The word “kamado” refers to a Japanese method of cooking food in a barrel-like stove that is fueled by wood or charcoal. It is a traditional stove that has been adapted over the years into modern kamado grills working on the same cooking techniques. Lump charcoal is the preferred choice of fuel as it releases very little ash and has no toxic chemicals that can diffuse into the food. Kamado grills offer versatile cooking options that include baking bread and pizzas apart from grilling or smoking meals. In this blog, we will let the grills bask in reflected glory as we shift the focus towards their fuel source by discussing the best lump charcoal for a kamado.
What is lump charcoal?
Lump charcoal is manufactured by burning wooden chunks without any oxygen combusting the process. All the sap and moisture escape away from the wood as it smolders. The remnants of this oxygen-free burning are almost pure carbon and known as lump charcoals. No artificial chemicals and toxins are used, and the presence of natural hardwood allows the process to be a sustainable one.
Once placed in the kamado, the lump charcoals burn efficiently and react well with the ambient oxygen. If your Kamado Joe is vented properly, they make it easy to adjust the overall cooking temperature. The pieces are additive-free and popular for their organic nature, making a pure BBQ fuel. Also, lump charcoals introduce a rich, smoky taste that greatly enhances the flavor profile of your barbecued meals while producing very little ash.
The best lump charcoal for kamado
Kamado Joe KJ-Char Hardwood, Extra Large Lump Charcoal
Kamado Joe lump charcoal has been created from organic tree wood to meet the quality standard of Kamado Joe grills. In collaboration with Argentinian experts, three hardwoods were combined into a dense mixture burned in an outdoor charcoal oven until all the impurities disappeared. Large organic lumps are produced that fuel kamado grills cleanly and effectively. Guayacan, Guayaibi, Mistal and White Quebracho form the unique Argentinian hardwood blend that burns with the least amount of ash, allowing the lump charcoal to be reused three more times. Flavorful smoke creates a delicious fusion with grilled steak and lingers on the second and third use as well. Big Block XL lump charcoal burns for up to 18 hours. Insulated ceramic grills optimize heat levels to perfectly sear the steak and cook it to moist perfection. Large pieces burn hotter and longer to support slow-cooked environments and build up an authentic woodfire flavor.
Jealous Devil All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal – 35LB
This all-natural hardwood lump charcoal is crafted with dense hardwood from South America and carbonized into the finest pieces. When used in kamado grills, the lump charcoals burn hotter and cleaner with minimal ash. They produce an intense smoky aroma that pairs well with BBQs and is the tell-tale flavor sought by pitmasters. No chemicals or scrap wood are added, making the pure hardwood a natural, sustainable fuel source. The resulting dense and large lump charcoals cut down sparking, flaring, and excessive ash when they burn ideally for all BBQ applications. They are popular in Michelin-star restaurants that are rated for their exceptional cuisines. Various high-end steakhouses also use the same type of lump charcoals for their grilled menus. The pieces burn for long and help you customize both slow and fast cooking environments to suit your meals. Use them to fuel your ceramic Big Green Egg kamado and make the best woodfired pizza, smoked ribs, and grilled chicken.
Royal Oak 195228021 15.4# NAT Lump Charcoal, 15.4 lb
Royal Oak hardwood lump charcoal is ideal for kamado and other smoker grills. It is an organic blend of oak, hickory, maple, and walnut woods that are carbonized without additives to create a natural fuel. Once burned in the kamado, your grill will be ready to use in just 15 minutes for perfectly seared steaks enriched with natural smoky flavors. The lump charcoals burn consistently well for a long-lasting supply throughout the grilling process without needing to be replenished. Minimal ash is produced, making the after-cleaning very simple and allowing the lump charcoals to be reused a couple more times. They add to the overall versatility of kamados by cooking grilled burgers, BBQ wings, baked cobblers, and fire-roasted salsas in ideal slow or fast cooking environments. The 100% natural lump charcoals burn for extended durations to support slow-and-low grilling that incorporates intense smokiness and color into the meals.
BIG CP 20-pound bag of natural lump charcoal
Big Green Egg’s natural lump charcoal is crafted with professional expertise to make sure that it delivers premium results for kamado cooking, alleviating the need to use fillers, additives, chemicals, limestone, treated wood, and petroleum substitutes. Pure carbonized wood delivers better and longer-lasting performances than processed briquettes. Comprised of 100% natural American oak and hickory, the organic hardwood blend is quick to fire up within 10 minutes. The lump charcoals burn hotter and reach higher BTU levels than their counterparts. As expected, they leave behind distinct and earthy smoke with minimal ash in their wake. The meals taste fresher with harmonizing flavors that are free of toxic odors poisoning your daily consumption.
20 lb. Louisiana Grills Premium Hardwood Lump Charcoal
This premium hardwood lump charcoal is made of 100% natural mesquite and oak hardwood with no additives, ideal for fueling your ceramic kamado. Louisiana Grills’ lump charcoals burn effectively to reach high BTUs in a short time, ensuring long-lasting flames throughout the grilling process. The trapped smoke tenderizes meat slowly, allowing it to take its time and release the juicy flavors without fast-forwarding the crucial stages to a hasty result. The organic smokiness does not just cook your meals to perfection, but it also helps to seal in the intense aromas of oak and mesquite. In this way, the fusion does not become overpowering, and you get to enjoy simple recipes with a new flavor dimension. This makes the use of hardwood lump charcoals the best choice for kamado when compared to other charcoals and briquettes.
(2 pack) Cowboy® 20 lb Hardwood Lump Charcoal
This hardwood lump charcoal burns perfectly for longer durations in kamado ceramic cookers. You do not require lighter fluids to ignite the pieces; they burn easily from the fire source and respond to oxygen levels to remain kindled. An authentic smoky aroma diffuses into the meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetables just like the other lump charcoals discussed above. They all have the same benefits in common, thanks to the clean and pure hardwood blends that easily eclipse other fuel sources and add their signature flavors in meals. Less ash means that you get to quickly overcome the cleaning chore. These lump charcoals enhance any outdoor grilling experience by delivering quality results in a short time to help you dine alfresco with memorable gourmet lunches and dinners.