Royal Oak

Ashley Coalburn · June 21, 2020, 09:38:05 AM

Started a snake this morning using Lowe's branded Royal Oak. This is the first time I can remember buying anything but Kingsford in decades, but I wanted to give it a shot based on reviews and the fact that Kingsford didn't do a sale for Memorial Day.

I lit 8 briquettes as always, it seemed like it took a while for them to get up to speed. I placed them as usual and waited for a very long time for the kettle to come to temp. Put the ribs on, watched it for a few and walked away. Went back in 20 minutes or so assuming I'd have to close the bottom vent some. The fire was out. Completely out. I emptied the kettle on the ground, reloaded with Kingsford, and now everything is humming along. I've closed down the dampers and temps are good.

I will try them again at some point, maybe for grilling, but not for smoking. This reminds me of when I first stated grilling 45 years ago and bought whatever was cheapest, then wondered why I had so much trouble.

Sure wish I had that lost hour back.

HoosierKettle · June 21, 2020, 10:30:44 AM

Regular royal oak briquettes are complete garbage. I've tried them out three different times the past year and every time they are slow to light and require twice the air flow just to stay burning and never get as hot as they should.

I'm not sure if they aren't drying them thoroughly during manufacturing or if they are somehow getting damp after the fact. I don't know but I have started out with brand new bags the last few times so I know that I did not get them damp.

Kingsford professional 2 bags for $15 is a great deal if you have a Costco nearby. 100% natural, lights fast, and burns hot and consistent.

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SMOKE FREAK · June 21, 2020, 11:33:48 AM

The RO Premium is trash!
The RO Natural is my favorite briq especially for minion type cooking.

HoosierKettle · June 21, 2020, 11:39:07 AM

Quote from: SMOKE FREAK on June 21, 2020, 11:33:48 AM
The RO Premium is trash!
The RO Natural is my favorite briq especially for minion type cooking.

I haven't looked real hard, but I never see RO natural in my area. We have RO lump which is decent and whatever the regular RO briquette is. Also several rebranded versions of the same RO. I'll check out the natural if I ever come across it.

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Mike in Roseville · June 21, 2020, 01:10:40 PM

Quote from: SMOKE FREAK on June 21, 2020, 11:33:48 AM
The RO Premium is trash!
The RO Natural is my favorite briq especially for minion type cooking.

This

RO All Natural in the Brown bag is excellent. Same exact blend as Chefs Select. $7.96 at Walmart every day.

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Ashley Coalburn · June 21, 2020, 05:39:47 PM

The good news is the Kingsford did the trick, ribs turned out great, beautiful ring, killer flavor. We ate almost exactly and hour later than planned. Live and learn.

buttman · June 22, 2020, 09:27:05 AM

Quote from: Mike in Roseville on June 21, 2020, 01:10:40 PM

Quote from: SMOKE FREAK on June 21, 2020, 11:33:48 AM
The RO Premium is trash!
The RO Natural is my favorite briq especially for minion type cooking.

This

RO All Natural in the Brown bag is excellent. Same exact blend as Chefs Select. $7.96 at Walmart every day.

Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

Gonna give it a try, just picked up 2 bags at Walmart. Didn't care for Royal Oak Ridge.

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Jtayres · June 22, 2020, 12:47:35 PM

Kingsford is what I use for low and slow/ smoking. I'll buy royal oak limo occasionally for grilling although lately I've been enjoying using kings ford with a big ass log of mesquite thrown on top.

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Ashley Coalburn · July 04, 2020, 05:37:59 AM

I mixed RO and Kingsford yesterday to burn-in the new Performer and again to cook some chops, seems to work ok. With Kingsford not putting things on sale this year it's a good way to stretch it out and use up the RO. I'm going to try it today in a basket for a 2-3 hour indirect cook, looking to maintain 325 or so.

rc · July 04, 2020, 05:44:24 AM

@Ashely Coalburn your in the SE Michigan area right? If so, Lowe's has a two pack of 20 lb bags of KingsFord on sale for $16.99. The sale ends July 8th.

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Ashley Coalburn · July 04, 2020, 06:45:05 AM

Saw them, but the ones I saw were 16 lb.? I'll check again.

Still waiting for the $9.98/2 sale like they had for years. I suspect we may be out of luck due to COVID.

Ashley Coalburn · July 04, 2020, 12:23:06 PM

Quote from: rc on July 04, 2020, 05:44:24 AM
@Ashely Coalburn your in the SE Michigan area right? If so, Lowe's has a two pack of 20 lb bags of KingsFord on sale for $16.99. The sale ends July 8th.

Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

Thanks for the heads up. I did pick some up. It's 25% more than we used to pay, but it is what it is. Maybe they'll do the sale on Labor Day.

News:

Royal Oak