Lumps of charcoal

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Is the purist form of charcoal, which is made directly from lumps of hardwood. Typically produces less ash than briquettes, burns at a higher temperature and burns faster. Manufacturers usually make light of the fact that lump charcoal is one hundred percent natural and without additives. Professional barbecuers state that lump charcoal offers more versatility than briquettes, allowing you to alter the speed and temperature in a controlled fashion.

An inferior form of lump charcoal is made from scraps of wood processed at wood mills. This type of lump charcoal tends to burn faster than charcoal made from all natural wood cut from a true. Whether it's made from hardwood, or scraps of wood, either form of lump charcoal is one hundred percent carbon. Which is why it's advertised as totally natural, unlike briquettes, which have chemicals added.

Lighting charcoal lumps can be more problematic than briquettes, because no ignition chemicals have been added into the mix. The problem with using lighter fluid is the adverse flavour it can give. Starter blocks made from paraffin, or propane sticks are two recommended lighter sources. The cheapest and simplest, is lighting balls of paper.