What type of charcoal should I use? HELP a new guy out.

[codydunmire]

I am currently using a brinkmann smoke n grill upright waterpan smoker. What type of fuel should i use? Charcoal briquettes or hardwood lump charcoal? What are the main difference between the two of them? I am very new to smoking and i just want to try to avoid making mistakes. I am currently using briquettes. I didnt even know there was different types of charcoal until just a couples weeks ago. Please help me with whatever advice you have to offer.

 

[riverturd]

I'm still being bottle feed but from what I read and hear briquettes r full of nasties where lump charcoal is all natural clean burning burns a little hotter and faster. I use royal oak lump charcoal. Hope this helps. I have a Wsm 22.5

 

[Rafter H BBQ]

I've used KBB for years & still tickin.... I also drink a few beers ! No matter what ya do these days, it seems it isn't right.... Everything's bad for ya ! LOL.

 

[bluewhisper]

The better brands of briquettes have less nastiness on startup. Some people light them in a separate fire then re-stoke the smoker with already-lit coals. Still, lump is a cleaner burn.

Briquettes offer uniform size. Lump can have random sizes and that can make it difficult to load well.

 

[jp61]

KBB is half off this week..... lowe's & HD