Choosing the Best Charcoal for Your Pit Barrel Cooker: A Comprehensive Guide

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Executive Summary

Are you looking for the best charcoal to use in your Pit Barrel Cooker? Look no further! I have done the research and found the top charcoal brands that will give you the best cooking experience. In this article, we will explore the different subtopics to consider when choosing the best charcoal for your Pit Barrel Cooker.

Introduction

The Pit Barrel Cooker is a versatile cooking apparatus that can roast, grill, smoke, and bake your food to perfection. It is a unique design that uses charcoal and wood to produce delicious, smoky flavors. Choosing the right charcoal for your Pit Barrel Cooker is critical to achieving the desired cooking results. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to choose the best charcoal for your Pit Barrel Cooker.

Subtopics

1. Lump Charcoal vs. Briquettes

Lump charcoal and briquettes are two types of charcoal that are commonly used in the Pit Barrel Cooker. Here are some important things to consider when choosing between the two:

• Lump charcoal is made from natural wood, which gives it a unique smoky flavor. Briquettes, on the other hand, are made from compressed sawdust and other additives.
• Lump charcoal burns hotter and faster than briquettes, which makes it ideal for searing and grilling. Briquettes burn slower and more consistently, which makes them great for smoking and slow-cooking.
• Lump charcoal produces less ash than briquettes, which makes it easier to clean up after cooking.

2. Charcoal Brands

There are many brands of charcoal available in the market, but not all of them are suitable for use in a Pit Barrel Cooker. Here are some top-rated brands that are worth considering:

• Jealous Devil Charcoal: Made from hardwood, this charcoal burns hot and clean and produces a unique smoky flavor.
• Royal Oak Charcoal: This is a popular brand that is known for its consistent burn time and low ash production.
• Fogo Super Premium Charcoal: This charcoal is made from high-quality hardwood and produces a long burn time, making it great for smoking and slow-cooking.
• B&B Charcoal: This brand produces a wide range of charcoal products, including lump charcoal and briquettes, which are perfect for all types of cooking methods.
• Cowboy Charcoal: This is an affordable brand that produces natural lump charcoal, which is great for grilling and smoking. This should give you an idea of the best brands around right now.

3. Charcoal Size

The size of the charcoal you use in your Pit Barrel Cooker can affect the cooking results. Here are some things to consider when choosing the size of your charcoal:

• Larger pieces of charcoal burn hotter and longer than smaller pieces, which makes them ideal for searing and grilling.
• Smaller pieces of charcoal burn faster and produce less heat, which makes them great for smoking and slow-cooking.
• Using a mix of charcoal sizes can help you achieve the desired cooking results.

4. Charcoal Quality

The quality of the charcoal you use can affect the flavor of your food and the overall cooking experience. Here are some things to look for when choosing high-quality charcoal:

• Look for charcoal that is made from natural wood and does not contain any additives or chemicals.
• Check the moisture content of the charcoal, as charcoal that is too wet or too dry can affect the cooking results.
• Consider the consistency of the charcoal, as charcoal that is too large or too small can affect the airflow in the Pit Barrel Cooker. There are different wood such as mesquite, hickory, oak. You will find that for smoking they will do a better job than just oak. I like to try a combination of oak and mesquite.

5. Charcoal Storage

Proper storage of your charcoal can help maintain its quality and extend its shelf life. Here are some tips.

tips for storing your charcoal:

• Store your charcoal in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture from affecting its quality.
• Use an airtight container or a sealed bag to keep the charcoal fresh and prevent it from absorbing odors or moisture from the environment.
• Keep your charcoal away from direct sunlight, as sunlight can dry out the charcoal and affect its performance.

Conclusion

Choosing the best charcoal for your Pit Barrel Cooker can make a big difference in the flavor and quality of your cooking. By considering the subtopics we have covered in this article, you can make an informed decision about the type of charcoal to use. Whether you prefer lump charcoal or briquettes, or you’re looking for a specific brand or size, the right charcoal can help you achieve delicious, smoky flavors in your Pit Barrel Cooker. I have spoken to several people who own the Pit Barrel Cooker, and they all agree on the Lump Charcoal.