Best lump charcoal?

Yno

I probably should have mentioned that I used only FOGO for a couple of years, because the Nanny Socialist Republic of Kalifornia wouldn't allow Rockwood in without that ridiculous Prop 65 warning. When it was finally available, I switched over completely. I do like both. FOGO has bigger pieces, but I never found smaller pieces to be detrimental to my cooking. I prefer to buy from an American company using American materials. And I have never see a post here from FOGO!

DoubleEgger

If you care about the environment at all, you shouldn’t be buying foreign lump especially South American lump. Deforestation is a big enough problem already with lump companies piling on. 

TEXASBGE2018

I found a piece of lump the size of a nerf football in my bag of rockwood the other night. Forgot to take a picture. This bag so far has been 80% chunks the size of my fist or larger. Try getting that with Royal Oak.

NPHuskerFL

@stlcharcoal Just read a couple of Amazon reviews.  The Dofus that wrote the novel talking about how he used it to smoke chocolate and gave bags to his neighbor and friend who he turned on to smoking Etc. Not a lot of Firepower was one of his quotes I believe or something to that effect. I'm pretty sure it has fire power if I'm able to bury or wrap the needle on a thermometer. I would agree with you most people don't write positive reviews maybe one in ten if that. Negative reviews on the other hand same thing goes with Yelp reviews. I tried to give both good and bad reviews to stay on an even keel.

DoubleEgger

NPHuskerFL said:

@stlcharcoal Just read a couple of Amazon reviews.  The Dofus that wrote the novel talking about how he used it to smoke chocolate and gave bags to his neighbor and friend who he turned on to smoking Etc. Not a lot of Firepower was one of his quotes I believe or something to that effect. I'm pretty sure it has fire power if I'm able to bury or wrap the needle on a thermometer. I would agree with you most people don't write positive reviews maybe one in ten if that. Negative reviews on the other hand same thing goes with Yelp reviews. I tried to give both good and bad reviews to stay on an even keel.

I basically ignore individual reviews. I try to look for specific trends but as with everything on the Net, you’ve got to take it with a bit of skepticism. 

stlcharcoal

NPHuskerFL said:

@stlcharcoal Just read a couple of Amazon reviews.  The Dofus that wrote the novel talking about how he used it to smoke chocolate and gave bags to his neighbor and friend who he turned on to smoking Etc. Not a lot of Firepower was one of his quotes I believe or something to that effect. I'm pretty sure it has fire power if I'm able to bury or wrap the needle on a thermometer. I would agree with you most people don't write positive reviews maybe one in ten if that. Negative reviews on the other hand same thing goes with Yelp reviews. I tried to give both good and bad reviews to stay on an even keel.

We've had a few people try to extort us on that two....."send me this many bags and I won't leave negative feedback".  One was a wannabe blogger that claimed to find an object in the bag that would not have been present in the forest, mill, nor charcoal plant--and based off the pic, I highly doubt it could have even fit in the bag size he claims to have purchased.  I offered to get him a new bag, but then it changed to how many followers he had and how much exposure this could mean for the company (cryptically saying good OR bad.)  Long story short, I'm not going to be held hostage, so we got trashed over it.

One note.....We are the only charcoal brand that doesn't sponsor anyone or any team by giving them money or free charcoal.  We do not have "brand ambassadors" and we do not give charcoal to anyone that isn't a charity (and we don't require anything from charities in return.)  All of the tags and such on IG, FB, etc are from happy CUSTOMERS (aka: people that PAID for our product.)  The fanboy above is one of many for that company that either gets free charcoal or a check.  We get emails and messages from IG "brand ambassadors" everyday, some of which are all ready compensated by another charcoal brand.  It really shows their brand loyalty to that other company when they run out and are willing to drop them for free stuff from us.  Some have never even tried ours, but they'll tell everyone "it's the best!" if we give it to them.  Forget it.....not happening.

mEGG_My_Day

When it comes to Green egg accessories, lump and the like, I’ll trust the long term members here more than any random IG, FB or amazon reviewer. 

TEXASBGE2018

stlcharcoal said:

NPHuskerFL said:

@stlcharcoal Just read a couple of Amazon reviews.  The Dofus that wrote the novel talking about how he used it to smoke chocolate and gave bags to his neighbor and friend who he turned on to smoking Etc. Not a lot of Firepower was one of his quotes I believe or something to that effect. I'm pretty sure it has fire power if I'm able to bury or wrap the needle on a thermometer. I would agree with you most people don't write positive reviews maybe one in ten if that. Negative reviews on the other hand same thing goes with Yelp reviews. I tried to give both good and bad reviews to stay on an even keel.

We've had a few people try to extort us on that two....."send me this many bags and I won't leave negative feedback".  One was a wannabe blogger that claimed to find an object in the bag that would not have been present in the forest, mill, nor charcoal plant--and based off the pic, I highly doubt it could have even fit in the bag size he claims to have purchased.  I offered to get him a new bag, but then it changed to how many followers he had and how much exposure this could mean for the company (cryptically saying good OR bad.)  Long story short, I'm not going to be held hostage, so we got trashed over it.

