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
3625 Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Original is best Gotta stick with the original. I grew up with my family using kingsford original charcoal. It burns easily, it helps put out the right amount of fire to get the perfect grill marks, and the ashes are very easy to clean up.
Date published: 2023-11-07
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works well We purchased our first charcoal grill this summer and purchased this product. I liked the little briquettes and how they turned to nice ash when finished. They burned consistantly which left very few semi formed briquettes left. I do reccomend this product along with the lighter fluid.
Date published: 2023-11-07
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Preferred charcoal brand This is our go-to when my husband is grilling. We prefer charcoal over gas because of the flavor it adds to the food. The heat distribution and burn time are both top notch for charcoal and we won’t use another brand!
Date published: 2023-11-07
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Buy it We have used this charcoal for barbecue and it works good and last a long time definitely worth the price I recommend you buy this product. It last a long time
Date published: 2023-11-06
Rated 5 out of 5 by from The best there is ! Oh I’ve been there and tried all , this hands down is the best charcoal out there , the flavor is Nostalgic almost , of course leave nice grill marks ( which I think has to do more with the grill , Oreo and person cooking ) , it evenly burns down to ash , the burn time is great , it’s not a waste like half I’ve tried , nothing more Aggravating than the coals burning out before the food is done … it hasn’t happened to me with kingsford brand. 
Date published: 2023-11-06
Rated 5 out of 5 by from The best! I use Kingsford charcoal all year round! From the fireplace to the grill, you can be ver go wrong with this brand. We get the packs from Costco/Sams and they last us awhile. It’s perfect for carne asadas! The burn time is always just right, when the asada is done we always like to gather around and feel the warmth it provides.
Date published: 2023-11-06
Rated 5 out of 5 by from It’s great This is great charcoal! We use it for bbq and cooking out in the backyard. It works really well and gives the meat a great flavor. I would definitely recommend this!
Date published: 2023-11-06
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Versatile Heat distribution is on point. Burn time was beyond expectations and didn’t have ashes flying everywhere or all over the food. Easy to light and stay lit.
Date published: 2023-11-05
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great charcoal My whole family from generations back have used Kingsford original charcoal and no other but Kinsford. We buy the Kingsford lighter fluid also spreading the coals out evenly and douse them down with the fluid. The coals light right up every time and as they begin to turn white they ate all most ready to throw your meat on the grill. The coals are burning with a nice red flame and always burns evenly. When we grill alot of meat as seen in my pic we always add Kinsford wood chunks for a linger cook. The temperature stays even all around during cookout. We haven't cooked outdoors in a couple of years so therefore we haven't used the new charcoal that Kingsford came out with so I can't give my thoughts on the new stuff but I'm sure and hope it's still a great charcoal! Highly recommend!
Date published: 2023-11-04
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Best BBQ Coals Period We always use them. They burn evenly. The burn for along time. Even cooking. I trust the brand. I recommend it to everyone. If you want a no fail barbecue this is your answer.
Date published: 2023-11-04
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Does it’s job! Perfect for cooking the best tasting steak. It burns for a long time and doesn’t leave a bad taste on the steak. It also doesn’t produce a lot of ash.
Date published: 2023-11-01
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Works everytime I have been using this for my charcoal grill for years... this works perfect everytime. Food cooked on a charcoal grill is always better than on a gas grill.
Date published: 2023-11-01
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great This is the best cold to work with the burn time is excellent, and the heat the distribution is very even the ash production is very little doesn’t change the flavor of the food
Date published: 2023-11-01
Rated 5 out of 5 by from My go to charcoal Kingsford Original Charcoal is fantastic for grilling. It lights up quickly and burns evenly, making it easy to get that perfect BBQ flavor. After grilling, there’s a manageable amount of ash to clean up, making the overall experience quite hassle-free. It's my go-to charcoal for a great outdoor cooking experience.
Date published: 2023-10-31
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Best cooking charcoal The heat distribution is the best and even. Burn time is extremely long. Ash producation is not so much . Grill marks are perfect on steaks and burgers and meats.
Date published: 2023-10-31
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Love! This has been my go to charcoal for years. In fact my Dad used to use this very brand. Very reliable and an even burn. The ash and heat distribution is very consistent with each bag. I highly recommend it if you cook with charcoal. My only trusted brand.
Date published: 2023-10-30
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Flavorful charcoal I been using Kingsford charcoal in my smoker for a few years now. Very easy to use and I love how flavorful the meats and chicken taste when I am using this brands charcoal.
Date published: 2023-10-30
Rated 5 out of 5 by from No burnt flavor or ash It doesn’t add a brunt flovar while grilling and has no ash that gets in my food and is easy on the wallet I can burn them for hours befor I have to add more and keeps heat where you put the coals and little around the edges but you’ll want to put some coal under all your meat for good heat distribution
Date published: 2023-10-28
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Classic Grew up using this at summer cookouts. Wouldn’t be a bbq without. Great price for the quantity. Last long with good heat distribution and adds classic flavor. Gets the heat up to leave grill marks. Does have a lot of ash afterwards.
Date published: 2023-10-28
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Originally the best! My parents always used this when I was a kid, so basically it was a natural choice. Just used to it, so know how they work for cookouts lol. Sometimes some things are made perfect the first time.
Date published: 2023-10-27
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Perfect! I love this charcoal, the burn time is incredible, along with the heat distribution, versatility, and ash production. Overall a very great charcoal option!
Date published: 2023-10-27
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Good I’ve been buying this brand for as long as I remember. Perfect for the grill. Gives a good flavor to cooking, heats quick and fast and is easy to use. Value for money. Burns for a long time
Date published: 2023-10-26
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Flavor We have always had good luck and great flavor with this brand of charcoal. It is kind of pricey where I live so we stock up any time we get out of town to get in bulk.
Date published: 2023-10-26
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Good Charcoal Option for Grilling!! I have to used this charcoal while I was camping. It gave off good flavor and was relatively easy for me to use! They kept hot for a while and our burgers came out so yummy!
Date published: 2023-10-25
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great Charcoal This is one of my favorite charcoal when barbecuing or when you go camping, the taste is really good and it doesn't make too much smoke which is amazing.
Date published: 2023-10-25
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Top brand for our household use Always heats evenly cooks food to perfection every time. Burn time last long enough to cook what ever you may need it for the coals stay nice and hot for long periods of time.
Date published: 2023-10-25
Rated 3 out of 5 by from Flavor may be off, and can be ashy, has always gotten the job done for me though Let these burn for a little while before putting food on or you’ll get the taste of them more than your food. Heat tends to stay close to the center of a pile but they burn well. Ash may be an issue so try to not use in the wind.
Date published: 2023-10-24
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Clean ash We have a small BBQ pit and my family has been using this brand for over 20 years. According to my husband it does great with flavor, heat distribution, and it is very versatile. It has very good burn time and clean ash.
Date published: 2023-10-24
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great product Great product. Easy to use Gives your product a nice smoking flavor I'm really happy with this product every time I use it is a fair price and a little bit goes a long long
Date published: 2023-10-24
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy light! Kingsford Charcoal delivers an exceptional grilling experience. It lights easily, maintains consistent heat, and infuses a delicious smoky flavor into your food. Plus, it lasts long, and cleanup is a breeze. It's a game-changer for grilling!
Date published: 2023-10-24
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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.