Is Your Charcoal Really Natural? How to Spot Fake or Low-Quality Coconut Charcoal Briquettes
With the growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable fuel sources, coconut charcoal briquettes have become a top choice for shisha and BBQ enthusiasts. However, not all charcoal on the market is truly natural or of high quality. Some brands use fillers, chemicals, or low-grade materials that affect performance, taste, and safety. So, how can you tell if your charcoal is genuinely natural and high quality? Let’s explore the key signs of fake or low-grade coconut charcoal and how to choose the best briquettes.
How to Identify Fake or Low-Quality Coconut Charcoal Briquettes
1. Excessive Smoke and Odor
High-quality coconut charcoal burns cleanly with minimal smoke and no unpleasant smell. If your charcoal produces excessive smoke or a strong chemical odor, it may contain artificial additives or unprocessed materials.
Solution:
Choose charcoal that has been properly carbonized to eliminate impurities.
Avoid products with chemical treatments or synthetic binders.
2. Low Heat and Short Burn Time
Premium coconut charcoal briquettes should provide long-lasting, consistent heat. If your briquettes burn out quickly or fail to reach high temperatures, they likely contain fillers such as sawdust, wood, or other low-grade materials.
Solution:
Look for briquettes with a fixed carbon content of 80% or higher.
Opt for products tested for long burn times (2-3 hours for shisha, 4-5 hours for BBQ).
3. High Ash Content
Natural coconut charcoal produces very little ash—typically below 3%. If your charcoal leaves behind a large amount of white or gray ash, it may contain excessive fillers or low-quality coconut shells.
Solution:
Select charcoal with an ash content of less than 2.5% for a cleaner smoking or grilling experience.
Avoid brands that don’t disclose their ash content or composition.
4. Easily Crumbles or Breaks Apart
Strong, high-density charcoal briquettes should not crack or crumble easily. Weak or brittle briquettes indicate poor manufacturing processes, improper binder use, or an imbalance in the material composition.
Solution:
Buy from reputable manufacturers that ensure proper compression and binding techniques.
Test briquettes by applying slight pressure—quality briquettes should be firm and compact.
5. Takes Too Long to Ignite
While natural coconut charcoal takes longer to light than quick-lighting alternatives, it should not take an excessive amount of time. If your briquettes struggle to ignite or require additional fuel to stay lit, they may contain excess moisture or non-carbonized materials.
Solution:
Choose charcoal with a moisture content below 5%.
Store briquettes in a dry place to prevent moisture absorption.
Why Choosing High-Quality Coconut Charcoal Matters
Using high-quality, 100% natural coconut charcoal ensures:
A cleaner burn with no chemical flavors or unpleasant odors.
Longer-lasting heat for better performance in shisha and BBQ grilling.
Low ash residue, reducing mess and maintaining proper airflow.
An eco-friendly option, as coconut charcoal is a sustainable alternative to wood-based products.
Glowing Charcoal Indonesia: Your Trusted Source for Premium Coconut Charcoal
At Glowing Charcoal Indonesia, we specialize in producing 100% natural coconut charcoal briquettes that are free from additives and fillers. Our briquettes offer high heat, long burn times, low ash, and a pure smoking and grilling experience. When you choose our products, you are guaranteed top-tier quality and sustainability. Contact us today to experience the best coconut charcoal on the market!