Why you'll love it: The Kamado Joe Natural Lump Charcoal is great for ceramic grills because it produces so little ash.
A growing number of serious barbecue fanatics are eschewing both gas and charcoal grills and turning to a third option. Ceramic grills, basically modern versions of the Indian and Chinese ovens and urns that were used thousands of years ago, allow food to retain its moisture while being cooked at a high temperature. You can vary the temperature, from 225°F to more than 750°F, so a ceramic grill can basically double as an oven or even a smoker. Many of them look like giant eggs. All ceramic grills require lump charcoal, though.
Kamado Joe, based in China, makes well regarded and affordable ceramic grills and other grilling accessories. The highly rated, 100% natural Kamado Joe charcoal is sourced from three dense hardwoods in Argentina. Apparently, the wood is so hard it is called an "axe breaker" by the locals. The wood is then roasted in traditional outdoor ovens.
Around the web, semi-professional barbecue reviewers, including those at the Egghead Forum, a popular site reviewing ceramic grills and accessories, rave about Kamado Joe Natural Lump Charcoal.
User reviews on the Ace Hardware site are highly positive. "Anyone that complains about this product does not know how to use a ceramic grill. I've tried multiple brands and Kamado Joe Charcoal blows them all away. Burns longer than all the others and leaves a great smoky taste on all my meats. You'll never use another after using this once," wrote a reviewer.
"This charcoal is excellent with a good mixture of different sizes. I recently smoked ribs from 11 am till 6 pm at 225 degrees, then neighbors came over and had steaks so I cranked up temp to 800 and cooked his steaks, and still have enough charcoal for another 3 to 4 hour burn," wrote another happy customer.
If you have a ceramic grill, this is the charcoal for you.
Pros: Large lumps, burns hot, low ash
Cons: Somewhat pricey
Buy a 20-pound bag of Kamado Joe Natural Lump Charcoal from Lowe's for $24.99