Best Charcoal for Long Smoke: A Guide to the Best Options

The Pursuit Outdoors is supported by readers. If you buy a product through our links, we may earn a commission without any extra cost to you. Visit our FAQ page to learn how we worked for selecting the right outdoor gear.

Are you tired of constantly refilling your grill or smoker with charcoal? Do you want to achieve that perfect, slow-cooked flavor in your barbecue? Look no further than the best charcoal for long smoke.

If you’re a barbecue enthusiast, you know that charcoal is a vital component of the smoking process. It provides a consistent, high heat source that can slow-cook meats for hours on end, producing tender, juicy, and flavorful results. However, not all charcoal is created equal, and choosing the right charcoal for long smoke can make all the difference in achieving the perfect barbecue.

In this article, we’ll explore the top picks for charcoal that provide a long burn time, low ash production, and most importantly, a delicious flavor for your barbecue.

Top Picks for the Best Charcoal for Long Smoke

  1. Best Budget: Fogo FHWC35LB 35-Pound
  2. Best Stick: CHARBLOX Ultra Premium Grilling Charcoal Logs
  3. Best Brand: OLIVETTE Organic Charcoal Briquettes
  4. Quick to Light: Mr. Bar-B-Q Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal
  5. Best Lump: Springbok Braai Premium Quality Lump Charcoal for Grilling
  6. Best Unique Flavor: Hookah Coconut Charcoal by Sophia Smokes
  7. Best Briquettes: eCoal Premium Instant Hookah Coal

Why is Charcoal Important for Long Smoke?

Charcoal is a crucial component of the smoking process because it provides the heat and smoke needed to infuse the meat with flavor. However, not all charcoal is created equal. Some charcoals burn hotter and faster, while others are better for long, slow cooking. The type of charcoal you choose can affect the flavor, texture, and overall quality of your barbecue.

Before we dive into the best charcoal options, it’s essential to understand why choosing the right charcoal for long smoke is so important. Long smoke sessions require consistent heat over an extended period, and the wrong type of charcoal can result in fluctuating temperatures, ash buildup, and off-flavors in your food. The right charcoal, on the other hand, provides a steady burn, produces minimal ash, and imparts a delicious flavor to your barbecue.

Meat on a barbecue grill

Factors to Consider When Choosing Charcoal for Long Smoke

When choosing charcoal for long smoke, there are several factors to consider. These include:

Type of Charcoal

There are two main types of charcoal: briquettes and lump charcoal. Briquettes are compressed charcoal dust mixed with binders, while lump charcoal is made from chunks of hardwood. Lump charcoal tends to burn hotter and produce less ash, making it an excellent choice for long smoke sessions.

Burn Time

The burn time of charcoal can vary widely, with some brands lasting only a few hours and others lasting over ten hours. Look for charcoal that has a long burn time to avoid constantly refilling your grill or smoker.

Ash Production

Ash buildup can be a problem during long smoke sessions, as it can block airflow and cause temperature fluctuations. Look for charcoal that produces minimal ash to avoid this issue.

Flavor

Different types of charcoal impart different flavors to your food. Some popular options include mesquite, hickory, and applewood. Consider what type of flavor you want in your barbecue and choose charcoal that matches.

Size

When it comes to choosing charcoal for long smoke, the size of the charcoal pieces is an important factor to consider. Larger chunks of charcoal will burn slower and provide a more consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. This is because they have a lower surface area to volume ratio, which means they will burn more slowly and steadily.

On the other hand, smaller pieces of charcoal will burn faster and hotter, which may not be ideal for low and slow cooking. Additionally, smaller charcoal pieces can create more ash, which can affect the flavor and quality of the meat. Therefore, it’s important to choose charcoal that’s the appropriate size for your specific cooking needs.

Reviews of the Best Charcoal for Long Smoke

Now that we’ve covered what to look for in charcoal for long smoke, let’s take a closer look at the top picks on the market today.

Best Budget

Fogo FHWC35LB 35-Pound

Flavor: Hardwood
Weight: 35 Pounds
Type: Lump Charcoal
Price: $55.95
Fogo FHWC35LB 35-Pound

If you’re looking for a premium quality hardwood lump charcoal to enhance the flavor of your grilled food, then Fogo Super Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal is an excellent choice. Fogo is made from hand-selected hardwood pieces that are dense and impart a delicious hardwood smoked flavor to your food. The charcoal lights quickly and burns hotter and longer than other charcoal products on the market.

Have you ever experienced the frustration of waiting for charcoal to light up and get ready for grilling? With Fogo, you won’t have to wait for long, as it lights up within 15 minutes, saving you valuable grilling time. Additionally, the high heat generated by Fogo sears the meat and locks in the flavors, making your grilled food taste amazing.

Fogo is an all-natural, sustainable product that is made exclusively from dense hardwoods with no other added ingredients whatsoever. The charcoal is produced in cooperation with government organizations, using mainly tree trimmings and trees that have been marked for removal while ensuring continued reforestation. Overall, Fogo Super Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal in a 35 lb bag is a restaurant-quality product that you can use at home to grill your food to perfection.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you may like our thoughts on the best charcoal grills that are less than $200.