One note.....We are the only charcoal brand that doesn't sponsor anyone or any team by giving them money or free charcoal.  We do not have "brand ambassadors" and we do not give charcoal to anyone that isn't a charity (and we don't require anything from charities in return.)  All of the tags and such on IG, FB, etc are from happy CUSTOMERS (aka: people that PAID for our product.)  The fanboy above is one of many for that company that either gets free charcoal or a check.  We get emails and messages from IG "brand ambassadors" everyday, some of which are all ready compensated by another charcoal brand.  It really shows their brand loyalty to that other company when they run out and are willing to drop them for free stuff from us.  Some have never even tried ours, but they'll tell everyone "it's the best!" if we give it to them.  Forget it.....not happening.

And this Integrity is one of many reasons we all love your stuff. Keep it up!

stlcharcoal

Heres a podcast I did before christmas if anyone wants to learn more on charcoal production and such......just came out today on Beer Bourbon & BBQs show.

https://linktr.ee/beer_bourbon_bbq

Or here if you want to listen in your browser

https://player.fm/series/sauced-on-beer-bourbon-and-bbq/episode-xxxvii-rockwood-charcoal

Mikee

The best lump that I ever used was the Charbroil. Nothing I used would be considered a close second. The downside is its price, it did not burn as long for low-n-slow, very little if any smoke flavor. On the positive side it burns clean and hot. Lights up quickly and no sparks. Clear smoke in just a few minutes. I've been using up the Western lump lately. Hard to beat at a $1 for a 30lb bag (clearance); just got to get it hot and burning for awhile before it clears up.

stlcharcoal

You could have literally had a whole "boat load" of it for cheap.....looks like it finally sold.  It had been on there for at least 6 months after the manufacturer didn't pay the freight bill and abandoned it.  

http://www.salvex.com/listings/listing_detail.cfm?aucID=182978114

Dollinger

You get more heat out of lump when you switch to Budweiser Thermal Units. 

littlerascal56

stlcharcoal said:

You could have literally had a whole "boat load" of it for cheap.....looks like it finally sold.  It had been on there for at least 6 months after the manufacturer didn't pay the freight bill and abandoned it.  

http://www.salvex.com/listings/listing_detail.cfm?aucID=182978114

Only 254 pallets of it!  That is a lot of lump.

SemolinaPilchard

stlcharcoal said:

Heres a podcast I did before christmas if anyone wants to learn more on charcoal production and such......just came out today on Beer Bourbon & BBQs show.

https://linktr.ee/beer_bourbon_bbq

Or here if you want to listen in your browser

https://player.fm/series/sauced-on-beer-bourbon-and-bbq/episode-xxxvii-rockwood-charcoal

A very interesting podcast, thanks.

Yno

stlcharcoal said:

 We do not have "brand ambassadors" 

You have a whole lot on this forum. That's how I came to be a loyal Rockwood 
customer.

Cornholio

Yno said:

stlcharcoal said:

 We do not have "brand ambassadors" 

You have a whole lot on this forum. That's how I came to be a loyal Rockwood 
customer.

Yep, same with CGS.  My past dozen or so bags of lump have all been Rockwood and all my accessories have been from CGS.  I went 6+ years before even looking into accessories and the forum pointed me in the right direction.  Many BGE owners are probably like I was and only buy what their local dealer offers, so long BGE brand lump!

BGEChicago

I tried Char Broil charcoal,it had great hype here. I was unimpressed. I have tried almost all brands, the VOC burn off time is all about 1 hour for me (I like a clean burn) Although @stlcharcoal is kind of an a hole and said some sh!!ty things he does make a great charcoal, I only use Rockwood. 

bgebrent

Rockwood is the best we have locally.  Jonathon is a stand up guy who is straight up.  Fogo is competitive but Rockwood is the best, consistent lump.

StillH2OEgger

BGEChicago said:

I tried Char Broil charcoal,it had great hype here. I was unimpressed. I have tried almost all brands, the VOC burn off time is all about 1 hour for me (I like a clean burn) Although @stlcharcoal is kind of an a hole and said some sh!!ty things he does make a great charcoal, I only use Rockwood. 

I only went through one box, but I thought the Char Broil burned clean quicker than any lump I have used before or since. If I didn't have a gas grill option, I would consider keeping it on hand for grilling when time is a consideration. Having said that, Rockwood is all that I use now.

reinhart36

I've never used over-priced charcoal, but have extensive experience with a lot of different charcoal.

The one thing I like about Kroger charcoal is that it can maintain a much lower temp and restart the fire if it goes out.  You used to set the egg up like you normally would for that temp, then the Kroger charcoal will stoke the fire.  Now you close the daisy wheel and let the Kroger charcoal keep stoking the fire to keep it going.  So if you do get a flame-out overnight due wind (or lack their of), ash build up, or something else in the fire box, that Kroger charcoal can really get things going again before it's too late.

Non-Kroger charcoal can draw air through the door.....but no guarantees how much or if it will be enough.

jtcBoynton

Who makes the charcoal for Kroger? How is it any different from the other house brands that the manufacturer makes?

stlcharcoal

jtcBoynton said:

Who makes the charcoal for Kroger? How is it any different from the other house brands that the manufacturer makes?

