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
4679 Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Love it My family uses this brand regularly. Love the flavor of food cooked over charcoal. Long burn time and easy to ignite, gets really hot and has little ash!
Date published: 2025-07-06
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Cooks very nice and even heat I love these coals they burn forever and you don't get the weird fluid taste in your food like you do with the ones that have the ready fire fluid already in them
Date published: 2025-07-04
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Great taste, dependable, convenient I always grab a bag of Kingsford charcoal to bring with on any camping trip! I can count on it doing its job and my meal will have that great bbq flavor. I use a little bit of lighting fluid to get going, then I just let time to the rest. In about 15 min I can count on it being ready for dinner. I am satisfied with heat output and I have cooked a lot of various dishes on Kingsford charcoal, from frozen pizzas to chicken kebabs, to hamburgers and hotdogs. I’ve always used this brand for my family cook outs.
Date published: 2025-07-02
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Works great! More expensive than other charcoals that I have tried but it definitely lights easier and burns longer! Worth the extra money to have a more reliable charcoal
Date published: 2025-07-02
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Cooks Like A Charm Kingsford charcoal lights pretty easily after being doused with lighter fluid. It doesn’t impart flavor as these aren’t flavored. The burn time is long and after you’re done you’ll need to put it out by closing the vents on the grill and putting the back on. The heat output is high. We don’t use a regular grill often. We mostly use a traeger for grilling.
Date published: 2025-06-29
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Good quality Easy to light, long lasting, good taste on food, burn time is awhile, not a lot of ash output, good heat output, overall good product and would purchase again
Date published: 2025-06-28
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great for the summer Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquets make grilling fun and easy. Coals heat quickly and are ready to cook on in about 15 minutes. Made with natural ingredients and real wood to deliver authentic smoky flavor. These high quality ingredients also ensure long burn performance and keep your barbecue going longer, when compared to other charcoal brands.
Date published: 2025-06-28
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Heat output is very good and sustainable It is very good charcoal and also obviously good company, they make lot of others different charcoal with different packing and heat sustainability is also very longlasting and no ash.
Date published: 2025-06-28
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Yes For Kingsford, their charcoal has always been a go too. It’s very long lasting and durable. He really can rely on their brand to keep the party going.
Date published: 2025-06-27
Rated 5 out of 5 by from A long lived classic worth its mettle - so long as Like any briquette, you need to know how to properly use them with a decent grill, and if you do then this one works absolutely fine. The lighting time is average, burn time I'd say is pretty long, ash production is as expected and burns down very fine, heat output is great, and flavor is just taught with no lingering taste other than char. I've gotten a lot of compliments when I use these, both on the cooking and well as the method; people appreciate a real charcoal grilled burger. I'd say they are just right and a true classic.
Date published: 2025-06-27
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Best for us Kingsford original charcoal gives a real taste and smoke. It provides long-lasting heat with a minimal amount of charcoal, and you don't have to use half package at one time. Package is easy to carry from the store, solid and great to storage leftovers.
Date published: 2025-06-25
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Grill masters only ! Kingsford is a summer bbq essential item for your next outdoor barbecue. The smell bring back all the summer memories, kingsford has great burn time so you never have to worry about it replacing every time, the original recipe and other flavor recipes are great you can’t go wrong
Date published: 2025-06-24
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Always there when you need it. Our power was out due to rain. My home all electric. No gas. Stupid me, I forgot to refill the propane for my gas grill. Thank God I had my old charcoal grill, and my neighbor had charcoal. I was able to feed 12 hungry guests, and it was all thanks to the charcoal.
Date published: 2025-06-22
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Perfect every time Product works great amazing flavor. Great price and does the job for grilling during the summer. Perfect heat output for any type of grilling packaging is very sturdy.
Date published: 2025-06-22
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Simple to use No issues what so ever, it idint take long for it to light up, and the ash is honestly alright to clean after. It has that charcoal smell and it does hold up well. I would say pretty sustainably.
Date published: 2025-06-22
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Light your fire with Kingsford® products.

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