What’s Your Favorite Fuel Source and Why

[itskrod00]

Hello all,

 

I’m a Kamado Newbie and want to know  what everyone’s favorite brand of fuel for your Kamado. Specifically Kamado Joe and why please.

 

 

[Charles Wagon]

Lump

[itskrod00]

I mean what’s your favorite brand of lump.

[John Setzler]

When I was buying my own lump charcoal, I was buying B&B from Academy Sports and Royal Oak from Walmart.  Those worked great for me and I would go back to them immediately if I needed to.

[itskrod00]

I have seen royal oak in my area. Maybe I should start with that and see how that goes.

[ckreef]

Why "Specifically Kamado Joe"? A kamado is a kamado is a kamado. 

 

But to answer your question - anything Fogo sells. 

 

[itskrod00]

Any Kamado. Ima Newbie didnt know if people had preference depending on their Kamado manufacturer.

[SeaBrisket]

I load up on KJ Big Block when it's available at Costco (only during the road shows) and supplement with Royal Oak, but only the ones that say US made on the bag. My typical setup is to put some KJ on the bottom, which is great for airflow thanks to its size and burns cleanly, then the cheaper RO on top of that. I find RO a little smokey and less consistent but it's a good price, usually has some decent sized chunks, lights easily and burns hot.

 

There's a thread in the accessories subforum comparing different brands. Unfortunately, I don't know how to get some of them near me and others are quite expensive but there's good information there from ckreef who's been very generous with his time.

[prowe]

As CK said...anything Fogo. Close second I’d KJ big block. Then Diamond, wicked good, rockwood.    In some applications Diamond is bear, but I gave my “ overall” list.  Royal oak is a great every day fuel.

[itskrod00]

So I assume some lump is more smokier than others? And some give off a lighter smoke?

[Tioga]

Best of the West Lump Mesquite charcoal. A 40# bag costs me just $17 at Smart n Final. It's good stuff and very reasonably priced. 

[K_sqrd]

El Diable, probably the same as Best of the West. A 40# bag at Costco is $14. It's all Mesquite, burns long and hot.

I use it in a couple of cookers - an offset, a Santa Maria grill as well as my Kamados. Works great!

 

[Jkmar73]

I use Royal Oak lump to feed the kamado and an offset smoker I have as well. Works good and easy to find locally if I run out. 

[riverfish]

I have been pretty happy with RockWood lately.

[grill seeker]

I am loving FOGO right now.  I bought a few bags of the super premium a couple weeks ago when they were on sale.  Some of the pieces are ridiculously big.  But I have a dull hatchet for making good sizes.  There was almost no dust in the bag, and it burns clean with very little pure white ash.