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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Kingsford®

Original Charcoal

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  • 100% natural ingredients
  • Ready to cook on in 15 minutes
  • Long burn time*

Since 1920, Kingsford® Original Charcoal has been the gold standard of grilling. Made in the USA with 100% natural ingredients, including North American wood, Kingsford® Original gives BBQ lovers the smoky wood-fired flavor they crave. Our Original briquets are great for any grilling occasion. Whether you’re smoking a brisket, grilling up vegetables or firing up the grill at your next tailgate, Kingsford® Original delivers the best in authentic BBQ flavor. In fact, Kingsford® lights faster than competitive brands, giving you the ultimate grilling experience — every time. Available in a variety of sizes, from 4-lb. to 2x20-lb. bags.

† With North American ingredients
‡ Compared to nationally available conventional charcoal in the U.S.A.
  • *Compared to other charcoal brands.
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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How to Grill with Charcoal

Everything you need to know about grilling with classic Kingsford® charcoal and charcoal grills.

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Reviews
4.7
3522 Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Number 1 Of course this is probably the most used charcoal but I have never had any issues with the charcoal. Sometimes I can use it twice but that’s only sometimes.
Date published: 2023-08-25
Rated 2 out of 5 by from Terrible smell It’s not that greatest because when it burns it smells terrible if you get the stuff that’s more natural and has zero chemicals it also makes the good taste way better
Date published: 2023-08-23
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great stuff! My husband swears by this charcoal, he refuses to use the off brand & says that it doesn’t cook as well! I will continue to buy this brand for our grilling!
Date published: 2023-08-21
Rated 5 out of 5 by from The best Classic barbecue choice and you can never go wrong with the brand. It dosnt give off a harsh taste and lights well and evenly! Highly recommend this charcoal.
Date published: 2023-08-18
Rated 1 out of 5 by from Overpriced Kingsford has priced itself out of the running. There are many brands that work well and are more affordable.
Date published: 2023-07-17
Rated 3 out of 5 by from Charcoal - Glad to see I am not the only loyal one who is not happy on not being able to purchase 20 pound bags. Your charcoal used to be the best choice/value but things have changed. Because of the downsize price increase- I am going to give other charcoals a chance again. I am a proud Weber Charcoal griller, but not going to stay that loyal anymore.
Date published: 2023-06-30
Rated 2 out of 5 by from Not what it used to be..... I read with great interest the other reviews. Glad to see I am not the only one who is miffed on not being able to purchase 20 pound bags. Your charcoal used to be the best choice, but things have changed. Because of the price, I am going to give other charcoal a chance again. Ever since you introduced the "ridges" in the briquettes the quality has gone down. I am a proud Weber Charcoal griller, some call me a charcoal snob, but I can't afford to grill out as much any more. What's even more strange is your opening paragraph when I came to your site says available from 4# to,...am I seeing correctly,...20# bags?
Date published: 2023-06-27
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Just the best Bought any different charcoal , hands down Kingsford is superior for my grill.
Date published: 2023-06-26
Rated 2 out of 5 by from Smaller bags higher price For the last few years, I’ve noticed that you do not have sale prices on the double bag charcoal. It used to be 2- 20 pound bags for $9.98 at the local hardware stores. Now it’s 2- 16 pound bags, for $17.98. I really feel that we are being ripped off. I’m sure your company has been making plenty of profits. There’s no need to take it out and the consumers. At the new prices, you will sell less bags. At least I won’t be buying those. There is a lot of poor people in this country that use your charcoal and you’re picking their pockets. I’m very upset with your ethics. Not that this rant is going to change anything. I see plenty of reviewers complaining. Has the money gotten to your heads, that you lost all compassion. For the public consumer? I praised your charcoal for many years. And at these new prices and quality. I have lost all loyalty.. GOODBYE!
Date published: 2023-06-22
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Always trusted we always use kingsford charcoal at all of our cookouts! reliable and gets the job done. Definitely comes in at a reasonable price point that allows everyone to be able to afford.
Date published: 2023-06-18
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Awesome!! Ever since I was a kid, this was the only charcoal my parents used. I always use this kind now whenever we decide we want to grill out on a nice day. I swear this charcoal burns better and just works better all around for the grill.
Date published: 2023-06-18
Rated 3 out of 5 by from Size Matters Why are you guys shrinking the bag size and the briquettes? I would rather pay more money for 2 40 lb bags then 2 16 lb bags at he old 2 20 lb bags price. Also, sales used to run on Memorial Day and 4th of July at both Lowes and Home Deport. Last 3 years no sales!
Date published: 2023-06-13
Rated 3 out of 5 by from Size Not only have the 2 bag deals in my area went from 2 20lb bags for 20 bucks...now it's 2 16 lb bags for 17 and the briquettes are smaller.....Come on now Kingsford.. what gives????
