I've been a >95% lump guy for the last 3 years or so. I don't do rings of fire much at all and see little advantage to using briqs. All briqs smoke and stink more than lump, imo. It's the nature of the beast.
I'll take any lump over any briq any day of the week.
That said, I grabbed 11 bags of the discounted Weber briqs.
Been dabbling in the lump charcoals this summer. I don't like the way it just throws out the red Sparks and ash when I have the chimney full and burning before they get all ashy. Kinda of crazy sometimes. Forget the name, cowboy maybe?
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Yeah, that's sounds like Cowboy! As HK said, Cowboy is fun in the dark- cool sparks display. Feels patriotic.
HFG's post pretty much nails it. There are a few things that can be done to make lump "better".
In terms of economics- briqs leave so much more ash than lump that I wonder how much cheaper it really is, especially if lump can be had on sale. When I first saw how much less ash lump leaves, I was sold because I want to pay for fuel, not ash, and I don't like to clean.
For me, lump is easier. I usually have leftover usable coal after a cook. For the next cook I pour a partial lit chimney on it and it's good to go.
In the WSM, be sure to pack lump tightly. I lightly stomp on it to minimize air pockets.
Hardwood briqs I guess try to find a happy medium and that's why I bought the Weber. I still prefer lump. I grabbed some CharBroil center cut lump but haven't used it yet.