Grilling is a popular cooking method that involves cooking food over an open flame or hot coals. One of the most important decisions a grill master must make is which fuel source to use for their grill. Charcoal and BBQ briquettes are two common options.
Charcoal is made by burning wood in the absence of oxygen, which creates charred remains. These remains are then compressed into small, black lumps that are sold for grilling. Charcoal is known for its unique smoky flavor, high heat output, and ability to sear food quickly.
BBQ briquettes, on the other hand, are made from a combination of charcoal dust, sawdust, and other additives that are compressed into uniform, pillow-shaped pieces. They are designed to burn longer and more consistently than traditional charcoal and are often favored for their convenience and ease of use.
Charcoal is generally hotter than BBQ briquettes and is favored for its smoky, earthy taste. However, BBQ briquettes are often infused with flavors like mesquite or hickory, which can add a similar smoky taste to your food. BBQ briquettes are often favored for their ability to maintain a consistent temperature for a longer period of time, making them a good choice for cooking low and slow dishes like ribs or brisket.
BBQ briquettes are often less expensive than charcoal and are more convenient to use because they are uniform in size and shape, which makes them easier to light and maintain. They also produce less ash than traditional charcoal.