Introduction to Charcoal for BBQ and Spit Roasting
Choosing what kind of charcoal to use is a crucial yet often overlooked element in creating your perfect BBQ or spit roast. Of course, charcoal fuels the cooking process, but it is also a key component in creating the flavour, heat consistency, and the duration of cooking. All of these things should be considered. Whether you’re searing meat over high heat or slow-cooking a cut like a brisket for hours or spit-roasting to achieve tender, juicy results, being fully prepared with the right charcoal can make all the difference.
Nowadays, BBQ enthusiasts can find a wide range of charcoal types on the market, each one offering their own unique qualities and purposes. From natural hardwood charcoals to more processed briquettes, each one impacts the cooking experience. Understanding the difference is essential if you’re hoping to achieve consistent and mouthwatering results, so let’s dive into the factors that will up your game. We’re of the opinion that charcoal selection can make the difference between a good BBQ or spit roast and a great one.
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Critical Factors in Choosing Charcoal for BBQ
When choosing your charcoal, there are a few key aspects to consider. These elements determine taste, ease of temperature control, and just how long the charcoal will last.
- Flavour Impact: Charcoal isn’t just about heat; it’s a flavour enhancer too. The type of charcoal you use can intensify, complement, and, on the flip side, it can also interfere with the natural taste of the food you’re cooking. A prime example of this is when we compare two popular choices. Natural wood charcoals, for example, impart smoky flavours that enhance the taste. Counter to this, certain briquettes may leave an undesirable aftertaste due to some of the additives that they are made with.
- Heat and Burn Time: A great BBQ or spit roast relies on steady and reliable heat, especially if you’re planning on making any slow-cooked dishes. High-quality charcoal burns hotter and lasts longer, this will ensure that you get an even cook from start to finish. High heat is imperative If you’re looking to achieve perfect rotisserie pork crackling. To add to these benefits, longer burn times mean you have fewer refills to contend with and much less hassle during cooking.
- Additives: For those who appreciate natural flavours, we think you’ll agree that choosing charcoal without additives is key. Some briquettes, although useful, contain fillers and binders and this can have an unfortunate impact on taste. If you want to avoid this, we advise choosing natural charcoals, particularly if you’re aiming for that unadulterated BBQ flavour hit!
Gidgee Hardwood Charcoal – Best Choice
Flavour Profile
Gidgee hardwood charcoal stands out as one of the most highly sought-after options for serious BBQ and spit-roasting aficionados. It is famed for its rich, smoky aroma, which complements many meats yet doesn’t overpower. It’s particularly well-suited to spit roasting and low-and-slow BBQ methods, where that deep woody flavour really gets its moment in the limelight.
Heat and Burn Time
Gidgee hardwood charcoal generates a high heat output, and the extended burn time makes it ideal for any long and special BBQ sessions! Gidgee’s chunky pieces are especially well-suited for spit roasting and smoking, where long-lasting heat is critical to success. This charcoal provides steady heat and eliminates the need for constant refuelling.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Rich flavour, high heat output, long burn time, natural wood source.
- Cons: Higher price point, limited availability in some areas.
Recommended Uses
For extended BBQ or spit roasting sessions, we think that Gidgee hardwood charcoal is hard to beat. The heat retention and flavour profile aspects make it perfect for large cuts of meats, slow-cooked roasts, and of course, large BBQ gatherings. If you’re committed to achieving top-quality flavour and consistency, Gidgee is well worth the investment.
Mangrove Charcoal – Great Choice
Flavour Profile
Mangrove charcoal offers a milder, cleaner flavour profile compared to Gidgee. Its taste doesn’t overshadow the natural flavours of the food, making it an excellent choice for BBQ enthusiasts who prefer a more subtle smokiness. This is particularly relevant if you’re preparing dishes with delicate tastes that need a gentler touch, some types of fish or seafood for example.
Heat and Burn Time
Mangrove charcoal is known for its hotter burn with long-lasting heat and minimal smoke output. This makes it ideal for spit roasting and extended BBQ sessions where you want consistent heat without having to adjust frequently. It is an added bonus if you’re cooking amongst a large group of people who might not appreciate getting smoked out! The larger pieces burn longer, supporting those slow-cooking techniques that are essential for a well-prepared BBQ.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: High heat, long burn time, low smoke output, natural wood source.
- Cons: Availability can be limited, especially outside certain regions.
