Hi, just going to grab this BBQ today 2nd hand. Any suggestions on the best charcoal to buy for it? First time having a charcoal BBQ.
Cheers
What Charcoal Do You Recommend for BBQ?
dmb0312 on 02/11/2024 - 12:34
Last edited 02/11/2024 - 14:45 by 1 other user
Last edited 02/11/2024 - 14:45 by 1 other user
Comments
Heatbead lump charcoal at Bunnings is a decent option
Eg
https://www.bunnings.com.au/heat-beads-bbq-fuel-12kg-hardwoo…Firebrand charcoal
Firebrand premium hardwood charcoal is what I use the majority of time in the Kamado Joe. It’s good stuff that’s reasonably well priced, I’ve tried numerous brands such as Kamado Joe’s own charcoal, Samba, Pro Smoke, just to name a few, and I always go back to Firebrand.
melbournecharcoal.com Charcoal is good.
Try both lump and briquettes to see what you prefer working with, everyone is different and every BBQ is different. If you go with lump in the long term find one of the bulk sellers that advertise on Marketplace/Gumtree, will be much cheaper than Bunnings/BBQ stores. If you prefer briquettes heat beads go on sale a couple of times per year and it's worth stocking up.
Avoid the cheap lump charcoal from Bunnings or similar places, it's usually timber offcuts from decking/fence posts etc that doesn't last long and frankly, I don't trust that none of it is treated/varnished/painted timber. You don't want that stuff on your food.
"it's usually timber offcuts from decking/fence posts etc"
Work for one of their suppliers, do you?
No, I just have eyes and used them to look at the chunks when I bought some. Wood doesn't naturally grow in perfect 90 degree angles.
When I lived in the country I did have a neighbour who made charcoal with real Aussie hardwood and it lasted easily 3-4x as long as the crappy little offcut pieces I found in the Matator/Jumbuck packs.
you can make charcoal pretty easy in a fire pit or even on the ground at home
Light a fire and as the bits of wood ash over add more wood on top, once lit it will suck the o2 and starve the stuff below. You still get some waste as ash but no need to have a sealed container. Once you have enough just put it out
People use this method for biochar to add to their compost which I do but I also use some of the larger chunks for cooking
This is just not true, at least in Australia.
We use pressure treated pine for "decking/fence posts etc".
No one is going to make charcoal out of that or try to sell it to you, especially a store like Bunnings.
You need to do your research before posting crap
Yeah you want gidgee lump preferably.
Make your own.
You make mine.
The only kind of charcoal worth using is sweet lady propane.
I agree. Taste the meat, not the heat!
We like to use this one from Bunnings.
https://www.bunnings.com.au/matador-10kg-premium-lumpwood-ch…
if it's your first time using this type of bbq, I would recommend starting with heat beads or hot shots briquettes. Only cause it's easier to control the heat while you get the swing of things. Also, make sure you don't open the lid quickly, while it's raging hot in there. The burst of oxygen can make a very big fire.
Ozbargainers don't pay for BBQ's