The British summer is finally in full flight, and the BBQs are officially out. Whether it’s the self-proclaimed grill masters, weekend chefs, or first-time flame tamers firing up the coals, only one thing makes all the difference: THE CHARCOAL !!
With supermarket shelves stacked and corner shops offering more choice than ever, picking the right charcoal can feel like a mission. That’s why I’ve put some of the UK’s most popular and easily accessible options to the test: Big K Lumpwood, Big K Instant Light, Bar-Be-Quick Instant Light, Tesco Charcoal Briquettes, and Bar-Be-Quick Charcoal Briquettes.
If you’re after charcoal that’s affordable, easy to light, and perfect for your Chili Lime Steak, you’re in the right place. Here’s my no-nonsense guide to what burns best, what lasts longest, and what leaves your food tasting like a proper BBQ.
To help us fairly compare these five popular options, I put together a simple but effective ranking system. Each charcoal was judged across three key categories to find out which truly deserves a spot on your grill this summer.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Burn Time | How long the charcoal holds a solid cooking temperature — longer is better. |
| Ease of Ignition | How quickly and easily it lights up — no one wants to spend 30 minutes struggling with a match. |
| Smell / Smoke Quality | The aroma and smoke profile while burning — rated from 0 (worst) to 5 (best). Does it smell clean and smoky, or does it stink up the garden? |
This system helps us figure out which charcoal offers the best balance of performance, convenience, and value — all crucial when you’re trying to enjoy an easy, satisfying summer BBQ without spending a fortune.
So now that we’ve laid out the rules, let’s dive into the results and find out which budget-friendly BBQ charcoal comes out on top in 2025.
Burn Time: 4/5
Ease of Ignition: 1/5
Smell / Smoke Quality: 2/5
Overall Rating: 
☆☆☆ (2/5)
Tesco’s Charcoal Briquettes might deliver on burn time, but that’s about it. In our Best BBQ Charcoal for Summer 2025 tests, these briquettes were a real pain to get going — slow to light and tough to maintain. Once they’re lit, they hold heat well, but the smoke carries a slightly chemical smell that takes away from the overall BBQ vibe.
Khally’s Verdict: Not worth the purchase. While they burn long, the poor ignition and off-putting smell mean there are better, easier-to-use briquettes on the market.
Burn Time: 3/5
Ease of Ignition: 5/5
Smell / Smoke Quality: 5/5
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
If you’re planning a spontaneous BBQ or grilling on the go, Big K Instant Light Charcoal is a seriously convenient choice. As part of our Best BBQ Charcoal for Summer 2025 tests, this one stood out for just how easy it is to use — you literally light the bag and you’re good to go. No fuss, no firelighters needed.
The charcoal gives off a rich, classic BBQ smell and adds a lovely smoky flavour to your food. Burn time isn’t the longest, but for quick grills, it more than does the job.
Khally’s Verdict: Great buy. If you’re having a BBQ in the park or need something quick and reliable, you can’t go wrong with these.
Burn Time: 5/5
Ease of Ignition: 3/5
Smell / Smoke Quality: 4/5
Overall Rating: ☆ (4/5)
Out of all the briquette options in our Best BBQ Charcoal for Summer 2025 guide, Bar-Be-Quick Charcoal Briquettes easily take the top spot. Once they’re lit, these coals are seriously impressive, delivering up to 3 hours of steady heat, perfect for big BBQs or slow cooks. The smoke has a clean, smoky aroma that enhances food without overpowering it.
That said, these aren’t the most beginner-friendly coals. Getting them started can take some patience, and for best results, we recommend using a BBQ chimney starter to get things going more efficiently.
Khally’s Verdict: Good coals with great heat output — but best suited to more experienced BBQ users who know how to get the most out of them.
Burn Time: 5/5
Ease of Ignition: 5/5
Smell / Smoke Quality: 5/5
Overall Rating: (5/5)
If there’s one standout in this Best BBQ Charcoal for Summer 2025 list, it’s Big K Lumpwood Barbecue Charcoal. These are hands-down my favourite out of all the options. With consistently high quality across every bag, every time. They light up fast with standard firelighters, catch quickly, and deliver a beautiful smoky aroma that adds that perfect BBQ flavour to anything you grill.
The lumpwood pieces are chunky and natural, meaning you can easily break them down for smaller barbecues or leave them whole for longer, high-heat sessions. They’re ideal for both quick midweek grilling or a full weekend cookout.
Khally’s Verdict: If these are on the shelf, they’re the ones I’m grabbing. Best all-round charcoal, fairly priced, and my go-to every summer. Number one for me.
Burn Time: 4/5
Ease of Ignition: 5/5
Smell / Smoke Quality: 5/5
Overall Rating: ☆ (4.5/5)
Another strong contender in the Best BBQ Charcoal for Summer 2025, Bar-Be-Quick Instant Light Lumpwood Charcoal delivers where it matters most, speed and simplicity. These coals light up effortlessly and are ideal for anyone wanting to fire up the BBQ without the hassle.
They perform very similarly to Big K’s instant light version, but these just edge it slightly when it comes to heat retention. You get a solid burn with a clean, smoky aroma that adds great flavour to your food. Super convenient and reliable — no drama, no waiting around.
Khally’s Verdict: If you’re after something quick and convenient, this is a solid alternative to Big K’s Instant Light. A great option for spontaneous BBQs and park cookouts.
When it comes to the Best BBQ Charcoal for Summer 2025, there’s truly something for everyone — whether you prefer quick-and-easy instant light options or long-burning briquettes for the serious grill masters. For all-around performance, Big K Lumpwood Charcoal takes the crown with its consistent quality, rich smoke, and versatile use. If convenience is your top priority, both Bar-Be-Quick Instant Light and Big K Instant Light are excellent picks for grilling on the go.
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