Best Stick Charcoal

CHARBLOX Ultra Premium Grilling Charcoal Logs

Flavor: Fruitwood
Weight: 10 Pounds
Type: Stick
Price: $35.99
CHARBLOX Ultra Premium Grilling Charcoal Logs

If you’re looking for a high-quality charcoal that burns longer and hotter than others, then Dense Blocks are the perfect choice. These eco-friendly blocks are made from fruitwood sawdust and are 100% natural, sustainable, and long-lasting. They stay lit for up to 5 hours, making them perfect for smokers, big green egg, kamado grills, and tandoor ovens.

With Dense Blocks, you can distribute heat evenly and achieve a hot sear, with over 7300 kcal/g. Or you can cook low and slow for that perfect slow-cooked flavor. The blocks are easy to light and produce minimal ash, making cleanup a breeze. They are also eco-friendly and sustainable, so you can feel good about using them.

Are you looking for a high-quality charcoal that can handle all your grilling needs? Dense Blocks are perfect for you. Made from hardwood and bamboo sawdust, these blocks are 100% natural and longer burning, staying lit up to 5-6 hours. They distribute heat evenly, with a hot sear of over 7300 kcal/g for hardwood and 8000 kcal/g for bamboo, making them perfect for smokers, big green egg, kamado grills, yakitori, pizza ovens, and tandoor ovens.

Read more: 10 Best BBQ Tool Sets

Best Brand

OLIVETTE Organic Charcoal Briquettes

Flavor: Olive Wood
Weight: 13.2 Pounds (2 Bags)
Type: Stick
Price: $28.90
OLIVETTE Organic Charcoal Briquettes

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly and sustainable option for your next BBQ, Olivette’s organic charcoal briquettes are a great choice! Made from recycled olive wood pruning branches mixed with olive pits and pulp, these briquettes contain no chemical additives and are USDA organic certified. Not only do they bring a pleasant scent of olive wood perfume, but they are also smoke-free and don’t release toxic substances that can be harmful to your health.

Have you ever experienced chemical particles sticking to your food while BBQing? With Olivette charcoal, this won’t be a problem! These briquettes are far healthier than other charcoals on the market and produce a tastier, better-for-you BBQ experience. Additionally, Olivette briquettes are versatile and efficient, perfect for BBQing, heating your fireplace, or even having a restoring sauna. With a burning time of up to 5 hours and a high and stable heating power, these briquettes are affordable and produce no smoke at all.

Olivette’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their production of 100% recycled natural charcoal. No trees are destroyed in the making of these briquettes, and they are assembled through an eco-friendly production method. As a family-led farm company known for premium quality Extra Virgin Olive Oils, Atlas is proud to introduce Olivette and complete their sustainable ecological vision. Overall, Olivette charcoal briquettes are a great choice for those who want to enjoy a BBQ while also caring for the environment.

Quick to Light

Mr. Bar-B-Q Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal

Flavor: Smokey
Weight: 8 Pounds
Type: Lump Charcoal
Price: $26.50
Mr. Bar-B-Q Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal

If you’re looking for a natural and high-quality lump charcoal for grilling, Mr. Bar-B-Q is an excellent choice. The charcoal is made from a blend of all-natural hardwood, ensuring that you’re using the best quality product. Plus, it produces very little ash, pops, and flareups, making it easier to use and maintain.

Have you ever struggled with lighting charcoal? With Mr. Bar-B-Q’s all-natural hardwood charcoal, you won’t have to worry about that. It’s quick and easy to light, and you can use a fire chimney for the best results. Additionally, this charcoal burns hotter and longer than other charcoals, giving you a more perfect cook and a pure smoky flavor.

The Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal from Mr. Bar-B-Q is an exceptional choice for grilling, as it burning charcoal evenly and produces intense heat for quick searing, or can be used for low and slow cooking by banking the coals.

In summary, if you want a premium grilling charcoal that is easy to use, produces little ash, and has a pure smoky flavor, Mr. Bar-B-Q all-natural hardwood lump charcoal is an excellent choice. It burns hotter and longer than other charcoals and is quick and easy to light. Give it a try and taste the difference in your grilled food!

Best Lump Charcoal

Springbok Braai Premium Quality Lump Charcoal for Grilling

Flavor: Natural Wood
Weight: 8.8 Pounds
Type: Lump Charcoal
Price: $24.99
Springbok Braai Premium Quality Lump Charcoal for Grilling

If you’re looking for the best lump charcoal for your next BBQ or outdoor cooking experience, then Springbok Braai charcoal briquettes might just be the answer you’re looking for. With a high carbon content and density, these briquettes burn twice as long compared to conventional charcoal, resulting in significant savings.

Not only that, but the high-quality charcoal produces less heat sparks, making your cooking experience safer, especially when cooking outdoors or in the wild. The low moisture and high density of the super dry charcoal allows for fast ignition and minimal smoke flow, resulting in less ash and maximum value for your money.

