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
4541 Reviews
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Tried and true charcoal This is my go to charcoal every time I grill out. It’s reliable and leaves the perfect grilled flavor. Lights easily and burns fully to ash. Consistent heat too.
Date published: 2025-03-23
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Summertime calls for Kingsford! As a Wisconsinite, we have hard winters and in turn cherish every moment of summer. I can’t imagine a summer without grilling out - and in turn, Kingsford charcoal! It really is the classic Americana tool for making deliciously smoky foods on the grill.
Date published: 2025-03-22
Rated 5 out of 5 by from I recommend it As Argentinian, I love to barbecue with charcoal and this one never disappoints!!!!!!! It was a rgulat ash residue, it never explotes while heating up, it lights pretty quick. Recommended 10/10
Date published: 2025-03-20
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great We're not a fan of gas grills, much prefer a charcoal grill. The coals heat evenly and last a very long time with minimum smoke. Good charcoal for the price, the only charcoal we'll use.
Date published: 2025-03-18
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Best charcoal out there! Kingsford charcoal is the only charcoal that my husband and I will buy. It’s the best or taste as well as performance. It’s easy to light and the heat that it puts out is perfect. Highly recommend.
Date published: 2025-03-18
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Opening grill season Kingsford® Charcoal Briquettes are a reliable choice for grilling enthusiasts. They ignite quickly and burn evenly, providing a steady, high heat perfect for grilling meats, vegetables, and more. The briquettes produce a distinct smoky flavor that enhances food without overpowering it. They also have a long burn time, making them great for slow-cooking or smoking. The consistent shape and size ensure uniform heating, reducing flare-ups and making temperature control easier. Additionally, Kingsford’s briquettes are made with natural ingredients and wood charcoal, delivering a clean burn. While they produce some ash, cleanup is manageable. Overall, Kingsford® Charcoal Briquettes offer quality performance at a reasonable price, making them a top choice for backyard barbecues and grilling sessions.
Date published: 2025-03-17
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Gives meat a great flavor I love Kingsford Original Charcoal, and I it's so much easier to get my fire going then using cheap charcoal. I don't care for the insta start briquettes where you have to wait for the burn off. The regular Kings Ford original gives different meats such as hotdogs and hamburgers a great flavor. It's worth the extra price for quality charcoal.
Date published: 2025-03-17
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Great This is my go, too. It's burns amazingly. I have used this brand for many, many years. I recommend that if you haven't tried this, at least try it once.
Date published: 2025-03-16
Rated 4 out of 5 by from Good for casual grilling Kingsford Original Charcoal comes in a sturdy paper bag that’s easy to open and reseal, but it’s not the most resistant to moisture, so you’ll want to store it in a dry place. It lights up quickly and burns evenly, producing a nice smoky flavor. However, it does create a fair amount of ash, which means you’ll need to clean out your grill more often, especially during longer cooking sessions. Despite the ash buildup, it’s affordable, easy to find, and dependable for most grilling needs.
Date published: 2025-03-16
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Never gets old! Can’t go wrong with a classic! You can definitely taste the smoky smell on the meat. The ash residue does linger longer than I’d like. It lights quickly and generates a good amount of heat.
Date published: 2025-03-15
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Love the brand This charcoal burns consistently and provides an even heat, making it perfect for grilling meats, vegetables, and even pizzas. It ignites quickly and maintains a steady temperature for a long time, meaning less hassle and more time enjoying the food and company.
Date published: 2025-03-14
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Best Charcoal for grilling My husband has used this brand for years for grilling . It is the best. I have tried cheaper brands of charcoal but they don’t hold up and work as good as the kingsford does .
Date published: 2025-03-13
Rated 5 out of 5 by from I would recommend this brand This is the only charcoal I use. It burns well making very hot coals to cook on. I put lighter fluid on mine. Let it sit for 10 minutes and it burns great.
Date published: 2025-03-13
Rated 5 out of 5 by from What a classic ! What a classic!!! The lighting time is so quick and very little fuss. The burn time is great and can get a lot of cooking done! The heat output is very even and don’t have any cold spots on grill. So easy to clean as very little ash is leftover!
Date published: 2025-03-12
Rated 5 out of 5 by from Easy to use This is the only charcoal we buy. You know the brand is good and they have a quality product. It burns well and you never have a bad flavor. It’s easy to get going to it burns great.
Date published: 2025-03-12
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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.