KJ lump review.

HDmstng

Quick summary after starting up and using most of a 20lb bag.

Pros:
Low smokey odor, close to Rockwood.
Good variety size wise.
Started easily with mapp torch.

Cons:
Some sparking when starting, but not excessive.
It is KJ branded.  ;-)

Still need to determine how long it'll last and ash production.  

Initial impression is really good, and if you like Rockwood, this would probably meet your needs.  


I've been looking for neutral smelling lumps since SWMBO dislikes, ok hates, some of the more smokey lumps.  Tried wicked good a couple of years ago and it was good then they had issues.  Ozark Oak was good and I do have 5 bags of Rockwood that were just delivered.  Had one bag of Rockwood prior and was really happy with it.  And SWMBO doesn't chase me into the shower when I finish getting the Egg going.

 The food was always too smokey for her and she really didn't care for it but with RW so far so good.  The last butt I made with RW and apple chunks, she actually picked out that I used apple chunks without me telling her.  

Saw the KJ lump in the brown bag at Costco during the KJ road show.  Read some good things about it and at 40lbs for $30, figured I give it a try.

First, no strong odor when opening the bag.  And so far no strong reaction from SWMBO since starting the Egg with the KJ lump this morning.  

Size wise there was some pretty big size pieces in there.  See pics below.  I picked out some of the bigger pieces and put them into the Egg.    Threw some medium sized pieces on and since I'm a dumper, dumped the rest.  

Lighting was easy with my mapp torch.  There was some initial sparking, but I never had to jump back from it.  

I'm doing a butt and some beef short ribs today, starting at 250 until the ribs are done and then going to bump to 300 to finish off the butt.  Will get some pics on how much is burned at the end.

BIll-W221

Good info !!!

berndcrisp

KJ lump (red) is my favorite. Great for lo and slow. Seems denser than most others. VOC's clear quickly. No more sparky than others.

 I had 2 bags of Rockwood and was not impressed. The largest piece was almost the size of a lemon! Lots of waste.

Grillin_beers

I prefer the red bag KJ but will buy brown in a pinch. 

XC242

Seems like it always gets good reviews. Anyone know who makes their lump?

SGH

I haven't had the opportunity to try it myself. However I have read good reviews about it and several folks here on the forum have spoke very highly of it. If I run across it I will certainly give it a try. Thanks for your thoughts and input on the subject my friend. 

nolan8v

Has anyone else been told that Kamado joe's lump is made in the same facility as the WGWW?

BYS1981

I have been told that @nolan8v by you,  haha. I believe it though, Ace stopped carrying WGWW and carried this instead immediately after.. I love it. 

I get the red bag. To my CA eggers that can't get Rockwood. . Get this.  Red bag KJ lump. I was hesitant because bge lump. .. is meh, but KJ lump is excellent.  My pieces are ALWAYS  like those pictured. 

SGH

nolan8v said:

Has anyone else been told that Kamado joe's lump is made in the same facility as the WGWW?

Quite some time back when I bought my Joe Jr. I saw the KJ lump at the dealer and they said it was made by Wicked.  I have never dug into it to confirm it or not. It stands to reason though.