ChefSteps is a team of chefs, writers, and food lovers who develop recipes, techniques, and guides to help people cook better at home.

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Cooking over coals is an evocative, almost primal experience. But in this day and age, with so many choices on the market, picking out a bag of charcoal at the store can be a daunting task. Within the two standard categories of charcoal—briquette and lump hardwood—you’ll find many different options, from size and shape to wood type and even infusions. This guide is here to help you find the “right” choice depending on your budget, your grill, and what you want to cook. While charcoal is a remarkably consistent heat source—and therefore a damn good way to heat your food—it doesn’t contribute to flavor in and of itself. If you want to learn more about how to achieve that desired smoky-sweet chargrilled flavor (and watch some sweet slow-mo video of fire, too) get curious in <a href="https://www.chefsteps.com/activities/grilling-geekery">Grilling Geekery</a>.