Top Restaurant Grade Charcoal Suppliers: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to grilling and smoking, using high-quality charcoal can make a significant difference in the flavor and overall experience. Restaurant-grade charcoal is designed to meet the demanding needs of professional chefs and pitmasters, offering superior burn consistency, minimal ash production, and exceptional heat output. In this article, we’ll explore the best restaurant-grade charcoal suppliers, compare their offerings, and provide valuable insights to help you choose the right product for your culinary adventures.

Why Choose Restaurant-Grade Charcoal?

Before diving into the comparison, let’s understand why restaurant-grade charcoal is a cut above the rest:

1. Consistent Burn: Professional chefs and pitmasters demand consistent heat and temperature control for their grilling and smoking endeavors. Restaurant-grade charcoal is engineered to burn evenly, ensuring reliable and predictable cooking results.

2. Low Ash Content: Excessive ash can be a nuisance, affecting the flavor of your food and creating a mess. Restaurant-grade charcoal is designed to produce minimal ash, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance.

3. High Heat Output: For searing steaks or achieving those coveted grill marks, restaurant-grade charcoal provides intense heat output, allowing you to achieve professional-level results at home.

4. Superior Flavor: Many restaurant-grade charcoal brands use high-quality hardwood sources, imparting a rich, smoky flavor to your grilled or smoked dishes.

Now, let’s dive into the top restaurant-grade charcoal suppliers and compare their offerings.

The Big Comparison Table

Supplier	Charcoal Type	Heat Output	Burn Time	Ash Content	Flavors	Pricing
Fogo Premium Charcoal	Natural Hardwood Lump	High	Up to 20 hours	Low	Oak, Hickory, Mesquite	$$$
B&B Charcoal	Natural Hardwood Lump	High	Up to 18 hours	Low	Oak, Maple, Pecan	$$$
Royal Oak	Natural Hardwood Lump & Briquettes	High	Up to 16 hours	Low	Oak, Hickory, Mesquite	$$
Jealous Devil	Natural Hardwood Lump	High	Up to 20 hours	Low	Oak, Hickory, Fruitwood	$$$
Rockwood	Natural Hardwood Lump & Briquettes	High	Up to 18 hours	Low	Oak, Hickory, Mesquite	$$$

Detailed Reviews and Recommendations

1. Fogo Premium Charcoal

Fogo Premium Charcoal is a top-tier brand known for its exceptional quality and consistency. Their charcoal is made from dense hardwood sources like oak, hickory, and mesquite, ensuring a rich, smoky flavor. Fogo’s charcoal burns hot and evenly, making it an excellent choice for both grilling and low-and-slow smoking.

One of the standout features of Fogo charcoal is its long burn time, with some users reporting up to 20 hours of consistent heat output. This makes it an ideal choice for extended smoking sessions or large gatherings where you need to keep your grill or smoker going for an extended period.

While Fogo Premium Charcoal is on the pricier side, many pitmasters and grill enthusiasts swear by its performance and flavor. It’s a worthwhile investment for those seeking top-notch results.

2. B&B Charcoal

B&B Charcoal is a family-owned business that has been producing high-quality charcoal for over 40 years. Their charcoal is made from a blend of hardwoods, including oak, maple, and pecan, resulting in a unique and flavorful smoke profile.

One of the standout features of B&B Charcoal is its low ash content, ensuring a clean burn and minimal mess. Additionally, their charcoal burns hot and consistently, making it a great choice for searing steaks or achieving those coveted grill marks.

B&B Charcoal is slightly more affordable than some of the other premium brands on the market, making it an excellent value-for-money option for those seeking restaurant-grade performance without breaking the bank.

3. Royal Oak

Royal Oak is a well-known and trusted brand in the charcoal industry, offering both natural hardwood lump charcoal and briquettes. Their lump charcoal is made from a blend of oak, hickory, and mesquite hardwoods, providing a rich, smoky flavor.

One of the advantages of Royal Oak charcoal is its availability and affordability. It’s widely distributed and can often be found at most home improvement and grocery stores, making it a convenient option for many grillers and smokers.

While Royal Oak charcoal may not burn quite as hot or as long as some of the premium brands, it still delivers consistent performance and great flavor at a reasonable price point.

4. Jealous Devil

Jealous Devil is a relative newcomer in the charcoal industry, but they’ve quickly gained a loyal following among professional pitmasters and backyard enthusiasts alike. Their charcoal is made from dense hardwoods, including oak, hickory, and fruitwood varieties, imparting a unique and delicious smoke flavor.

One of the standout features of Jealous Devil charcoal is its impressive burn time, with some users reporting up to 20 hours of consistent heat output. This makes it an excellent choice for low-and-slow smoking or extended grilling sessions.

While Jealous Devil charcoal is on the premium end of the pricing spectrum, many users rave about its performance and flavor, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking exceptional results.

5. Rockwood

Rockwood is a well-established brand in the charcoal industry, offering both natural hardwood lump charcoal and briquettes. Their charcoal is made from a blend of oak, hickory, and mesquite hardwoods, providing a rich, smoky flavor.

One of the advantages of Rockwood charcoal is its consistent performance and long burn time. Their charcoal burns hot and evenly, making it a great choice for both grilling and smoking applications.

Rockwood charcoal is also widely available and reasonably priced, making it an accessible option for many grillers and smokers. While it may not be the most premium brand on the market, it delivers reliable performance and great flavor at a reasonable cost.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between lump charcoal and briquettes?

Lump charcoal is made from whole pieces of hardwood that are charred and left in their natural state. It burns hotter and faster than briquettes, producing a more intense smoky flavor. Briquettes, on the other hand, are made from compressed sawdust and other additives, resulting in a more consistent burn but potentially less intense smoky flavor.

2. How do I store restaurant-grade charcoal?

To maintain the quality and longevity of your restaurant-grade charcoal, store it in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight. Airtight containers or sealed bags are recommended to prevent moisture absorption and prolong the shelf life of the charcoal.

3. Can I use restaurant-grade charcoal in a regular charcoal grill or smoker?

Absolutely! Restaurant-grade charcoal can be used in any charcoal grill or smoker, regardless of size or design. However, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for proper heat management and temperature control.

4. How can I extend the burn time of my charcoal?

To extend the burn time of your charcoal, consider using a charcoal snake or fuse method, which involves arranging the charcoal in a specific pattern to promote a slower and more consistent burn. Additionally, using a charcoal chimney starter can help ignite the charcoal more efficiently, reducing the amount of charcoal needed for your cook.

5. Can I mix different types of charcoal for unique flavor profiles?

Yes, mixing different types of charcoal, such as oak, hickory, and mesquite, can create unique and complex flavor profiles. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect blend that suits your taste preferences.