Big Green Egg Charcoal

Lumpwood Charcoal

Lumpwood charcoal is a key ingredient for cooking great food on the Big Green Egg, offering a clean and natural heat source that enhances the flavour of whatever you’re grilling or smoking. Unlike briquettes, lumpwood charcoal is made by burning hardwoods like oak, maple, or birch in an oxygen-limited environment, producing almost pure carbon that burns hot and clean. This makes it ideal for achieving the perfect sear on steaks, maintaining a low and steady temperature for slow-cooked meats, or reaching the high heat needed for baking pizzas.

There are various types of lumpwood charcoal available, each bringing unique characteristics depending on the wood species used and where it’s made. For instance, South American hardwood charcoal is known for its long burn time and intense heat, while Asian charcoals, like those from Indonesia, are prized for their even, consistent burn. However, when it comes to getting the best results on your Big Green Egg, British lumpwood charcoal stands out as the superior choice.

Which charcoal should I be using in my Big Green Egg?

When selecting lumpwood charcoal, it’s important to be mindful of where it comes from. Some charcoals, particularly those sourced from regions with weak environmental regulations or poor labour practices, should be avoided. Charcoals from unknown or unverified sources in parts of South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia can contribute to deforestation. They may be produced under exploitative conditions, including forced labour or unsafe working environments.

These charcoals might be cheaper but come at a high environmental and human cost. Deforestation not only devastates local ecosystems but also contributes to climate change, while unethical labour practices can perpetuate cycles of poverty and abuse. Always look for lumpwood charcoal that is certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or comes from trusted suppliers with transparent sourcing practices. This ensures that the charcoal you use is not only high-quality but also ethically and sustainably produced.

If a brand doesn’t tell you where your charcoal is coming from or how it is produced, you might think twice about using it.

Why we have switched to British charcoal

British charcoal is typically made from sustainably sourced hardwoods such as oak, birch, and beech, most often harvested as part of traditional woodland management practices. This not only ensures a renewable supply but also results in charcoal with exceptional quality. British lumpwood charcoal lights quickly, burns hotter and longer, and produces minimal ash, making it perfect for both high-heat grilling and low-and-slow cooking on the Big Green Egg. Its purity and lack of chemical additives also mean your food retains its natural flavors, free from the off-tastes that can come from lower-quality charcoals.

If you’re looking to elevate your Big Green Egg cooking experience, British lumpwood charcoal is the top choice, offering unmatched performance and sustainability.

Where to buy your British Charcoal

In 2024 a company called House of Charcoal was set up to bring many of the small British producers together. Most British Charcoal manufacturers are masters of the craft of making the charcoal, but struggle with marketing it and shipping it to customer. James Doyan, Head of Fire at House of Charcoal, realised there was an opportunity to champion these producers and make it easier for them and us to get our hands on fabulous quality charcoal.

I’ve worked with James, volunteering as a Fire Chef at Meatopia for the last two years (2023 and 2024) and I’ll be back again in 2025. Meatopia is fueled by British Charcoal, a real success story.

We’re getting our charcoal from House of Charcoal. 

Notable alternatives

While we would love everyone to use British charcoal, we realise that some people might like an alternative. The charcoal we have used and like, which is not British, is from a company called Globaltic. Globaltic produces its charcoal in Ukraine.

Globaltic Birch Charcoal is made from natural birch wood sourced from Baltic forests. The charcoal heats up fast, burns clean, and leaves hardly any ash. It’s perfect for getting that great sear on your meats or adding a subtle, sweet flavour to whatever you’re cooking.

We also like Big Green Egg’s Oak and Hickory charcoal, especially for longer cooks where the smaller pieces burn well for hours at a time. 

Why you shouldn’t use briquettes in your Big Green Egg

Using briquettes in a Big Green Egg isn’t recommended because they’re made from compressed charcoal dust mixed with additives like binders, fillers, and chemicals. These additives can produce off-flavors and unpleasant odours when burned, which can affect the taste of your food.

Briquettes also don’t burn as hot or as cleanly as lumpwood charcoal, which is crucial for the precise temperature control the Big Green Egg is known for. Briquettes tend to produce more ash, which can block airflow in the Egg, making it harder to maintain a consistent temperature and potentially smothering the fire.

Overall, to get the best performance and flavor from your Big Green Egg, stick with natural lumpwood charcoal.