If you own a pellet grill, you’ve probably wondered whether you can achieve that authentic charcoal flavor without switching to a traditional charcoal smoker. The answer is charcoal pellets.
These innovative pellets combine the convenience of a pellet grill with the distinctive taste of charcoal cooking. Whether you’re looking for higher heat output for searing, better water resistance, or simply that unmistakable charcoal flavor, charcoal pellets offer a compelling hybrid fuel solution.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best charcoal pellets for smokers, compare 100% charcoal pellets versus charcoal blend options, and help you find the perfect pellets for your cooking style.
Quick Roundup List
- Best Overall (100% Charcoal): Royal Oak 100% Charcoal Pellets
- Best Charcoal Blend: Pit Boss Charcoal Blend
- Best for Smoke Flavor: Lumber Jack Char Hickory
- Best for Smoke Rings: Pellet Pro Charcoal/Oak
- Best Fruity Charcoal Blend: Camp Chef Charwood Cherry
- Best Competition Blend: Lumber Jack Competition Blend
- Best Value Hardwood: Bear Mountain Hickory
What Are Charcoal Pellets and How Are They Different?
Charcoal pellets are compressed fuel pellets made with charcoal instead of, or blended with, traditional hardwood. Unlike standard wood pellets that are made entirely from compressed sawdust and wood shavings, charcoal pellets incorporate actual charcoal into their composition. This gives them unique properties that set them apart from conventional pellet fuel.
Types of Charcoal Pellets
There are two main types of charcoal pellets available on the market:
100% Charcoal Pellets
These pellets are made entirely from hardwood charcoal with no wood filler. Currently, Royal Oak is the only major brand offering true 100% charcoal pellets. These pellets burn hotter, produce less visible smoke, and are completely water resistant.
Charcoal/Hardwood Blend Pellets
These pellets combine charcoal with traditional hardwood to create a hybrid fuel. Popular options include Pit Boss Charcoal Blend, Camp Chef Charwood, and Lumber Jack Char-Hickory. These blends offer a balance between charcoal flavor and traditional wood smoke.
Why Charcoal Pellets Burn Differently
The science behind charcoal pellets is straightforward: charcoal contains approximately 40% more energy per pound than raw hardwood. This higher energy density translates to hotter burning temperatures and more efficient fuel consumption.
For pellet grill owners looking to boost their grill’s heat output or achieve a different flavor profile, charcoal pellets provide an excellent alternative to standard wood pellets.
Benefits of Using Charcoal Pellets in Your Pellet Grill
Higher Heat Output
One of the most significant advantages of charcoal pellets is their ability to generate higher temperatures than traditional wood pellets. Because charcoal burns hotter than wood, using charcoal pellets can boost your pellet grill’s maximum temperature by 50 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
This makes charcoal pellets ideal for high-heat grilling and searing applications where you need temperatures that standard pellets simply cannot achieve. If you’ve ever wished your pellet grill could sear steaks like a charcoal grill or reach pizza oven temperatures, charcoal pellets may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Water Resistance (100% Charcoal Only)
True 100% charcoal pellets are hydrophobic, meaning they naturally repel water and resist moisture absorption. This is a significant advantage over traditional wood pellets, which can absorb humidity, swell, and cause auger jams in your pellet grill.
With 100% charcoal pellets like Royal Oak, you can leave pellets in your hopper for extended periods without worrying about moisture damage. This water resistance also makes them an excellent choice for grillers in humid climates where traditional wood pellets may deteriorate quickly.
Authentic BBQ Flavor Profile
Charcoal pellets deliver a distinct flavor that differs from traditional wood smoke. For BBQ enthusiasts who grew up cooking over charcoal, these pellets provide that familiar taste that’s often missing from pellet grill cooking.
The flavor is earthy, robust, and unmistakably charcoal. While different from wood smoke, many consider it equally delicious and more reminiscent of traditional barbecue. Charcoal blend pellets offer a hybrid flavor that combines charcoal undertones with the specific wood flavors from hickory, cherry, or other hardwoods.
Less Ash Production
Charcoal burns cleaner than raw wood, which translates to less ash accumulation in your pellet grill’s firepot. While you’ll still need to clean your grill regularly, many users report that charcoal pellets require less frequent ash removal than standard hardwood pellets.
The cleaner burn also means less visible smoke during cooking, though this doesn’t necessarily indicate less flavor. Some grillers prefer this cleaner burn aesthetic, while others may want to supplement with a smoke tube for more visible smoke production.
