A Beginner’s Guide to Charcoal BBQ in Singapore

BBQ grilling is a beloved culinary tradition that basks in the joys of people gathering together to enjoy some smoky flavours, and tender and juicy meats. One crucial element that plays a vital role in achieving that authentic BBQ experience is the choice of charcoal. In this beginner’s guide, we will explore the different types of BBQ charcoal in Singapore and provide useful tips for selecting, using, and buying charcoal.

Types of BBQ Charcoal

Lump Charcoal

Lump charcoal is made by slowly burning natural hardwood without oxygen until all the sap, natural chemicals, and moisture are gone from the wood. This process is done without the use of any additives or binders, which makes this type of charcoal one of the cleanest methods of barbecuing. It is known for its irregular shapes and sizes, which contribute to its ability to produce high heat (up to 760 degrees Celsius). Its high heat means that it burns a little faster and thus requires more attention in order for you to maintain a consistent heat level. 

Pros of Lump Charcoal 

1. All-natural product
2. Quick lighting time
3. Minimal ash production

Cons of Lump Charcoal

1. Requires more temperature control
2. Relatively higher cost

Briquettes

Briquettes are compressed charcoal blocks that are made from mainly leftover wood and sawdust. Like lump charcoal, this is burned without oxygen, but additives are added in order to bind the materials together. This produces uniform blocks of charcoal. Briquettes are cheaper than lump charcoal, but they do not burn as hot, only getting to around 500 degrees Celsius. However, they burn longer, making them perfect for long sessions of grilling or smoking. 

They are uniform in shape and burn for a longer duration compared to lump charcoal. Briquettes offer consistent heat and are generally more affordable than lump charcoal. However, they may produce more ash and some briquettes contain additives that can affect the flavour of the food. Unlike lump charcoal, briquettes provide a more stable burn that can maintain a steady temperature.

Pros of Briquettes

1. Burns longer
2. Easy temperature control
3. Relatively cheaper
4. Consistent temperature

Cons of Briquettes

1. Takes longer to light
2. Emits chemical smell
3. Lots of ash

Binchotan Charcoal

Binchotan charcoal is a premium Japanese ‘white’ charcoal that is gaining popularity in Singapore. It is made from high-quality oak and provides a long-lasting, clean burn with virtually no flames, minimal smoke and odour. Binchotan charcoal is one of the purest charcoal because of its high carbon content from oak and because it is entirely chemical-free. It also reaches high temperatures quickly, making it ideal for searing meats. Binchotan charcoal is more expensive than other options but offers superior quality and performance.

Pros of Binchotan Charcoal

1. Eco-friendly
2. Produces a smoky flavour in foods
3. Does not produce ash
4. Burns for 4-6 hours and after being extinguished can be reused for 3 more

Cons of Binchotan Charcoal

1. Very expensive
2. Difficult to find authentic products

Coconut Charcoal Briquettes

Coconut charcoal briquettes are made from coconut shells and is therefore a natural form of charcoal. Unlike traditional charcoal, coconut shell charcoal doesn’t smell. It can burn for 4 to 5 hours and produces less smoke and fumes, making it a lot more efficient. Since it is a by-product of the coconut industry and no trees have to be cut down to make it, this type of charcoal is also much more sustainable. 

Pros of Coconut Shell Charcoal

1. Sustainable
2. Limited smoke and ash
3. Healthier to use than some other types of charcoal

Cons of Coconut Shell Charcoal

1. Uneven burning
2. It can take longer to ignite

Try: Napoleon’s Coconut Charcoal Briquettes

Tips for Using BBQ Charcoal

1. Preparing and lighting the charcoal: Allow the charcoal to breathe by arranging it in a pyramid shape, ensuring good airflow. The amount of charcoal needed will depend on the size of the grill and the cooking method, but as a general guideline, you should fill the grill with a single layer of charcoal for direct grilling, and two layers for indirect grilling or smoking. Use natural fire starters or chimney starters to light the charcoal evenly. Avoid using lighter fluid, as it can leave a chemical taste on the food. 

