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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The Kingsford Difference

Kingsford has been fueling legendary grills since 1920, and we’re still America’s #1 charcoal for good reason. Our briquets light faster, burn longer, and deliver the high heat you need for exceptional results. Whether you’re searing steaks or savoring smoky flavors, one thing’s for certain — nothing beats the original.

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Kingsford®

Original Charcoal

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  • 100% natural ingredients
  • Ready to cook on in 15 minutes
  • Long burn time*

Since 1920, Kingsford® Original Charcoal has been the gold standard of grilling. Made in the USA with North American ingredients. With 100% natural ingredients, Kingsford® Original gives BBQ lovers the smoky wood-fired flavor they crave. Our Original briquets are great for any grilling occasion. Whether you’re smoking a brisket, grilling up vegetables or firing up the grill at your next tailgate, Kingsford® Original delivers the best in authentic BBQ flavor. In fact, Kingsford® lights faster than competitive brands, giving you the ultimate grilling experience — every time. Available in a variety of sizes, from 4-lb. to 2x20-lb. bags.

† Compared to nationally available conventional charcoal in the U.S.A.
  • *Compared to other charcoal brands.
The Kingsford Difference

Blue Bag

When it’s time to fire up the grill, choose the original. Kingsford charcoal is designed to light fast, burn long, and cook hot, giving you quick starts and wood-fired finishes. From steaks seared to perfection to the irresistible flavor of smoky goodness, Kingsford delivers.

Watch the video to see why Kingsford is America’s #1 charcoal.*

* Based on IRI Unit Sales Data

The Kingsford Difference

Designed Stronger for Fewer Breaks*

When it comes to grilling, strength matters. In our Drop Test, Kingsford briquets stay intact, while the competition crumbles. Why does that matter? Because strong briquets mean less waste.

Watch our Drop Test video and see the difference for yourself.

* Compared to Jealous Devil Max XL Charcoal Briquets

The Kingsford Difference

Quicker Cooks

For grillers who demand the best, Kingsford delivers. When tested, our steak reached 135°F in just 7 minutes, leaving our competition in the dust. While their meat stays raw*, Kingsford serves up steaks cooked to perfection. Nothing beats the original when it comes to speed, heat and flavor.

Ready to see the Steak Test for yourself? Watch the video.*

* Always ensure you cook for adequate time to reach USDA requirements.

† Kingsford® Original Charcoal Briquets compared to Jealous Devil Max XL Charcoal Briquets

Pairs well with this recipe

Grilled Ribeye

Grilling thick cut ribeye steaks to perfection is simple, fast and fit for every occasion.

Get the Recipe
Learn

How to Grill with Charcoal

Everything you need to know about grilling with classic Kingsford® charcoal and charcoal grills.

Learn How
Reviews
4.7
4566 Reviews
Rated 3 out of 5 by from Good brand Pretty good charcoal. I used it mostly for my smoker but stopped using it after shortly finding the brand I currently use. I had such a hard time getting the smoker up to 275 degrees with this brand so I had to switch
Date published: 2025-03-31
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Fast lighting This is my go to works great easy to light long lasting and a staple to any good weekend bbq. If you are wondering if they are work it they are. Perfect hot dogs and hamburgers every time.
Date published: 2025-03-31
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great Charcoal for BBQ Every time we have a BBQ, we always trust Kingston's Original Charcoal. It heats evenly and the grilling is smooth, plus the meet gets a great flavor. The lighting is smooth and at the end of the day, it is easy to clean the ashes without a big mess.
Date published: 2025-03-30
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great Charcoal for grill This charcoal is phenomenal, it warms very quickly and the heat is amazing. The flavor of my food is also great with the smoked flavor. This charcoal is totally worth it and great compared to others,
Date published: 2025-03-29
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great product Love this charcoal works great. You can light it multiple times. I would totally buy this again. Definately a great product and a great price……….
Date published: 2025-03-29
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great results every time Easy to ignite and cooks food evenly…lighting the bricks is easy and fast so you get great results no matter what kind of food you’re cooking. Disposable is easy too
Date published: 2025-03-29
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Good for cooking Kingsford never disappoints! Lights up quickly, burns evenly, and gives my BBQ that classic smoky flavor. Reliable and consistent—my go-to every time I fire up the grill!
Date published: 2025-03-28
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Classic that gives your food a great flavor This has been my go to ever since I was young. I'm 51 now. It has the classic charcoal grill flavor to your food. This is the only way I like my marshmallows. I bought a little weber grill just for that purpose. My husband gas a smoker and I perfer these coals.
Date published: 2025-03-28
Rated 5 out of 5 by from The best Coal is heated evenly and lasts long with the least amount of smoke. Good coal is priced, and it is the only coal we will use that does not have a bad smell and this is the best thing I like to use this kind of coal
Date published: 2025-03-27
Rated 5 out of 5 by from My go to charcoal Great for grilling, whether on an actual grill or on a campfire. Burn very easily and nicely. Good heat output and ash levels. I appreciate the sustainable packaging as well
Date published: 2025-03-27
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Love this stuff Love this stuff works just right for summer camping nights! Always an easy go too. For the price its the best brand, burn time is excellent heat output also excellent.
Date published: 2025-03-26
Rated 5 out of 5 by from A Classic! Kingsford Charcoal never disappoints! It lights quickly, burns evenly, and gives my food that perfect smoky flavor. Whether I’m grilling burgers or slow-cooking ribs, it’s my go-to every time. Great quality and reliable results!
Date published: 2025-03-26
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Recommended This one Kingsford original charcoal has a good heat output, good ash production. Great packaging, that one uses every time. Recommended this one
Date published: 2025-03-26
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Go to choice! This is our go to choice simply because it’s lights up quickly and consistently. When using, it give a subtle smokey flavor without overpowering it! Another great feature is that it produce minimal ashes compare to other brands, which makes cleaning up easier. We enjoy this brand very much!
Date published: 2025-03-26
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Let it burn ! Let it burn ! Imagine being able to increase the flavor of your food with less time for igniting the flame? My family has been using this type of charcoal because of how great the burn time and heat output is! This is a very efficient type of charcoal!
Date published: 2025-03-25
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Light your fire with Kingsford® products.

Explore our full range of charcoal, pellets and flavor boosters to take your grilling to the next level.