Charcoal Features:
How is hardwood lump charcoal different from other chemically enhanced types of charcoal?
Generally speaking, manufacturers grind small pieces of natural charcoal (not necessarily hardwood) to powder consistency. Then they mix it with 60% fillers (i.e., sand, straw, etc.). It is bound together with a petroleum coating to hold its form. It takes so long to turn a gray ash color because you must first burn off the chemical coating. Using lighter fluid adds one more chemical to your cooking process.
How is natural charcoal made?
All our charcoal is made from Ozark hardwoods, primarily oak and hickory. These low-resin hardwoods have long been recognized for their superior charcoal. They produce very dense charcoal that burns cleanly and gives a high amount of energy for its weight.
The wood is stacked in large steel ovens where the temperature inside rises to approximately 900 degrees, which cooks the liquors out of the wood. The wood becomes carbonized creating natural hardwood charcoal.
How do I start my Hasty Bake Hardwood Charcoal?
You can start your Hasty Bake charcoal in a number of ways. Our favorite process is to use Hasty Bake Firegel, which is an alcohol-based gel that leaves behind no fumes or bad tastes that you would get from the lighter fluid. Hasty Bake Fire Gel provides a solid flame for 7 to 9 minutes. If you own a Hasty Bake, squeeze a baseball size (in diameter) amount onto the ash pan (underneath the charcoal), lower the charcoal firebox to approximately 1 inch above the flame and let your charcoal light naturally! See how to "Light Your Hasty Bake".
WARNING: PROP 65 WARNING - CHARCOAL: FUELS USED IN WOOD OR CHARCOAL BURNING APPLIANCES, AND THE PRODUCTS OF COMBUSTION OF SUCH FUELS, CAN EXPOSE YOU TO CHEMICALS INCLUDING CARBON BLACK, WHICH IS KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER, AND CARBON MONOXIDE, WHICH IS KNOWN TO THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS OR OTHER REPRODUCTIVE HARM. For more information go to: www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.