Rockwood iris Getting Better

WoodworkerBED · October 26

I have tried a number of brands over the last several years, and have settled on Rockwood. I used Royal Oak for two years, because it was cheap from Wall Mart, but wildly inconsistent. Over the last 6 months or year, I have noticed that Rockwood is consistently getting better, with fewer fines, dust and small pieces. They may have become more selective with regard to their feedstock. I can depend on Rockwood to get up to target temperature quickly. Have others had a similar experience, or is it my imagination?

Bruce Dimick, LBGE, ancient Webber, and a campfire ring.

StillH2OEgger · October 26

I have also used Rockwood for many years after trying about seven or eight others at various points. Ozark Oak was the only thing I tried that was in the ballpark with Rockwood. I'm guessing the size of your pieces has more to do with how it has been handled more than quality control or production changes at the source. Also, the lump with huge pieces might be an indication it's not fully carbonized.

stlcharcoal · October 27

Size is completely on the mercy of the distribution chain when it comes to RW. We haven't changed a thing in 10+ years, but it's amazing (or scary) how beat up our product gets in transit. We had a carrier set a 3000# pallet of water softener salt on top of a 600# pallet of charcoal once......it showed up at the destination about a foot shorter than the other pallets.

And yes, the brands that pull this scam of "huge chunks are better", underkilning is usually the reason. If you have a chunk the size of a basketball, it's because their is wood fiber holding it together. Wood fiber contains water which is heavier than carbon, thus less BTU's per bag. Carbon is carbon, it burns at the same rate for the same temp. The size of the piece doesn't matter because most of the surface area is in the pores--which, if properly carbonized is 250m2/g or higher.

Easy test, if you cannot break it apart by hand, or with a smack on the patio concrete, it's not charcoal yet! It's "charred wood" and well under 80% carbonization. Thus you're paying for water & wood fiber while you are using your BGE to complete the carbonization for them.

Ozzie_Isaac · October 28

Been using Rockwood since I started this infernal hobby. Used other things through the years if on sale or RW was out of stock. Nothing compares for consistency or flavor profile. Used to buy a pallet at a time before they became distributed by Ace Hardware. Miss those days of $16/bags!!

RRP · October 29

Ozzie_Isaac said:

Been using Rockwood since I started this infernal hobby. Used other things through the years if on sale or RW was out of stock. Nothing compares for consistency or flavor profile. Used to buy a pallet at a time before they became distributed by Ace Hardware. Miss those days of $16/bags!!

Me TOO! My first introduction to Rockwood was a few years ago when you, your father and me split a pallet of RW there in Washington! BTW does your dad still have his egg and his kites or has he moved on to yet more hobbies? Tell him hi for me and btw also thank him for introducing me to Marty his barber - I still use her and will until I croak or she retires!

Rockwood iris Getting Better

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