100% Charcoal Pellets vs Charcoal Blend Pellets: Key Differences
Understanding the differences between 100% charcoal pellets and charcoal blend pellets is essential for choosing the right fuel for your cooking needs.
| Feature | 100% Charcoal | Charcoal Blend |
|---|---|---|
| Water Resistance | Yes – Fully hydrophobic | No – Standard absorption |
| Heat Output | Highest temperatures | Moderate temperature boost |
| Smoke Volume | Less visible smoke | More smoke production |
| Flavor Profile | Pure charcoal taste | Charcoal + wood flavor |
| Availability | Limited (Royal Oak only) | Multiple brand options |
When to choose 100% charcoal pellets: High-heat grilling, searing steaks, cooking pizza, humid climate storage, and when you want pure charcoal flavor without wood smoke undertones.
When to choose charcoal blend pellets: Low-and-slow smoking, when you want charcoal flavor with additional wood smoke character, and when you prefer more visible smoke during cooking.
Best Charcoal Pellets for Smokers in 2025
Royal Oak 100% Charcoal Pellets – Best Overall (100% Charcoal)
The Royal Oak 100% Charcoal Pellets stand alone as the only true 100% charcoal pellets on the market. Made entirely from hardwood charcoal with no additives or fillers, these pellets deliver the authentic charcoal experience in your pellet grill. Their water-resistant properties mean you can store them without concern about humidity damage, and they’ll never clog your auger from moisture absorption. For grillers seeking maximum heat output and pure charcoal flavor, Royal Oak is the clear choice.
Highlights
- Only 100% charcoal pellets available on the market
- Completely water resistant – won’t swell or jam augers
- Burns at higher temperatures than wood pellets
- No additives, coatings, or fillers
- Safe for use in any pellet grill brand
- Produces authentic charcoal flavor
Specifications
- Composition: 100% Hardwood Charcoal
- Bag Size: 30 lb
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Best For: Grilling, searing, high-heat cooking
Customer Reviews
- “Finally found pellets that give me real charcoal flavor on my pellet grill. The water resistance is a game changer.”
- “These burn hotter than any wood pellets I’ve tried. Perfect for searing steaks.”
- “Love that I can leave these in my hopper without worrying about rain or humidity.”
Pit Boss Charcoal Blend – Best Charcoal Blend
The Pit Boss Charcoal Blend Pellets combine bold oak aroma with smoky charcoal taste for versatile cooking performance. Made from 100% all-natural hardwood with charcoal blended in, these pellets deliver a balanced flavor profile that works well with beef, pork, poultry, and game. Free of artificial flavors and chemicals, the Pit Boss blend offers excellent value for grillers wanting to experiment with charcoal pellets without a significant investment.
Highlights
- Charcoal blended with oak hardwood
- 100% all-natural ingredients
- No artificial flavors, spray scents, or chemicals
- Versatile for all meat types
- Made in the USA
- Budget-friendly option
Specifications
- Composition: Charcoal/Oak Hardwood Blend
- Bag Size: 20 lb
- Best For: Beef, pork, poultry, game
- Origin: Made in USA
Customer Reviews
- “Great introduction to charcoal pellets at a reasonable price. Nice smoky flavor.”
- “These work perfectly in my Pit Boss grill. Excellent charcoal taste on ribs.”
- “Good value and consistent quality. Will definitely buy again.”
Lumber Jack Char Hickory – Best for Smoke Flavor
The Lumber Jack Char Hickory Pellets combine charcoal with hickory hardwood to create a distinctive Tennessee BBQ flavor profile. Lumber Jack pellets are known for using the actual hardwood species listed on the bag without filler woods, and their smaller diameter pellets burn hotter and produce more smoke than standard-sized pellets. For pitmasters seeking maximum smoke flavor with charcoal undertones, Char Hickory delivers exceptional results.
Highlights
- Char-hickory blend for distinctive smoke flavor
- No oils, sprays, fillers, or binders
- Smaller diameter for hotter burn and more smoke
- Independently laboratory tested
- Made in USA from sustainably sourced wood
- Works in pellet grills and tube smokers
Specifications
- Composition: Charcoal/Hickory Blend
- Bag Size: 20 lb
- Best For: All meats, Tennessee BBQ style
- Origin: Made in USA
Customer Reviews
- “Best smoke flavor I’ve found in a charcoal blend. Perfect for ribs and pulled pork.”
- “Lumber Jack quality with added charcoal punch. My new go-to pellet.”
- “The smaller diameter really does make a difference in smoke production.”
Pellet Pro Charcoal/Oak – Best for Smoke Rings
The Pellet Pro Charcoal/Oak Pellets are specifically designed to help pellet grill users achieve impressive smoke rings. The charcoal and red oak blend produces nitric oxide during combustion, which is the compound responsible for creating that coveted pink smoke ring in BBQ. If you’ve been disappointed by the lack of smoke rings from your pellet grill, these pellets can help you achieve competition-worthy results with a high BTU output and clean burn.
