{"id":7586,"date":"2017-09-26T22:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-09-26T20:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/blog\/que-es-mejor-carbon-o-lena-para-la-barbacoa\/"},"modified":"2023-05-26T08:31:30","modified_gmt":"2023-05-26T06:31:30","slug":"which-is-better-charcoal-or-wood-for-the-barbecue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/which-is-better-charcoal-or-wood-for-the-barbecue\/","title":{"rendered":"What is better for a barbecue, coal or wood?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p align=\"JUSTIFY\">When we want to light a fireplace or a barbecue, we have two types of fuel available that at first glance seem the same, but each presents characteristics that must be taken into account. You may think that coal is nothing more than partially burned wood, but that is not entirely correct.<\/p>\n<p align=\"JUSTIFY\">In the case of a fireplace, there is no doubt that wood is the best option, as the idea is to keep the fire burning for a long time. However, things change when it comes to making a barbecue, where the embers are what really matter. Therefore, to know <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-light-prepare-perfect-barbecue\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>how to make a barbecue<\/b><\/a>, you have to ask yourself whether it is better to use regular wood or charcoal prepared for lighting.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Contenidos:<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a1bf7698b6ae\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a1bf7698b6ae\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/which-is-better-charcoal-or-wood-for-the-barbecue\/#Comparison_between_charcoal_and_wood_for_use_in_barbecues\" >Comparison between charcoal and wood for use in barbecues<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/which-is-better-charcoal-or-wood-for-the-barbecue\/#Flavor\" >Flavor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/which-is-better-charcoal-or-wood-for-the-barbecue\/#Temperature\" >Temperature<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/which-is-better-charcoal-or-wood-for-the-barbecue\/#Ease_of_Use\" >Ease of Use<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/which-is-better-charcoal-or-wood-for-the-barbecue\/#Sustainability\" >Sustainability<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/which-is-better-charcoal-or-wood-for-the-barbecue\/#Charcoal_better_for_varied_barbecues\" >Charcoal, better for varied barbecues<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/which-is-better-charcoal-or-wood-for-the-barbecue\/#Wood_ideal_for_specific_preparations\" >Wood, ideal for specific preparations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/which-is-better-charcoal-or-wood-for-the-barbecue\/#When_is_wood_or_charcoal_better\" >When is wood or charcoal better?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 align=\"JUSTIFY\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Comparison_between_charcoal_and_wood_for_use_in_barbecues\"><\/span>Comparison between charcoal and wood for use in barbecues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p align=\"JUSTIFY\">The choice between charcoal and wood for a barbecue depends on your personal preferences, your ability to handle fire, and your environmental concerns. If you prefer an authentic smoky flavor and are environmentally conscious, wood may be the best option. If you are looking for ease of use and high temperatures, charcoal may be more suitable.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-7104\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/como-hacer-fuego-barbacoa.jpg\" alt=\"como hacer fuego barbacoa estilo pira vikinga\" width=\"900\" height=\"708\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/como-hacer-fuego-barbacoa.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/como-hacer-fuego-barbacoa-300x236.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/como-hacer-fuego-barbacoa-768x604.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 align=\"JUSTIFY\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Flavor\"><\/span>Flavor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p align=\"JUSTIFY\">Wood can provide a more authentic and smoky flavor to food than charcoal. Choosing the right wood, such as oak, apple, cherry, or walnut, can add unique flavors to the food being cooked. Charcoal, on the other hand, provides a more neutral flavor, but can still give a smoky touch to the food.<\/p>\n<h3 align=\"JUSTIFY\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Temperature\"><\/span>Temperature<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p align=\"JUSTIFY\">Charcoal heats up faster and provides higher and more uniform temperatures compared to wood. This can be useful for cooking foods that require high temperatures, such as steaks. Wood takes longer to reach high temperatures and can be more difficult to control.<\/p>\n<h3 align=\"JUSTIFY\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ease_of_Use\"><\/span>Ease of Use<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p align=\"JUSTIFY\">Charcoal is easier to light and maintain than wood. It also produces fewer sparks and less smoke, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a cleaner barbecue experience. Wood requires more attention and skill to maintain a constant temperature and can generate more smoke.