Charcoal Grilling
Charcoal grilling isn't just a cooking method—it's a mindset. Whether you're chasing that perfect sear or building bark on a slow-cooked brisket, there's a reason pitmasters and backyard cooks alike reach for the charcoal bag time and time again. We asked a few of our Masterbuilt ambassadors to share what keeps them fired up about cooking with charcoal—and their answers say it all.
If you're serious about outdoor cooking, you know that great flavor starts at the fire.
It Starts with Flavor
If there's one thing all our ambassadors agree on, it's this: nothing beats the flavor of charcoal. Whether you're searing over direct heat or going low-and-slow with indirect heat, charcoal gives you flexibility and flavor. That signature, smoky bark—that you can see, smell, and taste—is what makes charcoal stand out from gas and even pellet grills.
"Hands down, charcoal gives you that traditional BBQ smoky taste." - Nick Keith (@HeatstrokesBBQ)
"I love cooking on my Gravity Series Grill. One of my favorite reasons for using charcoal to cook is the ability to create two heat zones." - Danny Dobrzenski (406 BBQ)
Why Masterbuilt Lump Charcoal Makes All the Difference
Not all charcoal is created equal—and Masterbuilt Lump Charcoal is proof. Made from 100% premium hardwood, it delivers a clean, consistent burn with bold, natural flavor in every cook. It lights fast, reaches high heat quickly, and produces minimal ash, making cleanup easier and your barbecue even better. Whether you're grilling hot and fast or going low and slow, Masterbuilt Lump Charcoal gives you the control, versatility, and authentic wood-fired taste that backyard pitmasters rely on.
Fire Management is a Skill—and a Reward
Whether you're mastering airflow the old-school way or using app-connected tech to fine-tune your temps, one thing stays the same—you just can't beat the flavor of charcoal. Fire management is more than a technique; it's a craft. You learn how heat behaves, how flavor builds, and how a little patience goes a long way. As Nick Keith (@HeatstrokesBBQ) puts it, "I learned how to barbecue on charcoal. And the first thing you really need to learn is fire management." That means dialing in your dampers, watching your coals, and letting the smoke do the work.
"If you're looking, you're not cooking."
At the end of the day, charcoal isn't just a fuel—it's the foundation of real barbecue. Whether you're stacking coals for a two-zone setup, using app-connected tools to hold your temps, or simply enjoying the hands-on rhythm of fire management, charcoal offers something no other method can match: deep, smoky, unforgettable flavor. As our ambassadors remind us, it's more than the food—it's about the process, the community, and the satisfaction of doing it right. However you fire it up, charcoal delivers. Every time.
