Lump

Kcheves

I am hesitant to post this because I know lump discussions are quasi-religious, but here goes.  Just tried my first bag of Royal Oak and am seriously underwhelmed. I’m a new egg owner that has been using Rockwood, and thought I would try a $10 bag of RO from HD. I know lump size will vary, but this bag was mostly golf ball sized chunks, versus the fist sized chunks I’ve been experienced with Rockwood.  It also took much longer to light, imparted a harsh taste, and burned out quickly.  Lesson learned. YMMV.

danv23

Wicked Good is back on track, but depends on what is available to you. And remember, BGE is rebranded Royal Oak, and Ozark Oak was the best, but I digress and cry just a little.

ColtsFan

"been using Rockwood, and thought I would try a $10 bag of RO"

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot 

YukonRon

When you know, you know you know.
If you think you know, then you don't know.

Experimenting is not a bad thing. It will confirm what you do know, and add to the list.

My dealer had wanted to give me a bag of BGE lump with the last purchase of my most recent BGE. 

After the first bag, on my first BGE purchase, and the the initial use of the lump thereafter, I refused to take the second bag.

I know, that I know, I did not like it.

Jupiter Jim

I use Royal Oak all the time and have for many years it works well for me as long as I look for the not carbonized pieces and throw them out, I avoid bags that are on the bottom of the pallet, I turn them upside down and listen for the sound of lots of small pieces, feel the bags for large pieces. I have been egging about 15 years and used a lot of brands of lump and have found the problems listed above in all of them. I can't get other lump brands without paying a lot more for it due to shipping cost and the increase in price for the lump. At the end of the day I recommend using the lump you like and fits your budget.

dharley

I have burned a couple hundred pounds of Royal Oak, it's fine, good even. I Have learned to 'feel up' the bags prior to purchase. My Home Depot sells it still on the skid, so the top few layers are really good. After that you have to feel and shake the bags. Sh!t, when you buy meat you look it over carefully, why not with the fuel? That said, I LOVE ROCKWOOD (the owner is on here, I've never spoken to him and I owe him nothing). It is the best charcoal for my egg. Hands down. RO is good, but nothing compared to Rockwood. If ACE is out of Rockwood I buy a couple good bags of RO. I can always tell a difference. IMHO