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A lot of people love charcoal smoking because of the unique flavor, texture, and aroma it can give. This updated list of 10 best charcoal smokers outlines some the well-loved and popular smokers. Using the perfect smoker is crucial as it ensures that the meat is slowly, carefully cooked.

When smoking meat, the resultant flavor would depend on a lot of factors. Aside from the ingredients in your recipe, cooking time and heat level, the type of charcoal used by your charcoal smoker plays a crucial role.

The best types of charcoal produce steady high heat and can burn over a long period. Although some prefer to use hardwood, most people use charcoal because of its unique smoky flavor. But even if all charcoals give off that well-desired smokiness, not all charcoals are created equal. Avid fans of charcoal smoking definitely know what I mean!

Below are the most common types of charcoal you’ll find in the local market or online.

Charcoal briquettes are made of pressed sawdust using all-natural, sugar-based binder. It is a good pick for your smoker because it gives off clean smoke.

Cheaper brands add coal or anthracite to its composition that allows hotter, better burning. Although coal is not a preferred fuel source, it doesn’t affect the flavor much. Usually, it is used in very minimal amounts.

What’s great about briquettes is that they burn much longer and maintains steady heat as compared to lump charcoal. The only downside is that they are more difficult to start up.

If you want to level your smoking, you can use lump charcoal. Lump charcoals are actual wood pieces that have been processed into charcoal. It’s the closest you can get to using hardwood. The best thing is that you don’t have to split logs to enjoy the natural aroma of wood.

Lump charcoal is preferred by many because it produces a much thicker, flavorful and authentic smoke. Since it uses real wood, it burns much longer. This also means you only need a few of it when cooking. The downside with lump charcoal is that they are more expensive. However, considering that you need fewer, it doesn’t cost that much in the long run.

This type of charcoal is readily available in local shops, especially those that sell outdoor cooking equipment and supplies.

Take note, however, that the amount of heat lump charcoal produces may vary depending on the brand. You might need to try first how the brand works in your charcoal smoker before buying in bulk. You also have to consider the size of chunks.

Compared to briquettes, lump charcoal produces much less ash and burns cleaner. Just be careful when using this type of charcoal because it burns hotter. Adjust the heat depending on your preferred temperature using your charcoal smoker’s air vents.

Quite obviously, you should use charcoals without additives. They have to be as clean as possible to achieve your desired smoky flavor.

Different wood types give off unique flavor that are ideal for specific meat types. For example, the very delicate alder wood produces a subtle sweet flavor, and is best used for smoking salmon, fish, poultry and pork. Meanwhile, apple has a sweet, fruity flavor that is idea for pork, lamb, and poultry.

This makes it very important for you to look for pure charcoal that is free from additives.

Self-starting charcoals, those with lighter fluid additives, are very popular because the make starting up easier. Although they offer convenience, these charcoals give off a bad tangy taste. Not only do they produce a bitter taste, they’re also bad for the environment.

When using charcoals with lighter fluid, the additive needs to be burn off first before you can start cooking your food. This means, you can’t add more charcoal once you’ve started the cooking process. So, you have to make sure you put the right amount of charcoal.

Instead of using charcoal with additive, beginners can use charcoal starters, such as electric charcoal starter or a charcoal chimney.

Some charcoal products are advertised to give off unique flavors such as mesquite. Take note that these charcoals contain additives. Real charcoal is basically free from any other smoky except for its natural taste.

Storage is an important part of ensuring your charcoal’s quality. Once it’s purchased, make sure you have proper storage. Charcoal can be easily contaminated when not stocked and stored properly. Keep your charcoal in a closed storage bin to avoid it from becoming wet. Damp charcoal is difficult to light up. It can also grow mold and produce unwanted smoke and flavor.

Pay attention to the type of charcoal you use to come up with the best smoked recipes!

Uday Tank has been working with writing challenged clients for several years. His educational background in family science and journalism has given him a broad base from which to approach many topics. He especially enjoys writing content after researching and analyzing different resources whether they are books, articles or online stuff.

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Augusta Free Press launched in 2002. The site serves as a portal into life in the Shenandoah Valley and Central Virginia – in a region encompassing Augusta County, Albemarle County, Nelson County and Rockingham County and the cities of Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Staunton and Waynesboro, at the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail.

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