The Kings of Fire: Who Makes the Best Charcoal?
In the world of barbecue, the choice of charcoal is as personal and fiercely debated as any cooking decision. It is the first ingredient, the very soul of the flavor. While dozens of brands line the shelves, a handful of manufacturers have consistently risen to the top, earning the loyalty of pitmasters through quality, consistency, and a deep understanding of fire and smoke. These titans of the industry—Kingsford, Royal Oak, B&B, FOGO, and Jealous Devil—represent a fascinating cross-section of American ingenuity and global artisanship, each with a unique history that shaped the way we grill today.