An American Story

The history of grilling at Kingsford is a classic American story. It all started in 1919 when Edward G. Kingsford helped Henry Ford procure a stretch of timberland to supply wood for his auto plants.

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Kingsford® Preserve the Pit

Kingsford remains committed to celebrating Black barbecue culture by launching the second year of Preserve the Pit and doubling the investment in aspiring barbecue professionals.

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American Pride

An American-made company founded over 100 years ago, Kingsford has a lot to be proud of. Our employees have been continuing the family tradition in backyards across the nation.

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KINGSFORD CHARCOAL HISTORY

  1. The history of grilling at Kingsford is a classic American story. It all started in 1919 when Edward G. Kingsford helped Henry Ford procure a stretch of timberland to supply wood for his auto plants.Mr. Ford wondered if all the wood waste generated by his sawmill and plants could be put to better use, and found his answer in a new process for pressing blocks of reconstituted char. While the innovative charcoal briquet was initially marketed under Ford’s own brand, it was eventually renamed Kingsford® Charcoal in Edward’s honor. The rest, as they say, is history.
  2. Leading the Way

    Today, Kingsford converts more than one million tons of wood waste into charcoal briquets every year, making Kingsford the leading manufacturer of charcoal in the United States. Our charcoal — from the Kingsford® Original briquets you grew up with to premium varieties used by competitive cooks — has become synonymous with authentic grilling, good food and most importantly, good times.

    But grilling isn’t just about charcoal — Kingsford® also added hardwood pellets to the family, bringing a new level of smoke and flavor. Our grilling pellets are made with all-natural, pure flavor hardwoods and absolutely no fillers, binders or preservatives.

    And we care about reducing our environmental impact. That’s why all Kingsford manufacturing plants are on track to become zero waste-to-landfill sites by 2025, and over half of our plants have already received this certification.

  3. Made in America with 100% North American Ingredients

    We’re proud to say that Kingsford has been made in the USA with 100% North American ingredients for over a century. It’s why passionate outdoor cooks across the country trust nothing but Kingsford to fuel their fire. Real charcoal flames.

    Real wood smoke. Real fire-grilled flavor.