Highlights
- Designed specifically for creating smoke rings
- Charcoal and red oak blend
- Produces nitric oxide for smoke ring formation
- High BTU output for hot burning
- Clean-burning with low ash production
- Made in USA
Specifications
- Composition: Charcoal/Red Oak Blend
- Bag Size: 20 lb
- Best For: Smoke rings, strong smoky flavor
- Origin: Made in USA
Customer Reviews
- “Finally getting smoke rings on my pellet grill! These pellets actually work.”
- “The oak and charcoal combo creates amazing flavor on brisket.”
- “Hot burning and great smoke production. Worth the investment.”
Camp Chef Charwood Cherry – Best Fruity Charcoal Blend
The Camp Chef Charwood Cherry Blend combines hickory, cherry, and charcoal for a unique fruity-smoky flavor profile. Made from 100% pure virgin hardwoods with no oils or chemicals, these pellets are kiln-dried for low moisture content and consistent performance. The cherry wood adds a subtle sweetness that pairs exceptionally well with poultry, pork, and seafood, while the charcoal provides added heat and that distinctive charcoal character.
Highlights
- Hickory, cherry, and charcoal blend
- 100% pure virgin hardwoods
- No oils, chemicals, or binders
- Kiln-dried for low moisture content
- Made in USA (Arkansas and Missouri)
- Sweet fruity smoke with charcoal undertones
Specifications
- Composition: Hickory/Cherry/Charcoal Blend
- Bag Size: 20 lb
- Best For: Poultry, seafood, pork, baked goods
- Origin: Made in USA
Customer Reviews
- “The cherry sweetness with charcoal depth is perfect for chicken and pork.”
- “Camp Chef quality with the added benefit of charcoal. Love this blend.”
- “Great for lighter meats where you want smoke without overwhelming flavor.”
Lumber Jack Competition Blend – Best Competition Blend
The Lumber Jack Competition Blend is a traditional hardwood option included for comparison. This popular blend combines equal parts maple, hickory, and cherry for a well-rounded smoke profile favored by competition BBQ teams. While not a charcoal blend, it represents the benchmark standard wood pellet that many grillers compare charcoal options against. Outstanding on ribs, pork, seafood, and poultry.
Highlights
- Equal blend of maple, hickory, and cherry
- 100% hardwood with no fillers
- Popular among competition BBQ teams
- Versatile for all meat types
- Made in USA
- Excellent baseline for comparison
Specifications
- Composition: 1/3 Maple, 1/3 Hickory, 1/3 Cherry
- Bag Size: 20 lb
- Best For: Ribs, pork, seafood, poultry, game birds
- Origin: Made in USA
Customer Reviews
- “The gold standard for competition pellets. Consistent quality every bag.”
- “Perfect balance of sweet and savory smoke. My favorite all-purpose pellet.”
- “Been using these for years. Can’t beat Lumber Jack quality.”
Bear Mountain Hickory – Best Value Hardwood
The Bear Mountain Hickory Pellets offer exceptional value in a large 40-pound bag. Made from 100% all-natural hickory hardwood with no additives or fillers, these pellets deliver bold, classic BBQ flavor. While not a charcoal blend, Bear Mountain provides a reliable hardwood baseline for grillers who want to compare or mix with charcoal pellets. The larger bag size makes them an economical choice for high-volume smoking.
Highlights
- 100% all-natural hickory hardwood
- No additives or fillers
- Low moisture for consistent smoke
- Large 40 lb bag for excellent value
- Bold, classic hickory smoke flavor
- Versatile for all cooking applications
Specifications
- Composition: 100% Hickory Hardwood
- Bag Size: 40 lb
- Best For: Red meat, poultry, fish, pork, vegetables
- Origin: Made in USA
Customer Reviews
- “Best value in pellets. Consistent quality at a great price.”
- “Classic hickory smoke flavor. Can’t go wrong with Bear Mountain.”
- “The 40 lb bags save me money without sacrificing quality.”
How to Choose the Right Charcoal Pellets for Your Needs
Selecting the best charcoal pellets depends on several factors specific to your cooking style and preferences:
1. Your Cooking Style: If you primarily grill at high temperatures and sear steaks, 100% charcoal pellets like Royal Oak will give you the heat output you need. For low-and-slow smoking where you want more smoke flavor, charcoal blend pellets provide better results.
2. Flavor Preference: Pure charcoal pellets deliver that unmistakable charcoal taste without wood smoke undertones. Charcoal blends offer a hybrid flavor combining charcoal character with specific wood flavors like hickory, cherry, or oak.
3. Climate Considerations: If you live in a humid climate or frequently leave pellets in your hopper, the water resistance of 100% charcoal pellets is a significant advantage. Standard charcoal blends and hardwood pellets absorb moisture and can cause feeding issues.
