Collection: Big Green Egg Fuel

A Big Green Egg runs on natural lumpwood charcoal, not gas. The charcoal burns cleanly, gets up to temperature quickly, and gives food that proper charcoal flavour people buy an EGG for in the first place.For best results, we’d always recommend using Big Green Egg charcoal and firestarters, as they’re designed specifically for ceramic cooking and clean burning.

Technically yes, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Poor-quality charcoal tends to create more ash, burn inconsistently, and can affect flavour. The EGG performs best with good-quality natural lumpwood charcoal that allows proper airflow through the firebox.

It’s one of those things where buying decent fuel genuinely makes cooking easier.

We wouldn’t recommend briquettes. They often contain additives and produce more ash, which can restrict airflow inside the EGG. Natural lumpwood charcoal burns cleaner, responds better to airflow changes, and is what Big Green Egg is designed to use.

For most cooks, you’ll want to fill the firebox to just above the air holes, or a bit higher for longer cooks. One of the nice things about the EGG is that leftover charcoal can often be reused next time, so you’re not starting from scratch for every cook.For low and slow cooking, it’s always worth filling generously so you don’t run short halfway through.If you’re new to lighting and setup, our guide to How to Light a Big Green Egg walks through the full process.

It depends on temperature and what you’re cooking, but one load of charcoal can comfortably last for many hours. Low and slow cooks are surprisingly efficient, and any unused charcoal can usually be relit and reused next time.

That efficiency is one of the reasons many people find the EGG cheaper to run than they expected.

You can buy genuine Big Green Egg charcoal online and in-store from approved retailers like Stones Boatyard. Using the right charcoal makes a noticeable difference to how the EGG performs, particularly when it comes to temperature control and clean burning.