Charcoal and Briquettes: Discover the differences and which is best for your grills

Charcoal has revolutionised the world of barbecue! With lower emissions of organic compounds and aldehydes, potentially harmful to our health than charcoal briquettes.

Which charcoal is less harmful to health and more efficient?

We have carried out laboratory tests on both charcoal and briquettes using a cone calorimeter and analysing the physical characteristics of combustion, which we understand as burning and emissions.

In this research aldehydes, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide and dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide and particulates were analysed, as were the energy released by each burning medium and the ignition time.

Coal briquettes show higher emissions of volatile organic compounds and aldehydes than charcoal. In general, briquette samples show higher values than charcoal.

Wood charcoal

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strong points

- Lights up easily and reaches an optimum temperature quickly.

- Made of wood.

- Ideal for cooking meat, thanks to the high temperatures.

- Has less harmful emissions.

Weaknesses

- Rapid combustion and regular need to add charcoal.

- The temperature drops very quickly.

- Depending on the charcoal quality, it can burn more or less easily.

Charcoal WEBER

 Bio Charcoal

Briquettes

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

- The coals stay lit for longer than with charcoal, which is ideal for fish and slower cooked meat.

- The pieces are all the same shape, unlike with charcoal, ensuring an even burn and easier to control.

Weaknesses

- Slower to reach the ideal temperature.

- The maximum temperature is lower than that usually obtained with charcoal.

- Potentially harmful emission levels.

Briquettes WEBER 4 kg

As charcoal contains fewer harmful compounds, we believe it is the best solution for grilling.

But it is important to remember that the cooking of food should always be done in ventilated areas and for the good of all, should only start after the burning has stabilised, to avoid particles and higher levels of emissions.