Barbecue briquettes are a common fuel source for outdoor cooking, especially during summertime. They are popular due to their convenience, long burning time, and consistent heat output. This article explores the science behind BBQ briquettes and how they work.
BBQ briquettes are made by combining various materials, such as charcoal dust, sawdust, wood chips, and additives like binders and accelerants. The mixture is then compressed into uniform pillow-shaped pieces, creating briquettes that are denser and more uniform in shape than traditional lump charcoal.
The process that creates BBQ briquettes is called pyrolysis, which occurs when organic materials are heated without oxygen. This process breaks down the materials into volatile gases and solid char. The solid char is then further broken down into carbon and ash. Carbon creates the heat and flames when the briquettes are burned.
Additives like binders and accelerants are added to BBQ briquettes to help them hold their shape during manufacturing and ignite more quickly and burn more evenly.
One of the benefits of BBQ briquettes is their consistent heat output, as they burn more evenly and for a longer time than traditional charcoal. This makes them ideal for cooking dishes like ribs or pulled pork.
BBQ briquettes are also convenient to use, easy to light and maintain, and produce less ash than traditional charcoal.
However, not all BBQ briquettes are equal. Cheaper briquettes may contain harmful chemicals or impurities that can affect the taste of food. Therefore, it is essential to choose high-quality briquettes made from natural ingredients.