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Your BBQ IQ

Novice

Just starting out

but not to worry, we are here to help and point you
in the right direction to fuel and food.

You'll be eating in no time!

Lump Charcoal: what makes a quality product

Charcoal is produced when wood is heated up in an oxygen-poor environment to very high temperatures. This process is called carbonisation, as all the non-carbon material is removed from the wood, leaving a high carbon product perfect for BBQs. If you are looking to venture into cooking your next BBQ with lump charcoal, we have some pointers for you to consider:

  • Temperature and burn time: lump charcoal burns hotter, for less time than briquettes, however the performance of different lump charcoal products varies greatly, and there are a few factors that will mean you’ll get a red hot burn for longer.
  • Sizing: for best performance in a BBQ, you’ll want large pieces of charcoal and consistent sizing. The more smaller pieces and dust in the bag, the more you pay for the useable charcoal! It is a much more economical product when the fine material is screened out and not included in the bag.
  • Timber: the density of materials used in charcoal production vary widely. The denser the hardwood used, the longer the burn.
  • Smell and smokiness: this is an indicator of the quality of wood used (for example mangrove charcoal can smell ‘swampy’), as well as the sophistication of the carbonisation process. A highly refined, industrial grade carbonisation will give a higher purity carbon, and a less smoky burn.
  • Sourcing: it is important to check that the charcoal is made from sustainably sourced timber, and from a reputable supplier.

We have done the hard work for you in making a quality lump charcoal available at a great price in Bunnings stores, all you need now is to grab a bag, and get yourself some meat!

                              

  Heat Beads® Hardwood Lump charcoal                     Other charcoal currently in Australian market