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®

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 North American ingredients. With 100% natural ingredients, 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.

† Compared to nationally available conventional charcoal in the U.S.A.
  • *Compared to other charcoal brands.
The Kingsford Difference

Blue Bag

When it’s time to fire up the grill, choose the original. Kingsford charcoal is designed to light fast, burn long, and cook hot, giving you quick starts and wood-fired finishes. From steaks seared to perfection to the irresistible flavor of smoky goodness, Kingsford delivers.

Watch the video to see why Kingsford is America’s #1 charcoal.*

* Based on IRI Unit Sales Data

The Kingsford Difference

Designed Stronger for Fewer Breaks*

When it comes to grilling, strength matters. In our Drop Test, Kingsford briquets stay intact, while the competition crumbles. Why does that matter? Because strong briquets mean less waste.

Watch our Drop Test video and see the difference for yourself.

* Compared to Jealous Devil Max XL Charcoal Briquets

The Kingsford Difference

Quicker Cooks

For grillers who demand the best, Kingsford delivers. When tested, our steak reached 135°F in just 7 minutes, leaving our competition in the dust. While their meat stays raw*, Kingsford serves up steaks cooked to perfection. Nothing beats the original when it comes to speed, heat and flavor.

Ready to see the Steak Test for yourself? Watch the video.*

* Always ensure you cook for adequate time to reach USDA requirements.

† Kingsford® Original Charcoal Briquets compared to Jealous Devil Max XL Charcoal Briquets

