Why the Best Cooked Meats Start with Charcoal

Author: Cameron Brewer  Date Posted:8 July 2025 

Close-up of glowing lump charcoal burning in a charcoal BBQ, with flames and white ash on the surface of the irregularly shaped natural wood pieces.

There’s something primal about fire and smoke, the sizzle of fat hitting hot coals, the aroma of slow-roasting meat drifting through the backyard. For backyard legends like you, it’s not just cooking. It’s a craft. And if you ask us, charcoal is the secret weapon behind unforgettable flavour.

The Flavour You Can’t Fake

Gas might be convenient, but it can’t hold a candle to the smoky, rich flavour of charcoal. That deep, mouthwatering taste? It comes from two things:

  • Real fire that caramelises the surface of your meat
  • Wood smoke that infuses flavour right through the cut

With natural lump charcoal, you get a clean burn with no chemical aftertaste, just that unbeatable Aussie BBQ flavour.

It’s All About the Ritual

There’s something special about the ritual of charcoal cooking. You light the fire, you smell the smoke, you hear the crackle. It forces you to slow down and enjoy the moment. And when it’s finally time to carve that roast lamb or sear that reverse-steak? It’s worth every minute.

Control the Heat, Master the Meat

Charcoal gives you heat flexibility you won’t get from gas. Build up your coal bed for high heat, or bank it to one side for indirect cooking. Add wood chunks for extra smoke, or lift your meat higher on a spit for low and slow perfection. It's customisable cooking, done your way.

Glowing lump charcoal burning in a Flaming Coals Cyprus Spit, with red-hot coals and ash radiating heat.

Spit Roasting Over Charcoal is Next Level

There’s a reason so many Flaming Coals customers start with a spit: the results speak for themselves. Roasting a whole lamb, pork shoulder, or gyros over charcoal gives you that crispy bark, juicy centre, and even cooking all the way through. Plus, it frees you up to enjoy your arvo with mates while the spit does the heavy lifting.

Whole lamb roasting on a spit over hot charcoal in a stainless steel Flaming Coals rotisserie, with crispy golden-brown skin and glowing embers beneath.

Pro tip: Our Flaming Coals Lump Charcoal is perfect for spit roasting, long-burning, clean, and hot enough to tackle even the biggest cook-ups.

Charcoal Myths Busted

Think charcoal is messy or hard to manage? Think again:

  • Our charcoal starters get you cooking fast no lighter fluid needed
  • Cleanup’s a breeze with drip trays and ash catchers
  • Charcoal spits are just as easy to set up as gas plus, way more fun

Once you try charcoal, you won’t go back.

Ready to Taste the Difference?

If you’re ready to level up your BBQ game, it starts with charcoal. Check out our full range of spit rotisseries, natural lump charcoal, and BBQ gear made for real Aussie weekends.

Check out our range of Large Spit Rotisseries