An American Story

The history of grilling at Kingsford is a classic American story. It all started in 1919 when Edward G. Kingsford helped Henry Ford procure a stretch of timberland to supply wood for his auto plants.

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Kingsford® Preserve the Pit

Kingsford remains committed to celebrating Black barbecue culture by launching the second year of Preserve the Pit and doubling the investment in aspiring barbecue professionals.

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American Pride

An American-made company founded over 100 years ago, Kingsford has a lot to be proud of. Our employees have been continuing the family tradition in backyards across the nation.

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The Kingsford Difference

Kingsford has been fueling legendary grills since 1920, and we’re still America’s #1 charcoal for good reason. Our briquets light faster, burn longer, and deliver the high heat you need for exceptional results. Whether you’re searing steaks or savoring smoky flavors, one thing’s for certain — nothing beats the original.

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Kingsford®

Match Light® Charcoal

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  • No lighter fluid needed
  • Ready to cook on in 10 minutes

Kingsford® Match Light® Charcoal lights every time—guaranteed.* Because the briquets are infused with just the right amount of lighter fluid, they light instantly*, and stay lit with no lighter fluid needed. They light with just a match and are ready to cook on in 10 minutes — making them perfect for tailgates and other on-the-go events. And our Match Light® Charcoal is made with North American wood and the same quality ingredients as Kingsford® Original to deliver an authentic wood-fired BBQ flavor — instantly. Available in a variety of sizes, from 4-lb. to 2x16-lb. bags.

For best results, always close the bag tightly after use. Kingsford® Match Light® Charcoal should last 1–2 years in unopened bags stored in a cool, dry place. For best lighting results, partially used bags should be rolled tightly down to the level of the briquets in the bag and securely closed. Additionally, storing open or unopened bags in a cool, dry place will help maintain performance.

* When used as directed
The Kingsford Difference

Match Light

Grilling just got easier with Kingsford® Match Light® charcoal! Made for BBQ fans who want to grill anytime, anywhere, it ignites instantly* and heats flawlessly, so you can spend less time prepping and more time doing your thing. No lighter fluid needed — just pure grilling goodness that’s ready whenever you are. 

Want to see Match Light in action? Watch our video.

* When used as directed.

Pairs well with this recipe

Grilled Ribeye

Grilling thick cut ribeye steaks to perfection is simple, fast and fit for every occasion.

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Learn

HOW TO ARRANGE CHARCOAL BEFORE GRILLING

Discover the best ways to grill and smoke using Kingsford® Charcoal Briquets. We’ll show you how much charcoal you should be using to achieve the right grilling temperature, and techniques to use for different types of food. It’s easy — just follow along.

Learn How
Reviews
4.1
1446 Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Best coal's on the market. A must have for camping. Safe no lighter fluid. Perfect if your not grilling at home. Evenly cooks food be it rare or well done. Corn and vegetables come out great
Date published: 2025-06-24
Rated 1 out of 5 by from None garbage Do not but this charcoal it did have lighter fluid in it i had to use car gasoline to get it to light and after lit before I started cooking all ready burned out meat was still raw with blood did not finish cooking my food iam never buying again matchlight charcoal as long as I live match charcoal is match light garbage iam sticking to meatless burger restaurants the rest of my life iam taking my charcoal girll to trash dump and throw it away And eat plant based foods off frying pan fried in sun flower oil and olive oil and eat vegetables and fruits and fat free milk the rest of my life and eat healthy the rest of life this match light charcoal is trash light charcoal I don't recommend this charcoal to nobody inless you want raw food
Date published: 2025-06-22
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Ready I really like how easy this is to start. It’s summer and who wants to take forever starting a grill? It smells pretty strong so if that’s not your thing then I would pass. I don’t care though.
Date published: 2025-06-13
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Burns good and easy to start By far their best charcoal. The lighter fluid is built right into the charcoals. No need for lighter fluid! It burns very hot and stays that way for the duration. I won't use any other charcoals except these.
Date published: 2025-06-11
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great briquettes I have always had a great experience with these Kingsford Match Light briquettes. They light easily, last a long time and do a great job on my cookouts. I will say that you should let them burn a while before placing meat on the grill as they are impregnated with lighter fluid and if you don’t burn that off first your meat with absorb that taste.
Date published: 2025-06-03
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Greàt Product This is the best charcoal I love the Packaging the Environment Impact is good the Flame Control is wonderful I love the Odor and it is very Safety very good product
Date published: 2025-05-08
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Fast cook If you’re grilling burgers, hot dogs, or quick meals, this is a great option. For longer sessions or serious BBQ enthusiasts, traditional charcoal might be a better fit.
Date published: 2025-04-05
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Only thing I use Great flame control. Easy to pour packaging. Easy cleanup just dump the dust. Not bad oder like if using lighter fluid. Store in dry space and away from flammable items for safety.
Date published: 2025-04-03
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Anyone can do it This is by far my favorite charcoal. Just need a match and a bag of this, and you’re set. No extra fuss. I have never had an issue. Great for bbqs or camping.
Date published: 2025-03-19
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great product This is the only charcoal I will use. Great easy lighting product. Nice choice of flavors. Easy open package and is safe to use. Nicely priced and good for the environment.
Date published: 2025-02-18
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great I've tried just about all the brands of charcoal and still has a charcoal lighter taste of course it was user fault but I grabbed a bad of matchlite and it didn't have that taste I will gladly buy again
Date published: 2025-02-11
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Worth it! The best to use when using a charcoal grill, no waiting for lighter fluid to soak. Literally just light a brick or two and it’s good to go! Perfect item for summertime grilling!
Date published: 2025-01-20
Rated 5 out of 5 by from LOVE Absolutely love this charcoal. It's so easy to use and stays lit. The flavor charcoal give is absolutely amazing. Absolutely worth every penny I've ever spent.
Date published: 2025-01-02
Rated 3 out of 5 by from Convenient for ease! Very convenient option for quick and easy grilling. It lights easily without the need for lighter fluid and heats up fast, making it great for casual cookouts. It does have slight chemical smell or taste if the briquettes aren’t fully ashed over. It’s perfect for convenience but may not suit those looking for a more natural grilling experience. Also kind of pricy.
Date published: 2024-12-20
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Nice and easy and light Very light weight and catches a flame fast. The taste on the grill is very good and the price isn’t bad. I usually use this when I want to use a park grill.
Date published: 2024-12-04
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Light your fire with Kingsford® products.

Explore our full range of charcoal, pellets and flavor boosters to take your grilling to the next level.