BBQ fuel types

Charcoal

Charcoal is the most common fuel for BBQing, as it's readily available and long-lasting. There are several different types of charcoal one can choose from natural hardwood briquettes, mesquite wood briquettes, and lump charcoal. It works by creating a combination of heat and smoke by burning pieces of organic material. However, natural hardwood will cost more than the other types after purchase due to its limited availability.

Gas

Propane is the most popular way to use for BBQing, as it's so easy to get and safe. But beware of propane canisters leaking, as this can be dangerous. Propane burns clean and shows off a beautiful flame on the BBQ with a lot of smoke. Propane stoves are also very popular for their open-cooking capabilities that allow an individual to place food directly over the heat source (instead of inside a smoker or oven).

Electricity

A new age fuel that many use to power their electric smokers. Electricity is cleaner than propane or charcoal but more expensive upfront. Electric smokers do not produce a lot of smoke, so they are better suited for smoking than other meats.

Wood

Dry wood chunks or chips are the best choices for direct-heat cooking. This would include smoking and grilling. Several wood types can be utilised, with oak being more popular than mesquite due to its lower cost and longer shelf life.

Liquids

Liquids such as gas or propane have been used for years to create heat with some smoke output. Since liquids provide instant heat with some smoke, this is used for indirect heat cooking where meat is kept away from coals or flames. However, gas and propane are not as long-lasting a fuel type as charcoal. And while gas and propane can be used together, the smoke will not be very strong.

Pellets

Pellets are a new way to create smoke without burning actual fuel. These pellets can be burned in an electric smoker like the Weber Genesis Smokey Mountain Cooker at the same time as one would use other fuels. However, pellets have a limited shelf life and burn out quickly, requiring replacement as needed.

Each type of BBQ comes with its own kind of fuel. If you want quality BBQ or sample different BBQs, get in touch with Home Fires. They have an assortment of grills, or visit their website to find out the best grill for you.