Hardwood charcoal, Shape : Lumps, Packaging Type : Black

A lot of things about grilling can ignite a fight, including the meaning of "barbecue." And with the proliferation of fancy equipment � from gas grills to pellet smokers to ceramic charcoal cookers � amateur cooks are growing more knowledgeable, and opinionated, about how to best cook food outdoors.

To a newbie, the world of charcoal can be overwhelming, especially since the charcoal aisle of big box and hardware stores seems to be getting more crowded, with alluring chips and lumps of apple, cherry and even coconut wood. But the first hurdle is navigating the question: Do you use charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal, also known as "natural" hardwood charcoal?