With no additives and only 100% pure African hardwoods used, you can rest assured that you are getting a high-quality product that is free from junk wood, old pallets, building site scrap wood, and trash heap recycled wood. The box packaging protects the product from breakages and minimizes useless charcoal ash, while the easy pour spout and neat, easy stack box make dispensing and storing the charcoal a breeze. In summary, Springbok Braai charcoal briquettes are an exceptional choice for any outdoor cooking enthusiast looking for a safe, long-burning, and high-quality charcoal.

Best Unique Flavor

Hookah Coconut Charcoal by Sophia Smokes

Flavor: Coconut
Weight: 1.9 Pounds
Type: Briquettes
Price: $13.95
Hookah Coconut Charcoal by Sophia Smokes

If you’re an avid hookah smoker, Sophia Smokes Coconut Charcoals are definitely worth a try! This product contains 96 pieces of natural coconut shell charcoal with 0% impurities, ensuring a smooth and pure smoking experience. With 2 coals added to your Miami Hookah, you can expect a session lasting between 45 minutes to 1 hour.

What sets these coconut charcoals apart is their lack of smell and taste, allowing you to fully enjoy the flavors of your shisha hookah. However, it’s important to note that you’ll need a hookah charcoal burner to light these smokeless briquettes. Sophia Smokes recommends their own Charcoal Burner, which is perfect for natural coal.

Overall, if you’re looking for a quality hookah coal that won’t compromise the taste of your shisha, Sophia Smokes Coconut Charcoals are definitely worth considering. Just make sure to have a hookah charcoal burner on hand for the best experience!

Best Briquettes

eCoal Premium Instant Hookah Coal

Flavor: Natural Wood
Weight: 1.57 Pounds
Type: Briquettes
Price: $12.97
eCoal Premium Instant Hookah Coal

If you’re a hookah enthusiast, then the shisha charcoal from this brand is definitely worth considering. With super strong and durable coals, you can rest assured that they won’t deteriorate easily and produce powerful heat that lasts super long. These coals intensely burn at an optimal temperature, making it easy to fully ignite them in little time and effort, and keep your sheesha tobacco perfectly heated up and ready to smoke.

Have you ever been frustrated waiting for your coal to burn or had to deal with the hassle of bringing a burner with you while chilling outdoors? With eCoal’s instant light coal, you can enjoy top quality premium hookah coals that fulfill your smoking desires without any hassle of lighting them. You’ll get a nice relaxing smoke with as little effort as possible and a clean and refreshing pull each time, making clean-up quick and effortless.

Overall, eCoal’s shisha charcoal is one of the best charcoal for smoking. It is convenient, easy to use, and produces great results. With 100 per box and 10 bags of 10 per bag in the 33MM size, you’ll have plenty of coals to last you a long time. So, if you want to take your smoking experience to the next level, try eCoal’s shisha charcoal today!

Tips for Using Charcoal for Long Smoke Sessions

Now that you’ve chosen the best charcoal for long smoke, here are some tips to ensure a successful smoke session:

  • Start with a clean grill or smoker to ensure optimal airflow and temperature control.
  • Use a charcoal chimney to light your charcoal, rather than lighter fluid, which can leave an unpleasant taste in your food.
  • Arrange your charcoal in a way that promotes even heat distribution, such as using the minion method.
  • Monitor your temperature throughout the smoke session and adjust airflow as needed to maintain consistent heat.
  • Add wood chunks or chips to your charcoal for additional flavor.

FAQs

What is the difference between briquettes and lump charcoal?

Briquettes are compressed charcoal dust mixed with binders, while lump charcoal is made from chunks of hardwood.

Can I use lighter fluid to light my charcoal?

It’s best to avoid lighter fluid, as it can leave an unpleasant taste in your food. Instead, use a charcoal chimney to light your charcoal.

How do I maintain consistent temperatures during a long smoke session?

Monitor your temperature throughout the smoke session and adjust airflow as needed to maintain consistent heat.

What types of wood can I add to my charcoal for additional flavor?

Popular options include mesquite, hickory, and applewood.

Can I reuse charcoal from a previous smoke session?

Yes, as long as it’s still usable and doesn’t produce excess ash.

Conclusion

Choosing the best charcoal for long smoke is crucial to achieving that perfect barbecue flavor. Look for charcoal that has a long burn time, produces minimal ash, and imparts a delicious smoky flavor to your food. The top picks for best charcoal for long smoke include Fogo Super Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal, CHARBLOX Ultra, OLIVETTE Organic Charcoal Briquettes, Mr. Bar-B-Q Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal, Springbok Braai Premium Quality Lump Charcoal, Sophia Smokes and eCoal Premium Instant Hookah Coal. Follow our tips for using charcoal for long smoke sessions to ensure a successful barbecue every time.

Anthony Arroyo
Anthony Arroyo

Anthony is a passionate outdoor enthusiast with a love for adventure and exploring the great outdoors. With years of experience hiking, camping, and rafting, he has a wealth of knowledge to share with others. Anthony’s writing captures the essence of his experiences, offering readers insights into some of the most beautiful and breathtaking landscapes in the world. Follow his journey and join the conversation as he continues to share his passion for the great outdoors.