1. Managing heat levels during cooking: Control the temperature by adjusting the airflow on your BBQ grill. Open the vents for higher heat and close them partially for lower heat. Position the charcoal on one side of the grill to create direct and indirect cooking zones for versatility.
2. Safety precautions: Always follow safety guidelines when handling hot charcoal. Use heat-resistant gloves or tongs to move and manipulate the charcoal. Ensure that the BBQ grill is placed on a stable surface away from flammable materials.
3. Clean up: After you are done with your BBQ session, you should allow the charcoal ashes to cool completely before disposing of them. 

Converting Gas to Charcoal: Using the Charcoal Smoker Tray

If you’re looking to convert your gas grill to a charcoal one, then look no further than Napoleon’s Charcoal Smoke Tray. You can use this tray with any full-sized Napoleon BBQ like the Rogue series, Freestyle series, Prestige and Prestige Pro series. Simply fill your tray with charcoal (and woodchips if you desire), place the tray on your burners, turn the burners on and close the hood. 15-20 minutes later you’ll have a lit charcoal BBQ going and you can switch the burners off. It’s that simple!

We recommend: Napoleon Rogue RXT365SIB & Napoleon Charcoal Smoker Tray

It’s Time for Some Char-Grilled Meats

For grilling enthusiasts who appreciate the art of charcoal grilling and desire high-quality products, The BBQ Grill Store is the destination of choice. With our extensive range of BBQ grills and accessories, including charcoal grills and charcoal BBQ in Singapore, we provide our customers with the opportunity to create exceptional BBQ experiences. Additionally, with our strong dedication to customer service, we are the go-to destination for all things related to outdoor cooking, as we will help you find whatever you need to make the best-ever BBQ!

Visit our store now to see everything we have to offer you!

Choosing the Right Charcoal Grill for Your BBQ Style

Once you’ve chosen the type of charcoal that suits your cooking needs, the next step is selecting the right charcoal grill. Not all grills are made equal—some are better for searing steaks, while others are built for slow smoking.

For casual weekend BBQs, a compact charcoal grill like the Liberty Charly, with its rectangular shape and collapsible side table, is ideal for balconies and small patios. If you’re into serious grilling or want that smoky flavour on larger cuts of meat, look for models such as the Liberty Kokomo, which are kamado-style grills, with adjustable vents, multiple grilling accessories like pizza stones and heat deflectors, and a ceramic construction for better temperature control.

Don’t forget to consider the size of your cookouts, how portable you need the grill to be, and whether you prefer an open or lidded design.

We recommend:

1. Liberty Charly Grill – great for apartment-friendly grilling
   
2. Liberty Kokomoe Grill – for versatility and heat control
   
3. Napoleon Charcoal Kettle Grill – for an excellent warranty and a wide range of optional accessories

Benefits of Cooking with a Charcoal BBQ

There’s a reason BBQ purists swear by the charcoal BBQ experience. It delivers unmatched flavour, versatility, and that hands-on connection to cooking that gas grills can’t quite replicate.

Charcoal grilling adds a rich, smoky aroma that infuses meats and vegetables with that authentic BBQ taste. You’ll also enjoy a greater range of heat levels, from searing temperatures to low-and-slow smoking, simply by adjusting the arrangement of coals.

Plus, modern charcoal BBQs are more efficient than ever, with faster ignition (with chimney starters), better airflow systems, and options like ash collectors for easier cleaning.

Whether you’re planning a beach cookout or a backyard party, nothing says “real BBQ” like the sizzle and scent of glowing charcoal.

Where to Buy Charcoal Grills in Singapore

Looking for a reliable, local spot to shop charcoal grills and all your BBQ essentials? The BBQ Grill Store has you covered. With top-tier brands like Napoleon, Masport, and Liberty, and a range of sizes and styles, we make it easy to find the perfect charcoal BBQ for your space, skill level, and budget.

Visit our showroom or browse our online store—we even carry premium coconut briquettes to elevate your grilling game. With expert advice and a wide inventory, we’re your go-to BBQ destination in Singapore.