While the term "BBQ coal" might suggest using coal directly for grilling, according to the provided reference, coal in its natural state is never used alone in a barbeque or smoker. Instead, when mentioned in the context of BBQ fuel, coal is typically an additive used in charcoal briquettes.
Understanding Coal vs. Charcoal
It's important to distinguish between coal and charcoal, as they are fundamentally different substances, despite often being confused:
- Coal: As highlighted in the reference, coal is a natural mineral that forms over the span of millions of years. It is a fossil fuel extracted from the earth.
- Charcoal: In contrast, charcoal is a manufactured product. It is created from wood through a process called pyrolysis, which burns wood in a low-oxygen environment, removing water and other volatile compounds.
Coal's Role in BBQ Fuel
Based on the reference, coal's primary application in BBQ fuel is not as a standalone heat source but as an ingredient mixed into charcoal briquettes.
Why Add Coal to Charcoal Briquettes?
The reference states that coal is "commonly added to charcoal briquettes to increase the energy density." This means that including coal helps the briquettes burn hotter and potentially longer than briquettes made solely from charcoal and binders.
In summary, "BBQ coal" is not typically pure coal burned on its own in a grill. Instead, it refers to coal that is incorporated into charcoal briquettes to enhance their performance by increasing their energy density.
