Best BBQ coals / chips?

sobeitjedi

Hi. Just bought a non-gas BBQ. Where can I buy the best coals or wood chips to put in it?

Any advice?

kevin0410

i always use b&q instant lighting charcoal. I've tried many others, but the b&q stuff is far better.

ilikewatch

I would recommend either Weber briquettes or Australian Heat Beads - for years I was quite happy with whatever charcoal was cheapest at the supermarket, and would never have considered spending a bit extra on a "premium" brand, however, I'm now a convert to the above types - in my opinion they last far longer than cheaper alternatives and I use far less.

sobeitjedi

ilikewatch wrote: »

I would recommend either Weber briquettes or Australian Heat Beads - for years I was quite happy with whatever charcoal was cheapest at the supermarket, and would never have considered spending a bit extra on a "premium" brand, however, I'm now a convert to the above types - in my opinion they last far longer than cheaper alternatives and I use far less.

Exactly the advice I wanted - thank you

Hintza

Keep an eye on Lidl and Aldi they sell some pretty good stuff. Worth a try at least.

It also depends what you are doing, if you are cooking direct then I would use charcoal(faster to get to temperature but will run out quicker). If you are cooking a Turkey, large joint etc then cook indirect but use briquettes.

redmalc

Sobeitjedi,If you have a Makro locally they sell a large blue bag containing 10kg of Catering Charcoal for about £8.99,it is very good and i would recommend it

BlueC

ilikewatch wrote: »

I would recommend either Weber briquettes

They are good IF you can get the damn things lit. They will burn hot for ages with very little flames, but they are a nightmare to get lit. This has ruined a BBQ or two for us. I have found they need sustained heat for a long time to get lit (longer and hotter than a firelighter can provide) so using some regular charcoal to get it going can help.

aylesby

Another vote for the blue bag from MAKRO. Even known it on BOGOF when they want rid of stock.

Haffiana

BlueC wrote: »

They are good IF you can get the damn things lit. They will burn hot for ages with very little flames, but they are a nightmare to get lit. This has ruined a BBQ or two for us. I have found they need sustained heat for a long time to get lit (longer and hotter than a firelighter can provide) so using some regular charcoal to get it going can help.

Best investment I ever made was a Weber chimney starter. Lighting the BBQ coals or beads is an absolute doddle with one - I use a few twists of newspaper to get it going as it doesn't need firelighters or anything else.

mazza111

And look out in Tesco at the end of the season if you have a shed. Got about 6 bags last year at 75p a bag

Kiran

Another vote for Webber charcoal, if you are stuck trying to find it Go Outdoors is always a good source. Chimney starters are also awesome, you can get your bbq going with a sheet of newspaper using them and very quickly. Definitely a worthwile investment!