He's just salty from this thread months ago: https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/comment/2380630/#Comment_2380630

Well at least he didn't say disparaging things about my children......like he did with one of his customers later in the thread.  Now I wish I would have taken screen shots of the two comments he deleted shortly thereafter.  The thread turned into Airplane! movie quotes and it died off quick.

alaskanassasin

@stlcharcoal

https://eggheadforum.com/discussion/comment/2380738#Comment_2380738

this place used to be more fun.

ryantt

@stlcharcoal Chef Norah Grace or the Queen of BBQ (as she likes to be called) is a gigantic ROCKWOOD Fan.   Every  time   we go to an event she has her bag of ROCKWOOD sitting next to the Egg she’s cooking on.  She makes me laugh, telling people how much better your product is than every other.  I’m starting to wonder what I’ve done to my little girl.  

The truth is the best brand ambassador’s are happy local customers.  

SonVolt

stlcharcoal said:

Heres a podcast I did before christmas if anyone wants to learn more on charcoal production and such......just came out today on Beer Bourbon & BBQs show.

https://linktr.ee/beer_bourbon_bbq

Or here if you want to listen in your browser

https://player.fm/series/sauced-on-beer-bourbon-and-bbq/episode-xxxvii-rockwood-charcoal

@sltcharcoal -  Thoroughly enjoying this podcast. Would love to see pics of your Tiger Wood deck. 

stlcharcoal

Yno said:

 We do not have "brand ambassadors" 

You have a whole lot on this forum. That's how I came to be a loyal Rockwood customer.

Thanks man......yeah, I would have used that label for our vocal fans years ago.  Instagram has bastardized that moniker so bad over the last two years it's no longer a good thing.  "Brand ambassador" now translates to "paid shill (or troll)" unfortunately.  We get the DM's everyday from people that introduce themselves as "brand ambassadors" (in their bio too) and tell us how they'll hype our product, (some even tell us how they'll trash the competition) and all we need to do is send them X amount of money or charcoal.  You go back in their feed and it's pretty obvious where their free stuff was coming from up until that point.

We'll do contests out there or occasionally send a few bags to someone if they do something really nice for us........but we don't go out and solicit non-organic advertising from a compensated source under the guise them pretending to be your "average joe satisfied customer."  We're fortunate enough that we don't have to pay for that.

stlcharcoal

SonVolt said:

stlcharcoal said:

Heres a podcast I did before christmas if anyone wants to learn more on charcoal production and such......just came out today on Beer Bourbon & BBQs show.

https://linktr.ee/beer_bourbon_bbq

Or here if you want to listen in your browser

https://player.fm/series/sauced-on-beer-bourbon-and-bbq/episode-xxxvii-rockwood-charcoal

@sltcharcoal -  Thoroughly enjoying this podcast. Would love to see pics of your Tiger Wood deck. 

Don't buy TigerDeck if you want a brown maintenance free deck!!  I loved it for about the first month, but then it turned to this ash gray color.  We tried ipe oil, penofin, etc, and none of it penetrates that wood.  You have to power wash, apply it, wait, then go back and mop it all up (otherwise you'll get mold and other crap in that wet spot.)  Then you have maybe 30 days max of summer sun before it starts turning gray.  For $7 a board foot, I expected better.

So, we're tearing off the railing, and building a 3-seasons room (or is it 4-seasons?) over the top.  I had an architect design the retaining wall and everything below, so we're covered on the weight.  But at least we can penofin it one last time and it will keep the color because we'll have a roof over the top and windows with UV protection.  On that last 4-6" by the stairs, the room will end, and that's where the BGE's will sit.  Then the remaining 75% will be all windows looking over the valley.  I'll probably put one of those 8-10" linear electric fireplaces along the house side of the wall.

Also.....we used geo-liner as the poor man's underdecking.  So the water all runs out between the joists (and from the cantilever back in) into gutter mounted on the beam.  That gutter drains into a downspout on the center post, which is downstream from the French drain behind those walls, then it all goes underground out over the hill.  So my tractor and all the implements underneath the deck stay dry!!

We built it right, but too bad the decking sucks.

Eoin

reinhart36 said:

I've never used over-priced charcoal, but have extensive experience with a lot of different charcoal.

The one thing I like about Kroger charcoal is that it can maintain a much lower temp and restart the fire if it goes out.  You used to set the egg up like you normally would for that temp, then the Kroger charcoal will stoke the fire.  Now you close the daisy wheel and let the Kroger charcoal keep stoking the fire to keep it going.  So if you do get a flame-out overnight due wind (or lack their of), ash build up, or something else in the fire box, that Kroger charcoal can really get things going again before it's too late.

Non-Kroger charcoal can draw air through the door.....but no guarantees how much or if it will be enough.

Strange post, anyone else confused by this?

SonVolt

He really loves Kroger apparently. 

DoubleEgger

I didn’t know Kroger was selling magic charcoal that restarts itself. Is it like one of those trick birthday candles?