Best Briquettes for BBQ: Which Ones Should You Choose?

Not all briquettes are created equal. The brand and type you choose directly impacts your BBQ temperature, cooking time, and ultimately the flavor of your meat. On this page, we honestly compare the most popular briquettes — so you can make the right choice for your BBQ style.

Briquettes vs. charcoal: the difference

Before we compare the brands, let's first cover the fundamental difference:

  • Briquettes — compressed blocks of charcoal dust, starch, and sometimes other binders. Burn long (3–5 hours), evenly, and at a stable temperature. Ideal for low & slow.
  • Charcoal — unprocessed burnt wood. Burns hotter (up to 700°C) but for a shorter duration (1–2 hours) and less evenly. Ideal for quick, high-temperature grilling.

For spare ribs, pulled pork, and brisket — the low & slow dishes where a dry rub truly shines — briquettes are the better choice. The stable temperature is crucial for even cooking.

→ More about direct vs. indirect heat on the BBQ

The most popular briquettes compared

1. Weber Briquettes — the reliable standard

Weber briquettes are the best-selling briquettes in the Netherlands, and for good reason. Consistent, burn well, and widely available at garden centers, hardware stores, and supermarkets.

  • Burn time: approx. 3 hours
  • Temperature: stable, suitable for low & slow
  • Lighting time: approx. 20–25 minutes
  • Price: mid-range
  • Suitable for: beginners and advanced users, all BBQ styles
  • Available at: Weber.com, Gamma, Praxis, Albert Heijn

2. Kokoko Eggs (McBrikett) — the sustainable choice for low & slow

Kokoko Eggs are made from coconut shells — a sustainable byproduct of the coconut industry. They burn extremely long (5–8 hours), produce little ash, and are virtually odorless. The favorite of serious low & slow BBQ enthusiasts.

  • Burn time: 5–8 hours — ideal for pulled pork and brisket
  • Temperature: very stable, high (up to 800°C with direct heat)
  • Lighting time: approx. 25–30 minutes (slower than charcoal)
  • Price: higher than average, but you use less
  • Suitable for: advanced users, long & slow sessions of 6+ hours
  • Available at: McBrikett.com, BBQ specialty stores, bol.com

3. Quebracho Briquettes — the premium choice

Quebracho is a South American hardwood known as one of the densest wood species in the world. Quebracho briquettes burn extremely hot and long, produce little ash, and have a subtle, pleasant smoky flavor.

  • Burn time: 4–6 hours
    • Temperature: very high — also suitable for pizza ovens and kamados
  • Lighting time: approx. 20–25 minutes
  • Price: premium
  • Suitable for: advanced users, kamado users, pizza ovens
  • Available at: BBQ specialty stores, bol.com, online BBQ stores

4. Landmann Briquettes — the budget choice

Landmann briquettes are widely available and inexpensive. Fine for occasional grilling, but less suitable for long low & slow sessions due to their shorter burn time and less stable temperature.

  • Burn time: approx. 2–3 hours
  • Temperature: sufficient for normal grilling
  • Price: low
  • Suitable for: beginners, occasional grilling
  • Available at: Action, Lidl, Aldi, hardware stores

5. Big K Restaurant Grade Charcoal Briquettes — the catering choice

Big K is a British brand widely used in the catering industry. High quality, long burn time, and consistent. Less known to consumers but very popular with BBQ enthusiasts.

  • Burn time: 3–4 hours
  • Temperature: stable and high
  • Price: mid-range
  • Suitable for: advanced users, regular BBQing
  • Available at: BigKProducts.co.uk, online BBQ stores

Overview table

Brand Burn time Price Best for
Weber Briquettes ~3 hours Mid Everything, beginners
Kokoko Eggs 5–8 hours High Low & slow, 6+ hours
Quebracho 4–6 hours Premium Kamado, pizza oven
Landmann 2–3 hours Low Occasional grilling
Big K 3–4 hours Mid Regular BBQing

Which briquettes do you choose for low & slow?

For spare ribs (3-2-1 method), pulled pork, and brisket, you need briquettes that burn stably for at least 3–4 hours at 110–120°C. Our recommendation:

  • Sessions up to 4 hours: Weber Briquettes or Big K — reliable and widely available
  • Sessions of 6+ hours (pulled pork, brisket): Kokoko Eggs — the only briquettes that can handle a full low & slow session without refilling
  • Kamado users: Quebracho or Kokoko Eggs — both suitable for the high temperatures of a kamado

→ Complete guide: BBQ temperatures & cooking times
→ What is the BBQ Stall? (and how to deal with it)

Tips for using briquettes

  • Always use a charcoal chimney — no lighter fluid. Lighter fluid gives a chemical aftertaste to your meat.
  • Wait until the briquettes are grey-white before you start grilling — black briquettes still emit toxic gases.
  • Never add cold briquettes to glowing ones — this drastically lowers the temperature. Use a chimney starter to pre-light new briquettes.
  • Store briquettes dry — damp briquettes are difficult to light and produce more smoke.

→ BBQ Tips for Beginners — everything you need to know

Combining smoking wood with briquettes

Briquettes themselves impart little flavor — add smoking wood for extra smoky taste. Place 2–3 pieces of smoking wood directly on the glowing briquettes at the beginning of the session.

→ Smoking wood for BBQ: which wood for which meat?

More BBQ knowledge

The right rub makes all the difference

Good briquettes give you the temperature — a good dry rub gives you the flavor. Combine both for the best result.