Sam's Choice Charcoal Briquets Review

A bag of Sam's Choice charcoal briquets landed on my porch, and I am still scratching my head about where they came from. Well, they came from Sam's Club, but I'm not a member, so I guess someone gifted me while I was away. Surprises are always nice.

The first thing I noticed about the Sam's Choice charcoal briquets for grilling is that they are really big briquets. It says on the bag that they are 60% larger and that looks about right.

Light up was easy, but I use a chimney starter. Great invention. I have not bought lighter fluid in years. Lighter fluid gives an off taste to grilled foods, so I'm glad to be done with that and those instant light charcoals.

Since the briquets are so large, they burn concentrated and hot. That will be a plus for some, but I prefer a little slower pace on the grill. It's healthier to go a little lower on the temperature and avoid chars on the meats which the government says can cause cancer. They say that about a lot of stuff though, but I'd just as soon not eat char anyway.

As far as the flavor, Sam's Choice briquets do provide that char grilled flavor. No issues there. I could not tell any difference in terms of taste or flavor versus bigger name brand charcoals. And, the briquets add more flavor than the natural lump charcoals which are popular now.

The Sam's Choice charcoal is fine, but when I'm buying, I'll stick with Kingsford regular (but not the ones with dents). I'm comfortable with the size on the Kingsford briquets - perhaps because that's what I've used for years. But, if more Sam's Choice ends up on my porch, I'm sure I'll use it.