Passionate BBQ enthusiasts helping Aussies master the art of outdoor cooking
Best Charcoal Australia was born from a simple frustration that many Australian BBQ enthusiasts have experienced: the overwhelming challenge of choosing the right charcoal from dozens of options at the local hardware store. Standing in front of bags of lump charcoal, briquettes, and specialty imports, we found ourselves asking the same questions over and over—which one burns longer? Which produces less ash? Which is actually worth the premium price tag?
In 2024, our founding team decided to channel their combined decades of grilling experience into something meaningful. We set out to create the definitive Australian resource for charcoal knowledge, product comparisons, and BBQ education. What started as weekend testing sessions in suburban backyards has evolved into a comprehensive platform trusted by thousands of Aussie grillers from Perth to Cairns.
Our approach is methodical and hands-on. Every charcoal product we feature has been personally tested by our team under real-world Australian conditions. We measure burn times with stopwatches, check temperatures with calibrated thermometers, and cook everything from quick-searing steaks to 14-hour briskets. We evaluate ash production, smoke quality, lighting ease, and value for money—then translate our findings into practical recommendations you can trust.
We understand the unique challenges Australian grillers face: scorching summer temperatures that affect charcoal performance, humidity that can ruin improperly stored fuel, and the tyranny of distance that makes some products difficult to source. Our reviews specifically address these Australian realities, ensuring our recommendations work for your local conditions.
Beyond product reviews, we're passionate about education. Our growing library of guides covers everything from basic fire management for beginners to advanced smoking techniques for aspiring pitmasters. We believe that better knowledge leads to better BBQ, and better BBQ brings families and communities together around the timeless tradition of outdoor cooking.
Whether you're lighting your first chimney starter or fine-tuning your competition brisket recipe, Best Charcoal Australia is here to help you achieve your best cook yet. We're not sponsored by any charcoal manufacturer, and our recommendations reflect our genuine testing experiences and opinions. Your trust means everything to us, and we work hard to earn it with every article we publish.
Founder & Head Pitmaster
Former competition BBQ judge with 15+ years of smoking experience. James has tested over 200 charcoal products and can identify wood species by smoke alone. Specialises in low-and-slow techniques and offset smoker management.
Technical Director
Food science background with expertise in combustion chemistry. Sarah leads our testing methodology, ensuring consistent and reproducible results. Passionate about binchotan and Japanese grilling techniques.
Content Lead
Lifestyle journalist turned BBQ obsessive. Mike transforms our testing data into practical guides and reviews. Weekend warrior who believes every Australian deserves a perfectly seared steak.
The principles that guide everything we do
We're not sponsored by manufacturers. Our recommendations are based purely on testing results and real-world performance. If a product doesn't meet our standards, we say so.
Every product undergoes our standardised testing protocol measuring burn time, heat output, ash production, and cooking performance across multiple sessions.
Written for Australian conditions, with Australian pricing, and featuring products available through Australian retailers. We understand local BBQ culture.
Beyond reviews, we're committed to helping you become a better cook. Our guides cover techniques, safety, maintenance, and everything in between.