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

(3971 Reviews)
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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.
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
3971 Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Grea charcoal Favorite charcoal brand to use. I find the charcoal to be easy to light and leave my steaks and burgers with a nice charcoal flavor. It distributes heat well.
Date published: 2024-04-15
Rated 5 out of 5 by from The Tried and True King of Charcoal Kingsford charcoal – it's a total game-changer for any BBQ enthusiast! Seriously, this stuff is like the secret sauce for grilling greatness. Whether you're cooking up burgers, steaks, or veggies, Kingsford charcoal delivers that perfect smoky flavor every time. Plus, it's super easy to light and maintains a steady heat, so you can focus on flipping those burgers like a pro. I've tried other brands, but nothing beats Kingsford. So, if you're serious about your BBQ game, definitely give it a shot. Five stars all the way!
Date published: 2024-04-14
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Burns evenly The best charcoal I have ever used , I did try other brands but this is by far the best one out there. It burns slow and evenly and doesn’t ever go out early. It smells good and not overly smelly
Date published: 2024-04-13
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Simple and does the job Fast burning. Easy to use and transport. Does a good job of cooking good on the grill. Doesn't leave any charcoal odor behind. Will continue to repurchase
Date published: 2024-04-13
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Ease of lighting This charcoal lights easily and lasts longer than expected. It enhances the natural flavors without adding the chemical taste that you get with the artificially added mesquite and apple.
Date published: 2024-04-12
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Best!! The best charcoal for a fireplace! This is the only kind that we ever use and it burns the absolute best! Don’t buy any other kind besides this! It’s. A must and a great price!
Date published: 2024-04-12
Rated 4 out of 5 by from "Kingsford Original Charcoal: Classic Flavor and Reliable Performance" Kingsford Original Charcoal is a staple for any grilling enthusiast, known for its consistent performance and reliability. The flavor it imparts to food is a classic smoky taste that enhances the overall grilling experience, making meats and vegetables taste deliciously charred and savory.Lighting the charcoal is relatively easy, thanks to its uniform briquette shape and quick-starting formula. The charcoal heats up efficiently, saving time and getting you ready to grill in no time. Once lit, the burn time is impressive, providing a steady heat source that lasts long enough for most grilling sessions.Ash production is moderate, with the charcoal burning cleanly and evenly, producing a manageable amount of residue. This makes cleanup straightforward, without too much mess to contend with.In terms of heat distribution, Kingsford Original Charcoal excels in providing a consistent and even heat across the grill, ensuring that food cooks evenly and thoroughly. Overall, it's a dependable choice for grilling, offering great flavor and performance every time.
Date published: 2024-04-12
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Always reliable Kingsford charcoal has always been what my family used, and it never lets us down. It's easy to start, it burns well, and the flavor is perfect. This is definitely my go-to charcoal when it's time to grill.
Date published: 2024-04-12
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Last really long and has a good charcoal flavor Really easy to light up and stays lit up for a long time making it better for the food to stay warm and cook up.Has a really good flavor to it and creates a lot of ash.
Date published: 2024-04-12
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Burns without effort and burns steady for a long time! My family prefers Kingsford original charcoal for barbecue and for cozy evening by the fireside! The charcoal burns quickly and lasts a long time. My husband uses the charcoal to slow cook and roasts chestnuts and peanuts after the meat is done! We don’t see sparks when the charcoal burns! Overall a good product!
Date published: 2024-04-11
Rated 3 out of 5 by from A quick back yard grill Kingsford Original Charcoal is a reliable choice for backyard grilling sessions. Its consistent heat output ensures even cooking, delivering tasty results every time. While it does the job well, I've noticed a bit more ash residue compared to other brands, requiring a bit more cleanup post-cookout. Overall, it's a decent option for those who prioritize performance over minimal ash production.
Date published: 2024-04-11
Rated 4 out of 5 by from BBQ must have! It’s a well known brand and can’t beat the price, it offers exceptional quality and consistency. The charcoal burns evenly and a long lasting, perfect for grilling and smoking meats.
Date published: 2024-04-11
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Kingsford A oldie but goodie ! My dad use to use this brand of charcoal when i was growing and to this day i usually buy this brand. Lights up fast and does not smell bad
Date published: 2024-04-11
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Heat up your grilling Charcoal gives my grilled food a great taste. Much better than a gas grill. This stuff lights up the well when you use the Kingsford lighter fluid along with it. It burns long enough to grill anything you can think up and then some.
Date published: 2024-04-11
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Great for cookouts! I’m like using this charcoal. It’s easy to light, and the heat distribution is pretty good. It’s ash production is evenly distributed. Burn time is on time.
Date published: 2024-04-11
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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.