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
4469 Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Recommend A brand I trust. It’s the only brand I buy when I barbecue. It lasts forever. Sometimes I buy a flavored version, but mostly stick with original. You can always recognize Kingsford in the red, white, and blue. The coal stays heated and heats food properly. Very little ash is produced. Nothing too messy. I even burn the package in the fire when finished for easy clean up.
Date published: 2025-02-02
Rated 3 out of 5 by from Well Known Brand Growing up with Kingsford briquettes this was the brand everyone used for the charcoal grills. Not always easy to start but it did give a good flavour to your grilled food. Recommend this brand over others for grilling.
Date published: 2025-02-02
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Get it works very well! worth your money! Puts out a lot of heat! works fast! Adds flavors! Good on ash residue! Get this product! Try it out! amazing!!!!!
Date published: 2025-02-02
Rated 3 out of 5 by from Tried & True This tried and true original formula has been used for decades by my family. We are brand loyal to Kingsford. It provides the right amount of smoky flavor into the meat.
Date published: 2025-02-01
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Wonderful! Kingsford Original Charcoal is a faithful companion to fireplaces, grills and fire pits. Its flavor is delicious, & the ash production is minimal. The packaging is distinctive and pretty. Heat output is perfect for any occasion. Our go to on a regular basis.
Date published: 2025-01-30
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Makes your cold winter nights more enjoyable We always buy this product and it’s always work great! Burn time is much longer than other brands. I like the quality and lighting time is much better than other products. I didn’t try other flavors. We prefer original one. It smells like you burn natural wood and it is awesome. Kingsford make our cold, winter nights more pleasant, comfy and warm
Date published: 2025-01-30
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Only the best The original Kingsford is the only brand I trust. Perfect every time. Great flavor without any chemical taste. Light easily and high heat output!
Date published: 2025-01-28
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Amazing grill This product is very good and heats up well. The grill works very nice and there’s not much ash production. The food comes out tasting the perfect amount of grilled
Date published: 2025-01-27
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great charcoal for BBQ Grill My husband still loves to use Kingsford charcoal. It lights quickly and the coals stay hot. Clean up is easy as the ash is fine and not too much. Food tastes better over an open flamed, charcoal grill.
Date published: 2025-01-24
Rated 5 out of 5 by from The best My husband REFUSES to use anything other than the Kingsford brand. It lights great and fast. Burns evenly everytime. During the summer we cook outside on the grill as much as we can so he has tried LOTS of charcoal and this is by far his favorite.
Date published: 2025-01-24
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Decent I think this charcoal is decent and gets the job done whenever I’m having a bbq. My food never tastes like charcoal or has a weird taste before of it.
Date published: 2025-01-23
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great This has been a staple in my house for many years. It’s the best charcoal imo the heat output is great. Less ash and the performance of the grill is so good.
Date published: 2025-01-22
Rated 5 out of 5 by from OG charcoal The original OG of all charcoal… at least in my era (90s baby). The best time to purchase charcoal is out of season. Over the years the price has risen quite significantly. This has no flavor pull and is only safe for adults. It lets smoke/soot into the air, so I’m not sure it’s the safest. It is well packaged being that you almost have to break into the bag. Well worth your dollar.
Date published: 2025-01-21
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Taste great with Kingsford! I love the taste of a steak or anything cooked on Kingsford! Lights fast and stays heated all night. Ash residue is minimal and can be used in the garden!
Date published: 2025-01-20
Rated 5 out of 5 by from However, it does produce more ash compared to lump Kingsford charcoal is a dependable and convenient option, ideal for casual grillers and barbecue enthusiasts alike. Its consistent performance makes grilling enjoyable, with briquettes that light quickly and burn evenly. Whether you’re cooking burgers, steaks, or slow-smoking ribs, Kingsford provides a reliable, smoky flavor that enhances your dishes. However, it does produce more ash compared to lump charcoal and may not reach the high heat levels preferred for intense searing. If you value ease of use and a clean, classic barbecue experience, Kingsford is a solid choice. It’s versatile, affordable, and widely available, making it perfect for most grilling needs.
Date published: 2025-01-19
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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.