If you’re like me and constantly chasing the perfect grilling experience, then Jealous Devil lump charcoal might just be the secret weapon you’ve been looking for. Right from the start, let me tell you—this is not your run-of-the-mill charcoal.
It’s designed to bring out the best in whatever you’re cooking, and today, I’m sharing why it should be your go-to for backyard barbecues or even those professional-level cooks. Spoiler alert: It’s worth every penny.
My Experience With Jealous Devil Lump Charcoal
I remember the first time I tore open a bag of Jealous Devil Chunx XL Lump Charcoal.
Right away, I noticed the substantial size of these chunks—they’re literally as big as my fist.
That’s not something you see often in other brands, and it got me genuinely excited.
You might be wondering why the size of the charcoal matters. Well, let me tell you, it makes a huge difference. Bigger chunks mean a hotter, steadier fire, and fewer frustrating flare-ups. And when I fired these babies up, I knew I was in for a treat.
Within about 15 minutes, these lumps were glowing like embers on a winter night—white-hot, with a little bit of that beautiful blue smoke that any barbecue enthusiast dreams of. My grill reached searing temperatures faster than usual, hitting over 1,100°F with ease.
And unlike other brands, I didn’t have to add more fuel mid-way through the cook. This stuff burns long and clean. It’s hard to convey just how much of a game-changer that is unless you’ve dealt with cheaper charcoal that turns to ash before you even get to flip the steaks.
Pros of Jealous Devil Lump Charcoal
- Consistent Heat and Performance
One thing I truly appreciate about Jealous Devil is its consistent performance. Unlike other brands where every bag seems like a lottery of whether you’ll get nice chunks or crumbling bits, Jealous Devil has delivered XL pieces consistently—bag after bag.
This is crucial, especially if you’re aiming to maintain consistent cooking temperatures. I’ve used this charcoal in my Big Green Egg and in an offset smoker, and it performs flawlessly across the board.
With temperatures reaching over 1,100°F, it’s ideal for searing steaks, and for longer cooks, it holds the heat exceptionally well for over four hours.
- Low Ash and Easy Clean-Up
The amount of ash that Jealous Devil leaves behind is minimal compared to other charcoal brands. After a long grilling session, there’s nothing worse than having to shovel out mounds of messy ash.
With Jealous Devil, I’m left with little more than pure white ash—which makes clean-up a breeze. Less ash also means improved airflow during the cooking process, which helps maintain those high temperatures without suffocating your fire.
- Rich, But Subtle Flavor
The flavor Jealous Devil brings is what I’d call perfectly balanced. It’s strong enough to enhance the natural taste of whatever you’re grilling, but it doesn’t overpower it.
Whether it’s beef, poultry, or even vegetables, the smoke is rich yet subtle. I’ve found it’s perfect for competition-style cooks where you want the natural flavors of the meat to shine, complemented by a smoky undertone.
- All-Natural, No Fillers
I love the fact that Jealous Devil is 100% natural—no chemicals or fillers. They use extra-dense South American hardwood, which means you’re getting a pure, clean burn. This gives me peace of mind knowing there’s nothing unnatural seeping into my food. It’s just wood, fire, and incredible taste—the way it should be.
Cons of Jealous Devil Lump Charcoal
- Chunk Size Might Be Overwhelming for Some: The large size of the chunks, while a plus for me, might be intimidating for someone who is used to smaller, more manageable pieces. If you’re only cooking for one or two people, these large chunks can feel like overkill. In that case, you’d need to take the time to break them up, which may not be convenient for everyone.
- Slightly Higher Price Point: Jealous Devil isn’t the cheapest option out there, and that might deter some people. However, for the quality you’re getting—including longer burn times and less ash—I find it absolutely worth the cost. That said, if you’re on a tight budget, the higher price might be a con.
- Availability: While Jealous Devil is becoming more popular, it’s still not as readily available as some of the other mainstream brands. You may have to order it online, which means planning ahead rather than grabbing a bag on a whim from your local hardware store.
How To Get The Most Out of Jealous Devil Lump Charcoal?
