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®

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
4379 Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great product and it gets the job done Great product that my husband uses almost every weekend. There is not a strong taste in the meat once it's cooked. DOESN'T take long at all to catch fire so you can light up the grill.
Date published: 2024-11-18
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Always reliable and flavorful Kingsford Charcoal is my go-to for grilling. It lights quickly, burns evenly, and gives my food that perfect smoky flavor every time. Whether I’m grilling burgers or veggies, it never disappoints. Highly recommend!
Date published: 2024-11-18
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great choice for grilling Kingsford Original Charcoal is a reliable and widely recognized choice for backyard grilling enthusiasts. Its consistent size and shape ensure even burning, making it easy to achieve steady cooking temperatures. One of its standout features is its quick lighting capability, which eliminates the frustration of long preparation times. The charcoal also produces a distinct smoky flavor that enhances the taste of grilled meats and vegetables. However, it does have a few downsides. Some users note that it burns a bit faster than desired, requiring additional replenishment during extended grilling sessions. Additionally, the ash buildup can be more significant compared to some premium brands.
Date published: 2024-11-16
Rated 5 out of 5 by from The best This is the best charcoal since the burgers, ribs and chicken are delicious and grilled well from grill master. The flavor was insane and the charcoal stayed lit for a long time.
Date published: 2024-11-16
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great Kingsford original charcoal is awesome. When you are barbecuing using this charcoal, it gives your food flavor, put out enough heat, and last for a while. 
Date published: 2024-11-14
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Gets the grilling rone These are the original charcoals and they bring back so many childhood memories. They ignite pretty fast, the heat distribution is great and it gets the job done when grilling.
Date published: 2024-11-13
Rated 5 out of 5 by from 👍 These work great. We've never had any issues We use this with lighter fluid. Once they have burnt out you just scoop the ashes and dump it in the dirt.
Date published: 2024-11-13
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Smokey! recently used Kingsford Charcoal for a weekend barbecue, and it did not disappoint. The charcoal lights quickly and burns evenly, providing a consistent heat that’s perfect for grilling.
Date published: 2024-11-11
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Reliable, long-lasting charcoal with great heat output and flavor for perfect grilling every time! Kingsford Original Charcoal is my go-to for grilling due to its consistent heat output and easy lighting. The briquettes burn evenly and provide a rich, smoky flavor that really enhances the taste of grilled food. One of the standout features is how long they maintain the temperature, which means I don't have to keep adding more charcoal mid-grill. There’s minimal ash residue, making cleanup quicker and easier, too. The packaging is sturdy, so the charcoal stays dry and ready to use. Overall, it's a reliable and high-quality product that makes grilling an enjoyable experience every time.
Date published: 2024-11-11
Rated 5 out of 5 by from For delicious food Best of the industry. Super easy to light up , then stay hot for a good amount of time. Making perfect grilled food. Do not produce smoke at all which a big plus.
Date published: 2024-11-11
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Good brand I love foods that are grilled on charcoal because of its special smell that makes the food taste way better. Kingsford is the brand I usually go for. It’s very easy to ignite and heat level is maintained consistently. The smoke is subtle and doesn’t overpower the food’s taste. I normally stock it up whenever needed and can get it cheap in Costco.
Date published: 2024-11-10
Rated 5 out of 5 by from The brand I always go for This is a tried but true quality charcoal that has been around a long time. It always burns nicely and the food cooks great when using this brand. Anytime I’m in the store this is the charcoal brand I go for.
Date published: 2024-11-09
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Only the best You just can’t beat the original and Kingsford is that for me. I remember my family using it on our grill every summer. The unique taste it gives our food is unrivaled.
Date published: 2024-11-09
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy to use Always very consistent and easy to use. Always perfect for grills and back yard party’s. Packaging is always the same but good. And can use to lot the fire
Date published: 2024-11-07
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great for the bbq Works great. Heats up fast and lasts a long time. The packaging is very easy to open. Gives the food that wonderful bbq taste. It’s also at a great affordable price
Date published: 2024-11-07
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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.