OK, it's February. Where do I get charcoal?

Apologies for the very simple question, but the normal local supermarkets and hardware stores aren't carrying charcoal until April.

Anyone from the UK know where I might be able to get some?

Alternately, is household coal, which you would use in a stove, suitable for BBQ use?

irish_admiral please do not use household coal, it will more than likely poison you.

Try a company called Big K products, they supply charcoal to the trade and may be able to supply restaraunt grade charcoal.

irish_admiral wrote:Apologies for the very simple question, but the normal local supermarkets and hardware stores aren't carrying charcoal until April.

Anyone from the UK know where I might be able to get some?

Alternately, is household coal, which you would use in a stove, suitable for BBQ use?

Simple answer: the internet
http://www.essentialbbq.co.uk/browse.php?cat=Accessories&type=Charcoal for example (it's where I get my coconut stuff)

Hi
Have a look at www.coals2you.co.uk

You might want to talk to Toby over at the British BBQ Society. He's just secured sponsorship for the competition circuit with Heat Beads and is now selling them at cost price for collection in Surrey or with delivery of up to 21kg for £8p&p

The heat beads are an awesome product.

Steve, have you tried the Heat Beads yet?
I ask because our distributor in France started using them, but had no joy, as they didn't give off enough heat.

Hi guys

Thanks for the pointers and to Mack for stopping me poisoning myself.

I've managed to order some coconut shell charcoal from CPL at £6 per 5kg sack, with free delivery on orders over £30. I gave them a call today, and they've got plenty just in for the new season, so if you're looking for some, they've got some!

http://www.creativegardenideas.co.uk/cocoshell-charcoal-briquettes

Charcoal arrived from CPL - it's good stuff!

Cooked some today using the minion method... a very consistent burn with a chimney full of briquettes, and another thin ring on the coals grate. Kept me with a very steady 235 degress F for about 4 hours whilst I smoked a whole chicken, and then did the remainder of my fish and meat for the BBQ... very happy.

Mack,

I've used the heat beads and they were fine. I was reluctant at first because I tried Penn Beads and they were no good. I don't use water in the Excel any more, I use the clay saucer method and I was able to get a solid 300 for a power cook on some pork using heat beads. They lasted a long time too.

My favourite fuel is still restaurant grade lump because it has no additives but I'll happily use heat beads and CPL coconut charcoal if I can't get lump. Thankfully I know I can get at least one of these products at any time of the year so I never have a fuel drought now.

For anyone who's in the North West of England, the company who do the blue bag stuff you find in Makro and Booker is based in Burnley and will sell directly to the public so you have a great opportunity to get some charcoal if you're out that way. Credit to All Weather Griller for finding out about that.