Recommended Uses
Mangrove charcoal is perfect for spit roasts, low-smoke BBQ setups, and any cooking that requires reliable, steady heat. For those who prioritize heat and minimal smoke, it’s a fantastic option for outdoor cooking environments where smoke control is a particular concern.
Lump Hardwood Charcoal – Good Choice
Flavour Profile
Lump hardwood charcoal offers a clean, mild, smoky flavour that perfectly complements your food without overpowering it. It’s often made from a mixture of several hardwoods; this gives it a well-balanced taste that we find works well with most types of BBQ.
Heat and Burn Time
Although this charcoal doesn’t burn as long as the Gidgee or Mangrove options, lump hardwood charcoal is versatile, providing consistent heat that’s easy to control. It’s an all-purpose, reliable choice for a range of grilling techniques and is useful for those shorter BBQ sessions that require less consideration and organisation.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Natural wood, additive-free, pleasant flavour, widely available, less ash.
- Cons: Shorter burn time compared to Gidgee; irregularly shaped pieces may need some arranging to ensure even cooking.
Recommended Uses
Lump hardwood charcoal is ideal for BBQs where you still want good flavour and flexibility without needing the extended burn time of other hardwoods. It’s great for grilling steaks, burgers, and other meats with a quicker cook time than a traditional spit roast or a low-and-slow BBQ method.
Hex Briquettes – Moderate Choice
Flavour Profile
Hex briquettes have minimal flavour impact compared to natural hardwood charcoal; they lack the traditional smoky richness, so synonymous with BBQ. However, they still offer a stable cooking experience for those who are less focused on the flavour profiles that other charcoals offer.
Heat and Burn Time
Hex briquettes provide you with an even and extended burn time, which can be particularly useful for spit roasting where heat consistency is critical. Due to their shape, hex briquettes stack easily and burn evenly. They are very easy to work with during long cooking sessions, taking a big job off your hands.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Consistent burn, affordable, easy to manage and stack.
- Cons: Minimal flavour contribution, some brands may contain minor binders that can impact on taste and we recommend sourcing natural options to avoid this.
Recommended Uses
Hex briquettes work best for high-heat grilling where the charcoal flavour isn’t as essential. If you’re planning a quick BBQ session after work, for example, or if you’re using strong marinades, that would overshadow many charcoal flavours anyway. They’re ideal for cost-effective, long-lasting heat in settings where flavour isn’t the primary focus.
BBQ Briquettes (Heat Beads) – Not Recommended
Flavour Profile
BBQ briquettes, which are often marketed as heat beads, frequently contain chemical additives that can introduce an unpleasant chemical taste. This can detract from the natural flavours of the food, especially during slow-cooking sessions where the taste of the charcoal has more time to infuse the meat.
Heat and Burn Time
Heat beads also have a tendency to heat unevenly and have shorter burn times than natural hardwood charcoal. This makes them less suitable for extended spit roasting or smoking. The additives in these briquettes also create a noticeable smell that many BBQ purists find off-putting.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Budget-friendly, widely available.
- Cons: Additives impact flavour, inconsistent heat, and chemical smell during burning.
Why Avoid Them
BBQ briquettes are best avoided if your goal is to achieve natural, high-quality BBQ flavours. Why undo all your hard work and thought? Their inconsistent heat output and binding additives make them a poor choice for spit roasting or low-and-slow cooking. For a superior experience, opt for the natural hardwood options mentioned, like Gidgee or Mangrove instead.
Conclusion
When it comes to BBQ and spit roasting, choosing the right charcoal can transform the experience and results and is just as much a part of the experience as the food itself. Gidgee hardwood charcoal reigns as the top choice for those who love a rich, smoky flavour and desire the long-lasting heat that longer, more considered cooking methods require. For milder tastes and still providing that steady heat, Mangrove charcoal is a close runner-up, while lump hardwood provides a versatile option for more casual BBQ sessions. If flavour is less of a priority, hex briquettes offer a cost-effective, consistent burn for everyday grilling. Like anything in life, it is about weighing up your needs and wants with availability and cost.
By investing in quality charcoal, BBQ lovers can elevate their cooking, enhancing the flavours, all the while ensuring a satisfying experience. Part of the fun of the selection process is playing around until you find the one that ticks all the boxes for you. So next time you fire up the grill or spit, remember that great BBQ starts with great charcoal—because the fuel you choose is just as important as the food you cook.
If you’d rather leave the selection process, guesswork, and effort to the pros for your next event, then don’t hesitate to get in touch to chat about the range of packages we offer.
