What Charcoal Should I Buy? The Best BBQ Charcoal Guide In Australia

Choosing the right charcoal is one of the most important decisions you can make for your BBQ. It directly affects heat, flavour, burn time, and how easy your cook is to manage. If you get this wrong, even the best BBQ setup will struggle to deliver consistent results.

This guide breaks down exactly what charcoal you should buy based on how you cook, what you are cooking, and the results you want. It is designed to give clear answers, not guesswork, so you can choose the right fuel with confidence.

Why Your Charcoal Choice Matters

Charcoal is not just fuel. It controls your entire cook.

The type of charcoal you use will determine:

• How hot your BBQ gets

• How long it holds the temperature

• How easy it is to control

• The flavour profile of your food

• How much effort you need to manage the fire

Choosing the right charcoal means better food, less stress, and more consistent results.

The Main Types of Charcoal Explained

Hardwood Lump Charcoal

This is the most commonly used charcoal for serious BBQ cooking.

Hardwood lump charcoal is made by burning natural wood without oxygen, leaving behind pure carbon. It lights relatively easily, burns hot, and responds quickly to airflow changes.

Best for:

• Everyday BBQ cooking

• Spit roasting

• Grilling and roasting

• Beginners and experienced cooks

Why it works:
It is a great all-rounder. The pieces are more consistent in size compared to other lump charcoal, making it easier to manage your fire and maintain steady heat.

This is the charcoal we use in-house because it delivers reliable results across all types of cooks.

Mallee Root Charcoal

Mallee Root is a premium Australian hardwood charcoal known for its density and performance.

It burns hotter and longer than most other charcoal types, making it ideal for extended cooks.

Best for:

• Long cooks

• Spit roasting

• High-heat cooking

• Serious BBQ users

Why it works:
Its density allows it to hold heat for longer periods, meaning fewer top-ups and more consistent cooking.

Important note:
Supply has become less consistent, and some bags may contain smaller pieces that are harder to manage. However, when you get a good batch, it is one of the best charcoal options available.

Gidgee Charcoal

Gidgee is known for producing extremely high heat, making it ideal for fast cooking.

Best for:

• Searing steaks

• Cooking snags and chops

• High-heat grilling

Why it works:
It delivers intense heat quickly, which is perfect for creating a strong sear.

Trade-off:
It can produce more ash than other charcoal types, which means airflow management becomes more important during longer cooks.

Charcoal Briquettes

Briquettes are manufactured from compressed charcoal material, often designed for consistency and long burn times.

Flaming Coals HotRods Charcoal Briquettes

These are a high-performance option designed for long, controlled cooks.

Key features:

• 100 percent natural with no additives

• Made from compressed bamboo

• Clean burning and odourless

• High heat output

• Up to 6 hours burn time

• Minimal need for refuelling

Best for:

• Low and slow cooking

• Smoking

• Long BBQ sessions

• Consistent temperature control

Why they stand out:
HotRods briquettes burn longer and more consistently than regular lump charcoal, making them ideal when you want stable heat without constant adjustments.

They also pair well with lump charcoal or wood chunks if you want to add flavour while maintaining heat control.

Quick Comparison Table

How to Choose the Right Charcoal for Your Cook

Choose Hardwood Lump Charcoal if:

You want a reliable all-round charcoal that is easy to manage and works across all cooking styles.

Choose Mallee Root if:

You are doing a longer cook or want a denser Australian charcoal that burns hotter and lasts longer.

Choose Gidgee if:

You are focused on high heat cooking like steaks and quick grilling.

Choose HotRods Briquettes if:

You want long, consistent burn times with minimal effort, especially for smoking or low and slow cooking.

Common Mistakes When Buying Charcoal

• Choosing based on price instead of quality

• Using the same charcoal for every type of cook

• Not considering burn time requirements

• Ignoring airflow and ash production

These mistakes lead to poor heat control and inconsistent results.

Pro Tip: You Do Not Have to Pick Just One

Many experienced BBQ cooks combine charcoal types.

For example:

• Use briquettes for long steady heat

• Add lump charcoal for extra heat and flavour

This gives you the best of both worlds and more control over your cook.

Final Thoughts

If you have ever struggled with heat control, inconsistent cooking, or poor flavour, your charcoal is one of the first things to look at.

The right charcoal makes BBQ easier, more predictable, and far more enjoyable.

Choose based on how you cook, not just what is available, and you will see an immediate difference in your results.

FAQ

What is the best charcoal for BBQ in Australia?

Hardwood lump charcoal is the best all-round option, while Mallee Root offers longer burn times and Gidgee is ideal for high heat cooking.

Is lump charcoal better than briquettes?

Lump charcoal burns hotter and responds faster, while briquettes burn longer and more consistently. The best choice depends on your cooking style.

What charcoal should I use for long cooks?

Briquettes like HotRods are ideal for long cooks due to their extended burn time and stable heat output.

What charcoal is best for steaks?

Gidgee charcoal is excellent for steaks because of its high heat output, allowing you to achieve a strong sear. Mallee Root and Hardwood lump will still cook your steaks perfectly with some extra charcoal. 

Can I mix charcoal types?

Yes. Mixing lump charcoal with briquettes is a common method to balance heat, burn time, and flavour.