In short: The choice of charcoal and smoking wood determines the flavor, heat, and success of your BBQ. While beech and oak charcoal provide long-lasting heat, smoking woods like apple, cherry, or hickory give the meat its distinctive character. Here's what types are suitable for what – from steak to pulled pork.
1. Which charcoal is the best?
The quality of the charcoal determines how hot and how long you can grill. Good charcoal burns evenly, smokelessly, and without chemical additives .
- Beech: a classic in Europe, long embers, neutral flavor.
- Oak: very hot, strong embers, perfect for steak & brisket.
- Olive: Mediterranean note, very long burning time.
- Coconut charcoal: made from coconut shells, more sustainable, very hot & smokeless.
2. Briquettes vs. lump coal
Briquettes retain heat for a long time but take a little longer to ignite. Ideal for low and slow BBQs . Lump charcoal delivers instant, high heat, perfect for steaks and quick grills .
3. Smoke wood – flavor carrier for BBQ
Smoke wood gives meat, fish, and vegetables their typical BBQ flavor. It's important to always use natural, untreated wood .
- Apple: mild, fruity – ideal for poultry and fish.
- Cherry: sweet, reddish color in the smoke – perfect for pork.
- Hickory: strong, typical US BBQ – for ribs and pulled pork.
- Mesquite: very intense, slightly bitter – for beef and game.
- Oak: strong, long-lasting – all-rounder for beef & brisket.
4. Meat & smoke wood – the best combinations
Meat / Dish | Recommended smoking wood | character |
---|---|---|
poultry | Apple, cherry | mild, fruity |
Pork / Ribs | Cherry, Hickory | sweet, strong |
Beef / Brisket | Oak, Mesquite | strong, smoky |
Fish | Apple, alder | mild, subtle |
Lamb / Game | Mesquite, oak | intense, spicy |
5. Practical tips for charcoal & smoke wood
- Combine: base with briquettes, aroma with smoke wood chunks.
- Dosage: Less is often more – too much smoke makes it bitter.
- Soaking: Soak chips for 30 minutes beforehand; chunks can be used dry.
- Storage: Always store in a dry place, otherwise the burning quality will decrease.
6. Mini FAQ
Which charcoal burns the longest?
Olive or coconut charcoal have the longest burning time.
Which wood goes best with pulled pork?
Cherry or hickory – fruity & strong.
Can you mix different smoking woods?
Yes, apple + oak or cherry + hickory are popular combinations.