As summer gets into full swing, the barbecues of most barbecue enthusiasts and aficionados have already returned to their well-earned places in farmhouses, on boat decks and in campsite gazebos. These include new modern barbecues just waiting to be fired up and show off their benefits. But to get the best possible result, it's time to think about the right charcoal to heat them up. So before you bring home a bag of coal, let's find out why it's important to have good quality coal and what kind of coal you need.
Regardless of the shape of the coal or the way it has been processed, all coal is made up of some kind of heated wood. When the wood is slowly burnt at high temperatures and in a confined space without oxygen, the process removes much of its water and natural resins and carbonises the coal (turning organic matter into charcoal). The result is a fuel that burns hot, clean and efficiently.One of the secrets to successful cooking on a grill is the proper control of the heat during cooking. It is important to get a good thermometer and use the right charcoal. Barbecue and grill masters have long noticed that it is better to cook and adjust the cooking temperature when the wood is already burnt down to the coals, otherwise the food may be soaked in smoke and taste bitter and spicy.
All quality charcoal produces a more concentrated heat, so it's no wonder that many of the world's grillers choose charcoal specially formulated for grilling. Pre-prepared, high quality and natural charcoal will give you the desired result every time you grill, and will reduce the time it takes compared to burning plain wood. It is advisable to choose well-known brands of charcoal that meet the highest standards, so that you can be sure that the charcoal will maintain an even heat and be free of harmful chemical impurities. Avoid the cheapest charcoal, which is made from waste wood, which is treated with a range of harmful chemicals to protect against termites and other pests. So, by fueling your barbecue with hardwood charcoal from trusted manufacturers, you will be assured of quality and healthy cooking.
It is also important to know that there are several types of charcoal briquettes, which can be charcoal briquettes, plain charcoal briquettes, flavour briquettes or coconut charcoal briquettes. To make it easier for you to choose the right quality charcoal for your barbecue, here is an overview of the different types of charcoal and their main characteristics:
Natural wood charcoal (coarse charcoal) – Made from natural hardwood. For example, bcharcoal has a burn time of about 15-20 minutes and a cooking time of up to 2,5 hours, depending on environmental conditions and firing control. This type of charcoal is characterised by a hot and continuous burn, but the heat may be uneven, hotter at the beginning and cooler at the end. Charcoal is produced without the use of additives, burns cleanly and leaves very little ash, and is easy to light. Suitable for use in all charcoal grills.
Various hardwood charcoal briquettes (compressed charcoal) - is a ready-made fuel for a steady continuous burn and to maintain a constant temperature. These fuels have a burn time of 10 to 20 minutes and a cooking time of up to 3 hours. When choosing quality briquettes, it is important to make sure that they are made from 100% natural organic materials without chemicals, so that the food will not have any unwanted smell or taste. For faster and hotter cooking, it is recommended to choose oak pressed charcoal briquettes. Cooking with briquettes requires a much smaller amount of briquettes compared to plain charcoal to achieve the same results. Suitable for use in all charcoal grills. It is the most efficient fuel for both recreational and professional cooking.
Pressed coconut shell charcoal briquettes (pressed charcoal) - all-natural cushion-shaped briquettes made from coconut shell charcoal. Setting time –15 minutes, the briquettes release heat for up to 4-5 hours. Coconut briquettes have a higher heating temperature than charcoal. 1 kg of coconut charcoal replaces approximately 2 kg of any other charcoal. This natural fuel is chemical-free and sulphur-free, which is very important for cooking. There is a little more ash, but this fuel does not emit any smoke or smell. Suitable for use in all charcoal grills. This fuel choice is ideal for all types of smaller volume grills, such as Cobb Premier or Cobb Supreme, and especially for those grill owners who are interested in eco-friendliness and the comfort of cooking good food in semi-enclosed spaces, in pergolas, on terraces, in specific urban conditions, or even in the kitchen under the cooker hood in the cold season.
Pressed coconut charcoal briquettes with aromas - These are cushion-shaped briquettes made by mixing coconut shell charcoal with optional flavouring blends. This fuel has a burn time of 10-15 minutes and maintains heat for up to 4 hours. Choose only the highest quality briquettes with natural ingredients, which will give your food wonderful aromas and a savoury and distinctive flavour when lit. It is also smokeless and odourless, making it suitable for a wide range of cooking conditions without polluting the environment. It is suitable for use in a wide range of grills and barbecues and helps to achieve exceptional results.
Pressed coconut shell charcoal tablets – These compact and economical tablets have a ignition time of 4-5 minutes and provide over two hours of consistent heat. If you can't get a fire going with simple briquettes, these tablets are the perfect solution, as they produce much more heat and burn longer than charcoal briquettes of the same weight. Perfect for camping or urban cooking as this fuel does not emit any smoke or odour and is suitable for smaller barbecues.
