Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

Briquettes or lump? I think it boils down to what you are cooking and for whom? If I want to grill up some hots dogs and burger meat, a few briquettes are fine. Briqs are cheaper, for me, cleaner and easier. If I am smoking brisket, sausages, tri-tip, or anything else that requires lots of love and perfection, I will use quality wood. I have found cheaper off-brand or store brand briqus require a lot of lighter fluid and don't give good flavor.