<\/p>\n<h3 align=\"JUSTIFY\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sustainability\"><\/span>Sustainability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p align=\"JUSTIFY\">Wood is a more sustainable and renewable energy source if obtained responsibly. However, unregulated logging and excessive use of wood can have a negative impact on forests and the environment. Charcoal, on the other hand, is a non-renewable resource and its production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n<h2 align=\"JUSTIFY\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Charcoal_better_for_varied_barbecues\"><\/span>Charcoal, better for varied barbecues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p align=\"JUSTIFY\">If you are going to prepare a barbecue in which different foods will be cooked, <b>charcoal will be the best option<\/b> for several reasons. The first is that when it comes to lighting the fire and having the embers ready, this fuel is more effective. In about half an hour, you can have great embers, perfect for grilling as well as for roasting vegetables inside them. Just wrap each vegetable in aluminum foil and put it directly on the embers, letting the heat do its job. This way you can cook several things at once.<\/p>\n<p align=\"JUSTIFY\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-3266 size-full aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Como-encender-la-chimenea-3.jpg\" alt=\"charcoal or firewood,better firewood or charcoal\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Como-encender-la-chimenea-3.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Como-encender-la-chimenea-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Como-encender-la-chimenea-3-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p align=\"JUSTIFY\">In addition, the charcoal barbecue is perfect for classic gatherings among friends. Those in which everyone is invited over to enjoy good times. In these gatherings, it doesn&#8217;t matter if the flavors mix a bit, and charcoal will give a very characteristic smoky touch.<\/p>\n<h2 align=\"JUSTIFY\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wood_ideal_for_specific_preparations\"><\/span>Wood, ideal for specific preparations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p align=\"JUSTIFY\">The case of wood is different. First because it <b>takes longer to make a good ember<\/b> depending on the type of wood used. And then, because there are certain woods that will give a different flavor to each food, so some are more appropriate than others depending on what you plan to prepare.<\/p>\n<p align=\"JUSTIFY\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2657 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/lena-min-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"charcoal or firewood,better firewood or charcoal\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/lena-min-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/lena-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/lena-min-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/lena-min.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p align=\"JUSTIFY\">For example, <b>oak wood is perfect for rice and fish, while olive wood is better for vegetables<\/b>. Others such as pine or orange wood provide a special taste to meats. Therefore, they are more suitable if you plan to prepare a themed barbecue, so to speak. Choosing the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/blog\/what-wood-to-use-fireplace\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"color: #000080;\"><span lang=\"es-ES\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><b>types of wood<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> is important in these cases.<\/p>\n<h2 align=\"JUSTIFY\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_is_wood_or_charcoal_better\"><\/span>When is wood or charcoal better?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p align=\"JUSTIFY\">If you are going to prepare a barbecue in an indoor area that does not have much ventilation, charcoal is more recommended than wood. Wood releases certain compounds when burned, such as benzene or sulfur, so it is necessary to have a place with more clean air or a barbecue that has a system to extract fumes and renew the air.<\/p>\n<p align=\"JUSTIFY\">In any case, <b>enjoying a barbecue is a great pleasure<\/b>, so choose the best fuel to prepare it, but above all do not give it up. Nothing tastes better than a meal prepared this way.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When we want to light a fireplace or a barbecue, we have two types of fuel available that at first glance seem the same, but each presents characteristics that must be taken into account. You may think that coal is nothing more than partially burned wood, but that is not entirely correct. In the case [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3537,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"What is better, charcoal or wood for barbecue?","_seopress_titles_desc":"The embers are what really matter in a barbecue. Is it better to use a prepared charcoal or regular wood for ignition?","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[620],"tags":[198,555,333],"class_list":{"0":"post-7586","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tips","8":"tag-barbacoas-en","9":"tag-coal","10":"tag-firewood"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7586","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7586"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7586\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9205,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7586\/revisions\/9205"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3537"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7586"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7586"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hotfiredoor.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7586"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}