Charcoal guide

Which charcoal do you choose?

Here’s what you need to know

If you are a passionate BBQ lover, you know that the right charcoal is key to creating the perfect grilling experience. There are so many types of charcoal on the market, each with unique properties that can have a big impact on your cooking. Whether you like a mild flavour, prefer a more intense smoke flavour, or are looking for a quick-starting fire, the choice of charcoal is essential.
At Grill Fanatics, we have different types of charcoal that we would like to share with you. In this article, we explain the different types of charcoal and when it’s best to use them. That way, you can confidently make the right choice for your BBQ sessions. And remember, the right charcoal ultimately also depends on personal preference and the type of dish you want to prepare.

Types of charcoal: which one suits you?

Choosing charcoal is all about flavour, speed and desired temperature. Here are some of the most popular types of charcoal you can use for different BBQ styles.

Black Wattle
Flavour: Neutral-mild
Black Wattle, made from Acacia wood, is a versatile wood that adds a subtle smoke flavour to your BBQ without being too overpowering. This makes it ideal for both Hot & Fast cooking, such as steaks, and longer cooking times. The wood has a nice balance between quick heating and prolonged burning.

Marabu
Flavour: Neutral
Marabu is a hard wood that burns slowly and provides even heat. It has a relatively neutral smoke flavour, meaning it won’t affect your dishes too much. It is ideal for people who want a more natural smoke flavour without the intensity of hickory, for example. Use Marabu for quick, intense BBQ sessions.

Quebracho
Flavour: Strong
Quebracho is one of the more powerful woods you can use. It gives a more intense smoke flavour that is perfect for those who like a stronger aroma, especially in Hot & Fast cooking. This wood is ideal for high-temperature grilling, such as steak and fish, or for creating a rich smoke flavour in fast food.

Hornbeam & Oak
Flavour: Mild
Dit is onze nieuwste houtskoolsoort in ons assortiment. En op dit moment exclusief in de webshop verkrijgbaar.
Hornbeam en Eik zijn uitstekend voor het geven van een milde, subtiele rooksmaak die je gerechten niet overneemt. Deze soorten zijn perfect voor een langere grilltijd zonder het vlees te overweldigen met te veel rook. Dit maakt het ideaal voor zowel Low & Slow als Hot & Fast koken.

How to make the right choice?
The choice of charcoal can be influenced by several factors, such as the way you cook, your preference for smoke intensity and how quickly your BBQ needs to be ready. In the Charcoal guide (see image), you can see a handy comparison of different types of charcoal, with specific properties such as smoke flavour, burn time, and how fast you can light them.

Download the Charcoal guide.