4. Pellet Grill Compatibility: All charcoal pellets are safe for use in any pellet grill, including Traeger, Pit Boss, Camp Chef, Weber, and others. There are no compatibility concerns when switching from wood pellets to charcoal pellets.
5. Budget: Compare cost per pound when evaluating options. Larger bags often provide better value, and blending charcoal pellets with standard hardwood pellets can stretch your supply while still achieving charcoal flavor benefits.
Tips for Getting the Best Results with Charcoal Pellets
- Start with a 50/50 blend: If you’re new to charcoal pellets, try mixing them half-and-half with your favorite wood pellets to find your preferred flavor balance.
- Use smoke tubes for more smoke: Since charcoal burns cleaner than wood, you may want less visible smoke. If you prefer more smoke, pair charcoal pellets with a smoke tube filled with wood pellets or chips.
- Maximize high-heat grilling: Charcoal pellets excel at searing and high-temperature cooking. Take advantage of their higher heat output for steaks, burgers, and pizza.
- Consider charcoal blends for smoking: For long smoking sessions where you want both smoke flavor and charcoal character, charcoal blend pellets typically outperform 100% charcoal options.
- Clean your firepot regularly: While charcoal produces less ash than wood, it still creates some residue. Maintain regular cleaning schedules to ensure optimal airflow and temperature control.
- Store properly: Although 100% charcoal pellets are water resistant, charcoal blends should still be stored in a dry location like standard wood pellets to maintain quality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Charcoal Pellets
Are charcoal pellets safe for all pellet grills?
Yes, charcoal pellets are safe for use in any pellet grill including Traeger, Pit Boss, Camp Chef, Weber, and all other brands. They feed through the auger and burn in the firepot just like standard wood pellets.
Do charcoal pellets produce more or less smoke than wood pellets?
Charcoal burns cleaner than wood, so 100% charcoal pellets produce less visible smoke. Charcoal blend pellets produce more smoke than 100% charcoal because they contain wood components.
For maximum smoke, consider using a smoke tube alongside charcoal pellets.
Can I mix charcoal pellets with regular wood pellets?
Yes, many users blend charcoal pellets with their favorite wood pellets to customize flavor profiles. This is an excellent way to experiment and find your preferred combination while extending the life of your charcoal pellets.
Do charcoal pellets create a smoke ring?
Yes, some charcoal pellets, particularly Pellet Pro Charcoal/Oak, are specifically designed to produce nitric oxide during combustion, which creates smoke rings.
100% charcoal pellets also tend to produce better smoke rings than standard wood pellets.
Are Royal Oak the only 100% charcoal pellets available?
Currently, Royal Oak is the only widely available brand offering true 100% charcoal pellets with no wood filler. Other brands like Pit Boss, Camp Chef, and Lumber Jack offer charcoal/hardwood blends rather than pure charcoal pellets.
Do charcoal pellets burn hotter than wood pellets?
Yes, charcoal contains approximately 40% more energy per pound than hardwood, resulting in higher temperature potential. This makes charcoal pellets ideal for grilling and searing applications where maximum heat is desired.
Final Thoughts on Charcoal Pellets
Charcoal pellets offer pellet grill owners an exciting way to achieve authentic charcoal flavor without sacrificing the convenience of automatic temperature control. Whether you choose 100% charcoal pellets like Royal Oak for maximum heat and water resistance, or a charcoal blend from Pit Boss, Lumber Jack, or Camp Chef for balanced smoke flavor, these hybrid fuels can transform your pellet grill cooking experience.
For high-heat grilling and searing, Royal Oak 100% Charcoal Pellets are unmatched. For low-and-slow smoking with charcoal undertones, Lumber Jack Char Hickory or Pellet Pro Charcoal/Oak deliver excellent results.
For those seeking the best value, mixing charcoal pellets with quality hardwood options like Bear Mountain Hickory or Lumber Jack Competition Blend lets you customize your perfect flavor profile.
The best approach is experimentation. Try different charcoal pellets and blends to discover what works best for your cooking style and taste preferences. With the options available today, achieving that perfect charcoal-kissed BBQ flavor on your pellet grill has never been easier.
Contents
- Quick Roundup List
- What Are Charcoal Pellets and How Are They Different?
- Benefits of Using Charcoal Pellets in Your Pellet Grill
- 100% Charcoal Pellets vs Charcoal Blend Pellets: Key Differences
- Best Charcoal Pellets for Smokers in 2025
- How to Choose the Right Charcoal Pellets for Your Needs
- Tips for Getting the Best Results with Charcoal Pellets
- Frequently Asked Questions About Charcoal Pellets
- Final Thoughts on Charcoal Pellets