Pairs well with this recipe

Grilled Ribeye

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

Get the Recipe
Learn

How to Grill with Charcoal

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

Learn How
Reviews
4.7
4403 Reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Lights easily My hubby only uses this charcoal. It’s very inexpensive and he loves the taste.. not me so much. It lights easily and it’s easy to clean up. It cooks food evenly as it gets very hot!
Date published: 2024-11-27
Rated 5 out of 5 by from My go-to camping choice Packaging keeps my trunk clean. The flavor is wonderful when mixed with the right marinade. Heat Output is even. Ash production is minimal. Sustainability is excellent
Date published: 2024-11-26
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Kingsford original a classic! Good ol original kingsford has always done it for me. Easy, affordable, and always lights in the first try! This is always my first go to, easy to find and available at most stores
Date published: 2024-11-26
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Good charcoal for grilling ! “I’ve been using Kingsford® Original Charcoal for years, and it never disappoints! It lights up quickly and provides a consistent, even heat for all my grilling needs. The briquettes burn long enough to cook anything from burgers to ribs without needing constant refueling. I also appreciate the smoky flavor it adds to my food, giving it that classic BBQ taste. Cleanup is a breeze as the ash stays manageable. Whether it’s a casual cookout or a big family gathering, Kingsford® is always my go-to choice for charcoal grilling!
Date published: 2024-11-23
Rated 5 out of 5 by from staple for grilling season this has been a lifetime favorite. each year when grilling season approaches, we make sure to keep a bag of this charcoal around the house, it lights quickly and adds the perfect charcoal grill flavor to any cookout. you see the Kingsford logo and you automatically think charcoal
Date published: 2024-11-23
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Reliable! I was sent this product as part of a promotion. The attention to detail is not lost with kingsford and that goes from the neat packaging to the even heat created from the charcoal! Easy to light and consistent. Kingsford is the way to go!
Date published: 2024-11-22
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Reliable, Efficient, Classic! Kingsford® Original Charcoal has been my go-to for grilling, and for good reason—it delivers consistent, dependable results every time. The packaging is sturdy and easy to handle, with a well-designed opening that makes pouring effortless. It also comes in various bag sizes, so you can choose what fits your grilling needs. One of the best things about this charcoal is how quickly and evenly it lights. Within minutes, you have a strong, steady heat source that lasts long enough to cook a variety of foods without needing constant attention. The clean-burning briquettes also produce just the right amount of smoky aroma to enhance flavors without overpowering them. The value for money is excellent. Kingsford offers a high-quality product at an affordable price, and each bag lasts a good number of cookouts, making it a reliable choice for both casual grillers and BBQ enthusiasts. The best part? Its consistency. I can always count on Kingsford to heat evenly and deliver perfectly grilled meals. If you’re looking for charcoal that’s classic, efficient, and foolproof, Kingsford® Original Charcoal is the way to go. It’s a grilling essential that never disappoints.
Date published: 2024-11-22
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great brand This is always a brand we use for our charcoal bbq grill. It lights up quickly but I think it also has to do with how my husband lights it. We buy it at Costco because it's affordable (you get 2 bags).
Date published: 2024-11-22
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Top-notch Charcoal Kingsford Charcoal is synonymous with grilling. It lights well and burns steady, hot, and is always consistent and reliable. Kingsford Charcoal is the way to go!
Date published: 2024-11-20
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Grilling Staple Kingsford’s Charcoal Briquettes are a grilling staple. Since I was a little girl, Kingsford has been my family’s go-to. I still remember the joy of helping my father stack the briquettes in the perfect pyramid for optimal burning during our annual camping trips. Kingsford Charcoal burns evenly, ensuring a well-heated grill. Adding extra briquettes mid-grill is never an issue, and they burn consistently down to a nice, easy-to-dispose pile of ash.
Date published: 2024-11-20
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Favorite charcoal brand Lights quick, stays hot longer then most and the two pack is the only way to go. Kingsford charcoal is great. It lights faster and burns more completely than any other brand I’ve tried
Date published: 2024-11-20
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Go to charcoax This is worth the hype and always my families go to. We love to use this brand on our charcoal grill. No ash production, moderate heat output and easy to start
Date published: 2024-11-20
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Love a charcoal burger! Love a good charcoal grill burger or hot dog during the summer. Kingsford is a classic, there’s a reason they’ve been around forever. The burn for a while and leave a good taste!
Date published: 2024-11-18
Rated 3 out of 5 by from Needs consistent attention and regulation Used these for our smoker. We had a difficult time lighting them and keeping them smoldering. Though it needed constant attention and regulation the smoker had decent heat and good burn time.
Date published: 2024-11-18
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy to use for any cookout! This original charcoal is great, burn time is great. Gives the food a great flavor too. Doesn’t leave a lot of ashes. Super easy to ignite, and use.
Date published: 2024-11-18
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great product and it gets the job done Great product that my husband uses almost every weekend. There is not a strong taste in the meat once it's cooked. DOESN'T take long at all to catch fire so you can light up the grill.
Date published: 2024-11-18
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Always reliable and flavorful Kingsford Charcoal is my go-to for grilling. It lights quickly, burns evenly, and gives my food that perfect smoky flavor every time. Whether I’m grilling burgers or veggies, it never disappoints. Highly recommend!
Date published: 2024-11-18
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great choice for grilling Kingsford Original Charcoal is a reliable and widely recognized choice for backyard grilling enthusiasts. Its consistent size and shape ensure even burning, making it easy to achieve steady cooking temperatures. One of its standout features is its quick lighting capability, which eliminates the frustration of long preparation times. The charcoal also produces a distinct smoky flavor that enhances the taste of grilled meats and vegetables. However, it does have a few downsides. Some users note that it burns a bit faster than desired, requiring additional replenishment during extended grilling sessions. Additionally, the ash buildup can be more significant compared to some premium brands.
Date published: 2024-11-16
Rated 5 out of 5 by from The best This is the best charcoal since the burgers, ribs and chicken are delicious and grilled well from grill master. The flavor was insane and the charcoal stayed lit for a long time.
Date published: 2024-11-16
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great Kingsford original charcoal is awesome. When you are barbecuing using this charcoal, it gives your food flavor, put out enough heat, and last for a while. 
Date published: 2024-11-14
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Gets the grilling rone These are the original charcoals and they bring back so many childhood memories. They ignite pretty fast, the heat distribution is great and it gets the job done when grilling.
Date published: 2024-11-13
Rated 5 out of 5 by from 👍 These work great. We've never had any issues We use this with lighter fluid. Once they have burnt out you just scoop the ashes and dump it in the dirt.
Date published: 2024-11-13
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Smokey! recently used Kingsford Charcoal for a weekend barbecue, and it did not disappoint. The charcoal lights quickly and burns evenly, providing a consistent heat that’s perfect for grilling.
Date published: 2024-11-11
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Reliable, long-lasting charcoal with great heat output and flavor for perfect grilling every time! Kingsford Original Charcoal is my go-to for grilling due to its consistent heat output and easy lighting. The briquettes burn evenly and provide a rich, smoky flavor that really enhances the taste of grilled food. One of the standout features is how long they maintain the temperature, which means I don't have to keep adding more charcoal mid-grill. There’s minimal ash residue, making cleanup quicker and easier, too. The packaging is sturdy, so the charcoal stays dry and ready to use. Overall, it's a reliable and high-quality product that makes grilling an enjoyable experience every time.
Date published: 2024-11-11
Rated 5 out of 5 by from For delicious food Best of the industry. Super easy to light up , then stay hot for a good amount of time. Making perfect grilled food. Do not produce smoke at all which a big plus.
Date published: 2024-11-11
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Good brand I love foods that are grilled on charcoal because of its special smell that makes the food taste way better. Kingsford is the brand I usually go for. It’s very easy to ignite and heat level is maintained consistently. The smoke is subtle and doesn’t overpower the food’s taste. I normally stock it up whenever needed and can get it cheap in Costco.
Date published: 2024-11-10
Rated 5 out of 5 by from The brand I always go for This is a tried but true quality charcoal that has been around a long time. It always burns nicely and the food cooks great when using this brand. Anytime I’m in the store this is the charcoal brand I go for.
Date published: 2024-11-09
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Only the best You just can’t beat the original and Kingsford is that for me. I remember my family using it on our grill every summer. The unique taste it gives our food is unrivaled.
Date published: 2024-11-09
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy to use Always very consistent and easy to use. Always perfect for grills and back yard party’s. Packaging is always the same but good. And can use to lot the fire
Date published: 2024-11-07
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great for the bbq Works great. Heats up fast and lasts a long time. The packaging is very easy to open. Gives the food that wonderful bbq taste. It’s also at a great affordable price
Date published: 2024-11-07
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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.