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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More
Kingsford®

Original Charcoal

  • Previous
  • Next
  • 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
4625 Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Wonderful Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes have been a staple for grill enthusiasts since 1920, renowned for their reliability and authentic smoky flavor.  ⸻ 🔥 Key Features • Quick Ignition: Thanks to Kingsford’s signature Sure Fire Grooves®, these briquettes light up faster, typically ready for cooking in about 15 minutes.  • Long-Lasting Burn: Designed for extended grilling sessions, they provide consistent heat, making them suitable for various cooking methods.  • Natural Composition: Made with 100% natural ingredients and real wood, ensuring a genuine wood-fired taste without added chemicals. 
Date published: 2025-05-04
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Food. Yummy. This is the only charcoal used in my used for generations. The food is always Smokey and flavorful. It really depends on how your cooking your meat on how much time it will take for it it light but it doesn’t normally take long. It does take a while for them to cool down after you’re done cooking.
Date published: 2025-05-03
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Always reliable I'm loving my Kingsford Original Charcoal! It lights up fast and burns consistently, giving my grilled meats that perfect smoky flavor. I've used it for burgers, steaks, and veggies, and it's always a hit. The long burn time is great for bigger gatherings. My only reason for not giving it 5 stars is that it can produce a bit of ash, but that's a small trade-off for the amazing taste it delivers. Highly recommend for any grill master.
Date published: 2025-05-03
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Bbq season This is my go to charcoal for bbq . It smokes good and great taste. You get so much for your buck. They last a long time and. Heats up great. Nice packaging. And
Date published: 2025-05-02
Rated 5 out of 5 by from best coal the best coal. this is all i use for my grill and it gives me a perfect cook everytime. not a lot of ash, heats up quick. easy to use and sustainable. perfect stuff
Date published: 2025-04-30
Rated 5 out of 5 by from King of all Coals It heats real well in the grill. The size is just right and the flavor is so good! It burns for a long time and the quality is just right. when you light this on fire it burns
Date published: 2025-04-30
Rated 3 out of 5 by from Quality coals Fast lighting time and the coals were solid and intact. This is a reputable brand that I remember my Father using to light our grill when I was young.
Date published: 2025-04-30
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Good product This is an overall good charcoal. It gives out good heat, lights easily, and the food tastes great cooked over it. This is a good basic charcoal for anyone looking for one. I recommend!
Date published: 2025-04-29
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy to use My family and I always use this charcoal. It always burns well and makes the food taste amazing. It's easy to light as well. I'd definitely recommend it to others.
Date published: 2025-04-29
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Reliable charcoal with great heat and flavor—perfe I've been using Kingsford Original Charcoal for years, and it never disappoints. It lights up quickly and evenly, making it easy to get the grill started. The heat output is consistent and long-lasting, which is perfect for cooking a variety of foods. I also love the classic smoky flavor it adds to meats—definitely enhances the grilling experience. It produces minimal ash compared to other brands, so cleanup is quicker. Whether you're a weekend griller or a BBQ enthusiast, this charcoal is a reliable choice.
Date published: 2025-04-29
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy to Use and Smells Amazing ❤️❤️❤️ I really enjoyed using Kingsford Original Charcoal during our last BBQ. It was easy to light and didn’t take too long to get hot. The smell of the charcoal reminded me of summer cookouts from when I was younger. It burned evenly and stayed hot for a long time, which helped us cook everything without rushing. The food had a nice smoky taste that you just can’t get with gas. I was surprised how well it worked and how simple it was to use. We made burgers, hot dogs, and even grilled some veggies—everything came out great!
Date published: 2025-04-29
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Never disappoints!! I’ve been using Kingsford Original Charcoal for years, and it never disappoints. It’s incredibly easy to light, whether you’re using a chimney starter or just a few lighter cubes. Once it’s going, the charcoal stays consistently hot, making it perfect for everything from quick grilling to slow cooking. I’ve also noticed it burns a long time compared to other brands, so I don’t have to constantly add more during longer cookouts. The quality and reliability of Kingsford are why it’s always my first choice when it’s time to fire up the grill.
Date published: 2025-04-29
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Favorite charcoals As someone who enjoys weekend barbecues and impromptu cookouts, Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes have become my go-to for consistent and flavorful grilling.  What I Appreciate: • Quick Ignition: The briquettes are ready to cook on in about 15 minutes, thanks to the Sure Fire Grooves® that promote faster lighting.  • Consistent Heat: They provide steady heat, making it easier to manage cooking times and ensure evenly grilled food.  • Authentic Flavor: Made with natural ingredients and real wood, these briquettes impart a classic smoky flavor that enhances the taste of meats and vegetables alike.  • Minimal Ash: They burn down to fine ash, simplifying the cleanup process after grilling.  Considerations: While the briquettes light quickly, they can produce more initial smoke compared to some other brands. However, this dissipates as they reach optimal cooking temperature.  Final Thoughts: Overall, Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes offer a reliable and efficient grilling experience. Their ease of use and consistent performance make them a staple in my grilling routine. 
Date published: 2025-04-29
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Would definitely recommend this product!!!!!! We have used this product since I can remember the flavor is great…..heats up as it should…..ash production is also great…..always the packaging is great as well!!!!!!
Date published: 2025-04-27
Rated 5 out of 5 by from The best charcoal Puts out great heat. Lights easily and burns long. Gives meat the best flavor and makes the best bbq. As most coals it leave ash and dust so make sure to clean out the grill when done
Date published: 2025-04-27
  • y_2025, m_5, d_6, h_5
  • bvseo_bulk, prod_bvrr, vn_bulk_3.0.42
  • cp_1, bvpage1
  • co_hasreviews, tv_153, tr_4471
  • loc_en_US, sid_KF_PRD_1, prod, sort_[SortEntry(order=SUBMISSION_TIME, direction=DESCENDING)]
  • clientName_grillingcom
  • bvseo_sdk, p_sdk, 3.2.1
  • CLOUD, getReviews, 233.17ms
  • REVIEWS, PRODUCT

Light your fire with Kingsford® products.

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