Date published: 2023-05-29
Rated 2 out of 5 by from Kingsford disappoints again Two years ago Kingsford came out with a new formula. It would not create or maintain a grilling temperature. It seemed as though they responded to complaints and in 2022, the product was good again. Now, my first purchase in 2023, which is not only suffering from shrinkflation (16 lb bags instead of 20lb) we’re back to heat not achieving high heat (450 plus) but when it gets to 400 degrees, it will not hold that temperature for even 15 minutes! Very disappointed and probably will not purchase again!!
Date published: 2023-05-24
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Look No Further! As a guy who has been grilling 50+ years and has used many different brands and types of charcoal I can honestly say Kingsford Original charcoal briquettes represent the best quality and value available to “grillers” of any level of ability. Easy lighting, ready quick, consistent burns, hot or slow, and long lasting! If you know how to properly operate your grill, you wont find a better product! Highly recommended!
Date published: 2023-05-23
Rated 5 out of 5 by from The best This is the way my food looks like while trying to cook the coals did not burn even I had to relite. I asked my wife to pickup some charcoal and that was what she brought smh
Date published: 2023-05-17
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Even heat We use both, gas and charcoal grills. When we cook on our charcoal grill, Kingford is the only brand of charcoal we now use. The briquettes light quickly and retain their heat. We have also found that we don't need to use as much Kingsford charcoal as we did other brands. I think Kingsford is the best charcoal for even grilling and flavorful results.
Date published: 2023-05-06
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Kingsford original charcoal I absolutely love to cook out on the grill the food tastes better and it's good I love this brand in charcoal makes my food tàste awesome I highly recommend this brand
Date published: 2023-05-04
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Burns good We have been buying this product for years. It's very easy to use. You just open the bag and pour how much you want in to your charcoal grill. If you don't have a charcoal grill these work great in a homemade fire pit too. Then you squirt your charcoal lighter fluid over the charcoal and light it. Wait till it burns down a bit before adding your food. You get a good amount of charcoal in this bag. Everyone in our family loves the flavor the charcoal gives our food. You just can't beat the taste of a good charcoal burger. If you have never tried it before then you have been missing out.
Date published: 2023-04-14
Rated 1 out of 5 by from Very disappointed I have used these briquettes for a very long time. Recently the. last 2 bags i purchased wouldn’t stay lit. I don’t know if they changed something or not but never had this problem before.
Date published: 2023-04-02
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Lights the easiest out Lights the easiest out of the other charcoal bags that I’ve used in the past. Well priced
Date published: 2023-03-09
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Trusted brand This charcoal has been a grilling staple in my family since I was a child. The charcoal heats quickly and our burgers always end up cooked to perfection.
Date published: 2023-03-01
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Tried and True My family has used this particular brand of charcoal for as long as I can remember. It lights easily for a great BBQ every time! Highly recommend!
Date published: 2023-02-23
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Fine product This is my husbands go to charcoal. We always have it on hand for those awesome BBQ's! Lights quickly and easily. Recommend!
Date published: 2023-02-18
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Only charcoal we use. We have tried every brand that they have to bbq. We only use this. It works really well and the coals stay lit for a while after we are done cooking. Would recommend.
Date published: 2023-02-17
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Oldie but Goody! I only use Kingsford when we grill during the summer months. Love the flavor it gives meat and vegetables. I would recommend this for any non gas grill.
Date published: 2023-02-13
Rated 5 out of 5 by from THIS IS THE BEST BRAND! If you need charcoal don’t trust any other brand for your family other than KINGSFORD! Nothing tastes or burns like it! You’ll know when you buy off brand because it’s going to taste like coal. This taste like you actually had a free burning fire with nothing but true coals. 🥰
Date published: 2023-02-13
Rated 5 out of 5 by from My dad used this charcoal for years I’ve notice that this charcoal was my dads go to when it came to grilling. Recently I notice that he switched to another brand, I’m not sure why he did.
Date published: 2023-02-03
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Charcoal What to say, what to say??? Kingsford Charcoal has been around since I can remember. We keep it stocked at our house. Easy to use. Doesn’t leave an after taste on food. I tried an off brand once and never again!
Date published: 2023-01-26
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Kingsford Original Charcoal Kingsford Original Charcoal is my favorite charcoal to use no matter what. It burns evenly and stays nice and hot. I love using a charcoal grill cause the taste is just way better I highly recommend
Date published: 2023-01-25
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Light your fire with all new Kingsford® products.

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