kettle guys, and especially you kettle/SnS guys/gals... what is your fuel of choice/preference when grilling (not smoking) on your kettle w/ a SnS? I haven't used KBB in years, and I typically prefer good lump to briquette...but that's just me. So, just wondering what you guys like to burn in your SnS when grilling and why. I currently have 1 bag of FOGO lump and 1/2 bag of RO lump... so that'll get burned 1st. Starting to plan my next fuel purchase

[Steve R.]

I go with KBB just because I'm comfortable with how much heat I can expect it to produce, and I like consistency from my charcoal. I'm sure your favorite lump would be fine for grilling.

[Attjack]

I always used lump before buying a SnS, but I have had issues with the SnS getting clogged. So lately I've been using briquettes because of this. But for grilling you can probably manage your lump well enough.

[rwalters]

I always used lump before buying a SnS, but I have had issues with the SnS getting clogged. So lately I've been using briquettes because of this. But for grilling you can probably manage your lump well enough.

Interesting experience you had with lump... the opposite of what I would expect. Anytime I have ever experienced airflow issues due to clogging, it has always been with briquettes. When I burn FOGO lump, I get very little ash.

[Attjack]

I think it's smaller pieces of lump getting stuck and then layered with ash as well. When you get your equipment I would be curious to hear how lump performs in your identical setup.

[HawkerXP]

I have never been a lump person, unless you talk to my dermatologist, but I have found when using KBB to will need to poke around and knock the ash down around 4-5 hour make with the SnS on my kettle.

[JeffJ]

I mostly use KBB in mine but any fuel should work fine.

[Thunder77]

Low n slow with SnS, I use KBB. Hot and fast and grilling in the kettle/SNS, I'm all-in for Kingsford Professional. It doesn't last quite as long, but it gets hot!!

[DWCowles]

I also used KBB.

[Attjack]

I'm currently using Weber briquettes.

[Joetee]

I like Stubb's for a long or hot cook. Anything, usually Royal oak for a fast cook.

[gijsveltman]

When I'm grilling, it's lump. Love the high heat it can produce.

[JeffJ]

I have found that with the SnS the higher heat of lump is unnecessary. With KBB that sear zone is nuclear hot with the SnS.

[rwalters]

I'm currently using Weber briquettes.

Tell me more about those Weber briquettes. I don't think I've ever even seen a bag in person. Where do you buy them? Do they burn similar to KBB? What's the cost look like? How do they compare to good quality lump?

[Thunder77]

I have seen them at Home Depot. Never tried them. They are a bit spendy.

[rwalters]

When I'm grilling, it's lump. Love the high heat it can produce.

What brand of lump do you prefer? I've tried many, I really like FOGO. I buy it directly from them. I buy the black bag... it has the smaller pieces, much better suited for a Weber Kettle.

[gijsveltman]

I actually live in El Salvadorm so I'm not sure we'd have the same brands available! I use a local product.

[Attjack]

I bought them at Ace Hardware. I don't have much experience with briquettes, but I had bought a bag of Kingsford blue just previous to the Weber briquettes. If anything I liked the Weber better, and it was less expensive. Another nice thing is that the bag is waterproof or water resistant. See if you can find some and give them a try. I plan to get more once I run out of these.

[rwalters]

I bought them at Ace Hardware. I don't have much experience with briquettes, but I had bought a bag of Kingsford blue just previous to the Weber briquettes. If anything I liked the Weber better, and it was less expensive. Another nice thing is that the bag is waterproof or water resistant. See if you can find some and give them a try. I plan to get more once I run out of these.

Sorry to keep hammering you with questions... but what about the Weber briquettes did you prefer to the Kingsford. Just took a peek, and I have easy access to the Weber brand at the local Ace stores in my area

[Attjack]

Well, they are bigger than the Kingsford ones. That plus the better bag and price are the main factors for me. I'm sure there are many people here that know briquettes much better than me, and have used both. Hopefully someone like that can chime in.

[jgreen]

I was interested to see you found Weber for less cost. They are just over 2X the price of KBB here in Winnipeg so I have not tried them yet.

[Thunder77]

Same here at my Baltimore Home Depot. Very expensive.