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.

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Learn

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
4674 Reviews
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Long-Lasting and Efficient, but Takes Time to Ligh I’ve been really pleased with Kingsford Original Charcoal. It lasts much longer than regular charcoal, helping keep the heat steady for an extended time — which means you can cook longer without constantly adding more. You also don’t need to use a lot to get great results, making it quite efficient. The only downside is that it can be a bit tricky and slow to get started, but once it’s going, it performs beautifully. Overall, a reliable and solid choice for grilling.
Date published: 2025-05-08
Rated 5 out of 5 by from The best of the best! Kingsford charcoal lights quickly, burns evenly, and gives a great smoky flavor to food—perfect for consistent grilling results. Packaging is nice and thick and doesn’t rip. Very safe to use when done properly.
Date published: 2025-05-08
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Quality briquettes I have always had a great experience with Kingsford Charcoal Briquettes. They are a much better quality than other brands, ignite quicker and last longer.
Date published: 2025-05-07
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Perfect barbecues Kingsford is a brand of charcoal for grilling that stands out for its exceptional quality and durability. Made with high-quality materials, Kingsford ignites and burns evenly, ensuring hassle-free grilling every time. Its affordable price makes it accessible to everyone. Its briquettes offer an authentic and rich barbeque flavor that will please anyone who tries it. In conclusion, Kingsford is a top-quality charcoal for grilling that will not disappoint.
Date published: 2025-05-07
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great taste. Fast lighting Great product taste great burns long. Highly recommended product. Ignition time is fast. Low ash production. Very high heat output. Would use again
Date published: 2025-05-05
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy to use I’ve been using Kingsford Charcoal for years, and it never lets me down. It lights up pretty easily, gets hot fast, and stays hot long enough to get a good sear or slow cook if you need it. Whether I’m grilling burgers for a quick dinner or smoking ribs on the weekend, it holds up great.
Date published: 2025-05-05
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 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
Rated 4 out of 5 by from One of the good quality items I bought! Been using Kingsford for years. Always the best go to for smokin and grillin. It's ready fast and burns long enough to make it a breeze to do either, anytime
Date published: 2025-04-27
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Bbq Been using it for years. Even when I was a kid my parents had always used it. Very affordable and easy to use. The brand is everywhere and can be found in stores or online.
Date published: 2025-04-27
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Good. Buy it Great grill performance Flavor intensity is great Heat output also good. Lighting time is perfect Ash production is amazing. I recommend this
Date published: 2025-04-26
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Top brand My husband is a big fan of Kingsford. This charcoal is priced great and works well for our grilling needs come the grilling season. We wouldn’t use any other brand!
Date published: 2025-04-25
Rated 3 out of 5 by from Works okay Works well, is not my first choice but I will use. Doesn’t leave a bad flavor on what you are cooking. Takes a little extra time to heat up but the burn lasts
Date published: 2025-04-25
Rated 5 out of 5 by from A classic for a reason This is an absolute classic for a reason. Reliable, even heat output that lasts longer than average. The bag is durable and keep the charcoal dry. It imparts that classic grilled flavor.
Date published: 2025-04-24
Rated 5 out of 5 by from The best The best is kingsford this is the only brand of charcoal my husband will use. It’s is fast and long lasting and does not leave a bad taste to our food. We will forever only purchase kingsford
Date published: 2025-04-24
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Light up your Grill! Our go-to product for the grill. Easy to use, ignite, with good burn time and consistent heat. Welove, BBQ! We go for this brand over the others. It's worth it.
Date published: 2025-04-24
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Ol’ Reliable Kingsford original are great quality briquettes. They light easily and when the given enough time to heat they give off the best flavor and smoke without over producing ash or the flavor of lighter fluid.
Date published: 2025-04-23
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Good to for bbq Go to charcoal for our Weber grill. Puts our good heat and is simple to light . Also produces great flavor on whatever meat you bbq over it . Also like how many uses you get out of one bag
Date published: 2025-04-23
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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.