Hardwood Charcoal vs. Briquettes 

 

Some of the more popular "charcoal briquettes" consist of a small amount of charcoal, sand or gravel, other weighted materials, and extenders (better known as clay). The key word is weight. Briquettes are nearly twice the weight of the same volume of hardwood charcoal. Sadly, you're not getting any extra value for the extra weight of charcoal briquettes. What you're buying is very expensive soils and added chemicals. Chemicals that, when burned, emit 280 times more sulphur dioxide and considerable more nitrogen oxide than hardwood charcoal usually sold in lump wood form. Lump woods burn up to 20% hotter, deliver an all natural wood-fired taste, and light quickly. Check under where to buy for dealer locations.