In addition to taking observations about the packaging—including directions for use, … See more

Wood Species Mattered (A Bit) for Flavor
All the lump charcoal we tested imparted a moderate, appealing smoky flavor—unlike briquettes, which can be intensely smoky. Because lu… See more

Look for lump charcoal that lists the wood species on the bag, and has a moderate variety of natural shapes and sizes. All charcoal bags should be easy to open, often with … See more

What we liked:The fun begins with this highly branded bag; it’s cheekily patterned with a flannel-wearing man cooking a steak over a kettle grill. Beyond aesthetics, the highly irreg… See more