How to Choose BBQ Fuel – Here are The Top Options We Have!

Are you wondering what is the best fuel for smoking meat?

Let’s be honest. Barbecues aren’t created equal. Some barbecues are better than others. But what is it exactly that makes them better than others? We’re going to say that one of the key elements is the type of fuel you choose for your smoker. Fuel type can make all the difference in taste between one barbecue and another.

What fuel do you use in a smoker?

This is of course determined by the kind of smoker you have. If you bought an electric smoker then you’re probably not looking to buy any fuel! However, if you’ve got a charcoal BBQ, a gas-operated BBQ or pellet smoker, then you’re probably looking at the available fuel sources. Here at The BBQ Store, we’ve got several fuels available in store for your convenience.

Best BBQ smoker fuel

Among the different smoker fuels, which is considered as the best BBQ smoker fuel? Here is our list of what we consider the best fuel for smoking meat.

1. Wood Pellets

Wood pellets are actually compressed sawdust. The sawdust is first wet and then compressed. The most popular shape is the rod or pencil-like structure measuring approximately 2cm to 3cm in length. Wooden pellets are typically used in pellet grills and are available in a variety of flavours.

It’s worth noting however, that there are electric pellet smokers on the market. Wood pellets are best for smoking seafood.

Australia's most purchased wood pellets

Green Mountain Grills Premium Hardwood Fruitwood Pellets

This bold blend of cherry, beech, and pecan (yes, pecan is a fruit!) smells sweet when you cook with it and adds character to whatever you grill.Premium Fruitwood Blend Green Mountain Grills Pellets are a Perfect blend of fruitwoods to bring out the flavor in your food. This blend is favored by competition barbecue teams and grillers nationwide for their flavorful light smoke.

Outdoor Magic - Australian Made Flavoured Smoking Pellets

BBQ's Delight Jack Daniel's Smoking Pellets are an easy and convenient way to add a strong, sweet and slightly tangy flavour to the food you cook, grill or charcoal on your barbecue.

Outdoor Magic - BBQrs Delight Smoking Pellets - Savory Herb

We have a unique range of Pellets with rich flavours such as “Mesquite, Hickory, Apple, Jack Daniel's and Savory Herb, that will give your meats that edge you have been looking for. Pellets are a very economical way to create smoke and easy to use, they give off a very pure smoke that is very consistent and long lasting due to their compact make up.

2. Lump charcoal

If you’re looking for that traditional smoky food flavour, look no further than lump charcoal as your fuel source of choice. Charcoal BBQ is the original, traditional way to prepare barbies. However, it’s not the easiest (nor the cleanest!)

Lump charcoal exists in two formats – charcoal briquettes (heat beads) and regular lump charcoal, with heat beads being the favoured option between the two. Lump charcoal is basically hardwood charred and turned into charcoal. The finished shape resembles small lumps, hence the name.

Advantages of lump charcoal

- Quick to burn

- Doesn’t release too much ash

- Reaches over 600oC (Way more than briquettes)

- Free from chemical additives

The reason why briquettes are popular is that they are less expensive. Lumps are expensive and burn quicker than briquettes. However, this is also a disadvantage as they don’t last as long as briquettes which means that you constantly need to tend the grill. Another major downside of lumps is their irregular shape which can make heat distribution difficult.

What can you burn in a smoker?

What can you smoke in a smoker? This is entirely up to you! It’s your barbecue. Apart from your marinated meats, feel free to add vegetables such as peppers, tomatoes, and onions on the grill to garnish your burgers. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even add fruit such as pineapple to your smoker, to give that sweet-sour element to your barbecue

Best Quality Lump Charcoals

Clean Heat African Charcoal - 10kg Namibian Hardwood

Clean Heat lump charcoal and briquettes are a quality renewable and sustainable resource product. A positive environmental option when choosing a lumpwood charcoal for your barbecue. It is also a product that will add tremendous flavour to your next barbecue.

ProQ 10Kg Cocoshell Performance Charcoal

ProQ Cocoshell Performance Charcoal will burn 2-3 times longer than ordinary wood charcoal, making this product much more economical to use for longer cooks. ProQ Cocoshell Performance Charcoal also burns hotter than ordinary wood charcoal, making it perfect for grilling.