At this time of year our thoughts are drawn to roaring fires and cosy comforts. But more and more people are gravitating towards another kind of blaze – scorching hot lumpwood charcoal burning in a barbecue. It used to be that winter grilling was reserved for the grizzled vets, however many are keeping their charcoal burning bright throughout the frostiest of days. But why is this the case? Aha; well all will be revealed. Let’s look at lovely lumpwood and find out.
What is Lumpwood Charcoal?
To reduce complexity down its bare bones: charcoal is burnt wood. Ok, perhaps you need a little more info to get a good grip on the concept. Basically, we lumpwood charcoal is a product derived from carbonising fragments of wood. Carbonising is a process where we burn wood over a longer timeframe at various temperatures. This long burning technique helps to remove chemical impurities, volatile compounds and moisture from the wood. What’s left behind? A high-density carbon fuel.
What Are The Characteristics of Lumpwood Charcoal?
Sure, we could go super deep into the nuances of lumpwood charcoal (we’re charcoal freaks after all) however sometimes it’s good to keep things topline. Clarity is comprehension at the end of the day. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key properties of lumpwood charcoal.
- Lumpwood charcoal is super easy to ignite and get going
- Enjoy 1-3 hour burn times depending on the type of hardwood
- High heat as standard
- Lumpwood burns quicker than briquettes
- Versatile and perfect for any cooks really – especially the BBQ basics like steaks, burgers and sausages.
- Burns with minimal ash for easy clean up.
Natural Product, Natural Flavour
Big K Lumpwood charcoal is defo 100% natural – meaning no chemical nasties or accelerants. So you can enjoy a neutral flavour foundation, infused with that natural smoky goodness. This is the perfect background to allow the flavour of your food to really shine.
Which Woods Produce The Best Lumpwood Charcoal
Think in terms of species here guys and gals. Basically the best lumpwood charcoal is derived from denser hardwoods such as Oak, Hickory, Maple and Birch. Why? It’s basic science really. The denser the hardwood, the more carbonised material (AKA charcoal) is left after the burn. And the denser and higher the mass of charcoal, the longer and hotter the burn. Each hardwood has its own distinct personality and smoky flavour profile. These characteristics affect everything form your cook (times and temps) to the flavour infusion with your food.
Buy Lumpwood Charcoal Direct From Big K Products
We are to lumpwood charcoal what Willy Wonka is to chocolate – minus the Oompa Loompas. Wish we had some Oompa Loompas to be fair: that would be beyond awesome. Wait where were we? Oh yes, we have a veritable cornucopia of charcoal delights to float any boat. Our Professional range (not just for pros BTW) is packed full of lumpwood charcoal options to delight and excite. Here are two product spotlights to get your curiosity juices flowing.