526129 Thu Jun 05 12:52:41 -0700 2008 10 3 California 0 3753267 With a recent purchase of a smoker, I have been trying to learn the art of "low and slow" BBQ. As a result I am going through lump charcoal incredibly quickly. Currently I am purchasing my lump charcoal at Henry's but was wondering if anyone had a preferred source in San Diego. I live in University City, so recommendations in that general area would be appreciated. Thu Jun 05 12:52:44 -0700 2008 16195 uchound 1 3753310 Trader Joe's is carrying it now (seasonal item) but if you are going through that great of an amount I think you can get larger quantity bags at BBQ's galore (not sure of the price points). Thu Jun 05 13:04:33 -0700 2008 3753267 180283 foodiechick 1 3753461 Home Depot carries lump charcoal, and I believe some Vons also carries lump charcoal in larger bags. Thu Jun 05 13:34:06 -0700 2008 3753267 98222 wanker 1 3753737 Believe it or not I normally buy my lump charcoal at the Home Depot. They have a good selection and good prices with a veriety of hardwoods and fruit tree wood available. Thu Jun 05 14:40:33 -0700 2008 3753267 101252 oerdin 2 3754960 Funny, I've never seen lump at Home Depot.The only charcoal I ever buy there is the kingsford that they invariably put on sale during the summer. I use lump for smoking meat (especially since I go through about 2 bags of lump when smoking pork butts and briquets create way too much ash) but use briquets and hardwood lumps when smoking fish. Most places that sell lump, only sell mesquite lump; I prefer to use oak lump. I usually buy the house brand at BBQ Galore (it's cheaper than the big green egg lump). However, if you want mesquite lump, check out smart and final. Thu Jun 05 23:07:17 -0700 2008 3753737 193486 meadandale 3 3755575 Home Depot carries the lump charcoal by the grilling accessories. In fact, in the last few years this section has expanded greatly as Home Depot has really jumped on the increased popularily/profitability of outdoor grilling. Fri Jun 06 07:42:26 -0700 2008 3754960 98222 wanker 4 3783996 Out of curiosity, I checked this out yesterday. HD near me carries the cowboy lump charcoal but only in 8.8 lb bags and I think it was between $5-8 8lbs is way to small to do anything with for a full size smoker. I go through almost 2 20 lb bags when smoking a couple of pork butts. I'd really hate to have to store that many smaller bags (I normally stock up and get 100lbs at a time). Not to mention that every BBQ website I've been to has very few nice things to say about Cowboy Lump... Mon Jun 16 08:01:31 -0700 2008 3755575 193486 meadandale 2 3755603 Now that HD carries more options like smokers, they have a nice choice of hardwoods and other woods for smoking. Fri Jun 06 07:48:03 -0700 2008 3753737 149836 cstr 1 3753934 I always see the large bags of it at the little Mexican markets. Siesel's also carries it. Thu Jun 05 15:42:42 -0700 2008 3753267 91897 MrKrispy 1 3754479 I don't use lump for smoking, however- for me it burns too hot. I use a secret combination of regular charcoal and wood. However, for GRILLING, I love the lumps- a great, hot fire. Thu Jun 05 18:50:11 -0700 2008 3753267 44523 Fake Name 1 3754486 weird editing- sorry about the misplaced paragraph and spell-'os. Thu Jun 05 18:53:18 -0700 2008 3753267 44523 Fake Name 2 3756734 Dang, they dropped my link..let's see if I can make this work. Nah. Let's say you can google "Lump Charcoal Database" and find out all you need to regarding the differences in lump charcoal products and brands. It's fantastic. Fri Jun 06 12:27:32 -0700 2008 3754486 44523 Fake Name