- Proper Lighting Technique: The best way to get Jealous Devil charcoal going is by using a chimney starter. It doesn’t require lighter fluid—actually, you don’t want to use lighter fluid because it can mask that clean flavor you’re after. Fill the chimney about halfway with the charcoal and use a couple of natural fire starters. Within 15 minutes, your charcoal will be ready to pour into the grill.
- Temperature Control: Because Jealous Devil burns hotter than most brands, you’ll want to pay close attention to your vents. For searing, keep the vents wide open to maximize oxygen flow. For lower, indirect cooking, gradually close the vents until you reach your desired temperature. The consistency of the chunks makes this really straightforward once you get the hang of it.
- Reuse the Charcoal: One of the perks of Jealous Devil’s quality is that the larger chunks can often be reused. After you’re done grilling, close the vents completely to cut off oxygen, which will extinguish the remaining charcoal. Once cooled, these pieces can be reused on your next cook. It’s a great way to stretch out the value.
Maintenance Tips For Longevity
To get the most mileage out of your Jealous Devil charcoal, storage is key. Always keep your bags in a dry place—moisture is the enemy of lump charcoal, and even the best will struggle if it gets damp. I store mine in a sealed plastic bin in my garage. This keeps it fresh and ready to go whenever the mood to grill strikes.
Another tip is to clean out your grill regularly. Because Jealous Devil leaves behind minimal ash, it’s easy to scoop out what remains and keep your airflow optimal. The less residue left behind, the better your grill will function the next time you fire it up.
Comparing Jealous Devil To Other Brands
If you’re like me, you’ve probably experimented with several charcoal brands in search of the best. Let’s break down how Jealous Devil stacks up against some of the well-known competitors.
- Jealous Devil Vs. Nature Fresh Bamboo Charcoal
Nature Fresh Bamboo Charcoal is an eco-friendly option, made from bamboo rather than hardwood.
While it’s great for sustainability, it doesn’t quite match the heat output of Jealous Devil.
Nature Fresh burns at a lower temperature, making it less ideal for searing and more suitable for slow-cooking or smoking.
The flavor imparted by Nature Fresh is also milder, which might be a good or bad thing depending on your preferences.
If you’re all about sustainability, Nature Fresh is a decent option, but if you want serious heat and longer burns, Jealous Devil has the edge.
- Jealous Devil Vs. Royal Oak Lump Charcoal
Royal Oak is a widely available and budget-friendly option.
However, its consistency is hit-or-miss. I’ve found that some bags contain great chunks, while others are filled with dust and tiny pieces.
When compared to Jealous Devil, Royal Oak tends to burn faster and produce more ash.
The overall heat output also falls short, which can make maintaining higher temperatures a bit challenging.
Jealous Devil, on the other hand, provides larger, consistent chunks, making it easier to keep your grill temperature stable for extended cooking sessions.
- Jealous Devil Vs. Kingsford Match Light Charcoal
Kingsford Match Light is known for its convenience, as it’s pre-soaked in lighter fluid, allowing for easy ignition.
While this makes it a good option for beginners or casual grillers, the flavor can be compromised due to the added chemicals.
I personally avoid using lighter fluid, as it detracts from the natural, clean flavor that Jealous Devil offers.
Additionally, Kingsford Match Light burns out faster, requiring more frequent replenishment.
Jealous Devil, in contrast, burns hotter and longer without any added chemicals, providing a more authentic grilling experience with better control over temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely. While it’s priced a bit higher than some other brands, the performance is unmatched. You get a hotter burn, longer-lasting pieces, and less ash. For anyone who grills regularly or wants to up their BBQ game, Jealous Devil is worth every penny.
Jealous Devil is made from 100% natural, ultra-dense South American hardwood. This type of wood delivers an even burn and a clean, earthy flavor that complements a wide variety of foods.
No, you do not need lighter fluid. In fact, using lighter fluid can detract from the natural flavor that Jealous Devil provides. A chimney starter with natural fire starters works perfectly to get your charcoal ready in about 15 minutes.
Jealous Devil charcoal is made in South America, where they source the high-quality hardwood that gives it its signature performance and flavor.
Wrapping Up
If you want to elevate your grilling experience, Jealous Devil lump charcoal is the way to go. From consistent high heat to clean flavor, it’s a product that delivers.
Give it a try—you might just find that it makes all the difference in your barbecue, just like it did for me.