Coconut Briquettes

Looking aroung the best fuel for the Excel I have bought appears to be coconut briquettes - is that correct ??
How much would you load into the Excel, I know the burn time would be dependant on various things like vents
etc but has anybody got any guidelines - do the strike up o.k in the chimney starters o.k ??
I have fired off a couple emails for prices but has anybody found a good quality product at a
good price here in the UK ??
Has anybody tried to get this forum acknowleged for member discounts with suppliers ( Admin )??

thanks

I want the same answers as you my friend.I'll be watching this thread.

I do not have my Excel yet, but I do have some experience with coconut charcoal. They are difficult to lite in a chimney, so I would fill my basket with the coconut stuff, and pour lite briquettes on top.
I will be watching this thread as well to get some advice on using the Excel.
Good luck,
Bill

I have tried them and they are not bad, they burn good and hot and go for a good while as well. If you are having trouble lighting them put a layer or two of regular briquettes in the bottom of the chimney so they help to get the coconut stuff going.

I found them kinda expensive compared to regular fuel, never did the math to see it there was a savings because they burnt longer.

I've never had a problem getting them to light in a chimney (although it may take 3 sheets of newspaper to get them going).
As to how much to use in the Excel... I gave my unit to Don Marco (the German BBQ King ), and haven't had time to crack open a new one yet, so jump in any time you like DM and let us know.
Coconut briquettes burn for much longer and at a more even temperature than lumpwood, plus the added advantage of a very low ash content. On a Frontier I get about 10 hours (at 230-250 Deg F) ON 3Kgs.

I like Coconut brquettes for longer cooks, even though they are a bit pricey.

I cooked on the excel with them one time so far, and got more than 4 hours out of a little more than 2 pounds CLICK!

I cant give general directions on using them though, because theres too many shapes and sizes of those on the market.
I made very good experiences with the cyclindrical briquettes that have a hole going through the middle



You can also use the minion method with coco coals, i like that even more than with standard coals because they ignite
with ni smoke or smell at all.

DM

Thanks for the info DM - thats the problem we all have different types of briquettes.
I live in the north of the UK and it is difficult to source them - has anybody used the type that comes in the 5Kg and 10Kg packs (Green or Brown packaging) ??
I have had a reply back from one of the importers who has said they only supply by the pallet load the 5K box retails for £5.99 and the 10K box for £11.99 but by the pallet load they would be alot cheaper - just need to talk a local garden centre to try them !!!
Here's the link to the importers site http://www.ecocos.co.uk/4.html - has anybody tried the ones in the pictures on their site, if so what shape are they, are they any good ??

Just contacted CPL Distribution who have told me they are about to add Cocoshell Briquettes to their range
at £4.49 for 5KG bags.
They have not got them on their site yet but I have ordered 6 bags to try - that way the delivery is free !!
If anybody else fancies trying them the contact number is 0845 671 1122.

I have just taken delivery of 60 5kg boxes of the coconut briquettes from Ecocos - Adam (The owner) even delivered them. They are square blocks (same as the one provided by Mack at the BBQ event in Ilminster)

If anyone wants details the web address above is correct, or PM me and I will send you details.

Cheerz

Adie

Dang.. You wont need charcoal for a while with that load..!!

I used that brand at the championship and they were great. I need more but not a pallet full.

I decided with a couple of mates that ordering bulk was the way to go. Anvil Head and Graham are also buying some from the pallette. I would suggest if you have any fellow smokers that live nearby then approach them with the idea.

I have also suggested to Ecocos that as they have problems with distributing small volumes to people that if they get any enquiries locally to me, I will act as reseller for them.

No more endless searching garages and shops in the winter for us only to be told "out of season mate",we will be able to fireup whenever I like. Keep yours eyes North and look for the light guys.

All Weather Griller wrote:
No more endless searching garages and shops in the winter for us only to be told "out of season mate",we will be able to fireup whenever I like. Keep yours eyes North and look for the light guys.

I have been trying to stockpile fuel for the winter months and those boxes would stack nicly. Are you keeping them in the garage?

Hi Al,

They are in my shed and as you suggest stack like building blocks. I have them all on top of each other, I was stock piling restaurant grade charcoal in bags which is a lot harder to store, these are very easy to store, cover and get to.

With everything in it worked out around £4.20 a 5kg box due to bulk buying, more you buy the cheaper it works out.

This photo doesn't do the pile justice

I have used that very product before and I am sure you will love it. You got a heck of a deal as a box of that product here in Canada sells for double what you paid for it.

All Weather Griller wrote:I have just taken delivery of 60 5kg boxes of the coconut briquettes from Ecocos - Adam (The owner) even delivered them. They are square blocks (same as the one provided by Mack at the BBQ event in Ilminster)

Looking through my photos...


You can see how well the burn

I did the kids some chicken on the Weber last night just see how they were, I lit them at 5ish and they were still good to cook on well after 8.

I may mix them with the 72kg of restaurant grade charcoal I have lying around now

Are you sorted for the winter yet Al?

On a side note, where do you get your briskets from and what sort of prices are they?

Man I am far from having enough to survive the winter but I'll be looking middle of next month ( after payday) to start stocking again.

I have a local butcher that I get briskets from or if he's not in or I forgot to order I go to his mate about half a mile away. I can usually walk out the door in to 30.00 range.

How did the grub turn out on the Weber and where are the pictures?

Unfortunately I didn't take any snaps, I have a photobucket album with some other stuff on there though.

https://s280.photobucket.com/albums/kk176/webermad/

Ecocos is no longer going to be supplying this product, apparently he may know of a pallet kicking around, would anyone be interested in buying some if I managed to get them to mine before the competition this weekend? I would have to take the whole pallet............

Toby

Hi Tobe,

I will buy some, no worries.

Only problem for me is getting them back, I will have my van , my car and the wifes volvo estate, I'm sure I can work it out.

Beerz

Adie

If I can raise some case I may grab a bit.

Hey Al, have you sorted a leave pass for the weekend?

if so I'll fetch a bag of this restaurant charcoal down for you.

Beerz

I've just been trying to get some of the Coconut Briquettes, and finally found some on usefulstuff.co.uk

£5.99 a bag and no minimum order which was nice (other people wanted a minimum order of £20 or £50).
Will try them this weekend weather permitting.