How much charcoal do I need for the BBQ?
Deel
Too few coals halfway through grilling is a classic BBQ mistake. Too many coals is wasteful and expensive. But how much do you actually need? That depends on your BBQ type, what you're preparing, and how long you're grilling.
Rule of Thumb per BBQ Type
Kettle BBQ (ø57cm)
- Quick grilling (steaks, chicken, vegetables): 1–1.5 kg charcoal
- Indirect cooking (whole chicken, ribs): 1.5–2 kg charcoal or briquettes
- Low & slow (pulled pork, brisket ≥4 hours): 2–3 kg briquettes + replenish
Kamado BBQ
A kamado is more fuel-efficient due to its ceramic insulation. Count on 50–60% less coals than a kettle. For a 6–8 hour low & slow session, 2–2.5 kg of good charcoal is sufficient.
Smoker / Offset Smoker
A smoker requires more fuel. Count on 1–1.5 kg of charcoal per hour, plus smoking wood. For a long session (8–12 hours), you'll need 8–12 kg.
How Many Coals Per Person?
- 👥 2–4 people: 1–1.5 kg charcoal (short session)
- 👪 4–8 people: 1.5–2.5 kg charcoal or briquettes
- 🎉 8–15 people: 2.5–4 kg (possibly replenish)
- 🎆 Big party 15+: plan 2 kg per round, replenish per session
Briquettes vs. Charcoal: Quantity Differs
Briquettes burn longer but less hot. For the same cooking time, you'll need fewer briquettes than charcoal. Read more in our article about briquettes vs. charcoal — which is better?
Tips for Efficient Coal Use
- Use a chimney starter for quick ignition without firelighters
- Add new coals before the old ones are almost gone — not after
- Partially close the air vents for low & slow to reduce coal consumption
- Use a two-zone setup: hot zone + cool zone for flexibility
Want to know how to keep the temperature stable? Read how to control your BBQ temperature.