If you are into grilling and smoking or simply a fan of backyard barbecue parties, you might already be familiar with charcoals. According to the Encyclopedia of Toxicology (Third Edition), charcoal is an odorless, tasteless, fine black powder obtained by removing water and other volatile constituents from animal and vegetation substances.

Since the earliest times, charcoal has been used for a range of purposes, including art, medicine, and fuel.

There are two common types of charcoals, which are charcoal briquettes and lump charcoal. Charcoal briquettes are made of leftover bits of wood and sawdust mixed with additives and compressed to give the defining pillow shape.

Compared to lump charcoals, briquettes are denser, harder, and more compact. With higher specific density and bulk density, briquettes are more concentrated than charcoal. Moreover, briquettes are also more efficient in terms of energy, cheaper, and easily transported. With these characteristics, briquettes make an excellent choice for grilling and smoking activities. However, due to the lower heat intensity, briquettes don’t burn as hot as charcoals.

On the other hand, charcoals are a popular fuel among barbecue competitions or grilling parties. Unlike briquettes, charcoals are the most natural fuel for grilling activities which make the food taste better. Moreover, charcoals also burn hotter, faster, and more light quickly compared to briquettes. Their quick response to oxygen also makes it easier to control the heat using air vents or chimneys. Thus, if you are looking for fuel for a phenomenal backyard barbecue party yet still have an all-natural flavor, charcoals might be the best choice for you.

Overall, charcoals and briquettes do not differ as much. You can choose to use whichever fuel for the best grilling experience depending on your needs and preferences. If you would like to have a fuel that is quicker to burn, hotter, yet can maintain a natural taste to your food, charcoals are the way to go. However, if you would rather have a fuel that is more renewable, decent in heat intensity, and cheaper in price, then you might want to consider using briquettes instead.

References:

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemical-engineering/charcoal

2. https://www.chargriller.com/blogs/tips-and-care/whats-the-difference-between-lump-charcoal-and-briquette-charcoal

3. https://www.ecostan.com/uses-of-briquettes-pellets