Natural coals

[jmexx]

Hey,I picked up a box of Nahkla Apricot, it smelled oh so good, and the guy had natural coals for sale. I don't think they were a brand name because he just had a plastic bag, they're square blocks of coal, a little bigger then a 3king. He told me that one of the blocks last an hour and a half. I don't believe that but I'm sure they last longer then the quicklights. I just would like to know how it works? Do I have to split up a block in four pieces? What's the best way of lighting naturals? Stove, BBQ... I don't ask for help often around here so I'd appreciate a hand!Thanks!Happy smoking,Jon

[yashman19]

With nats, the best way to light em would be to stick them on the stove, or if you have a torch handy.

Breaking them is totally up to you. A lot of people find that breaking
them up will help evenly distribute heat throughout your bowl, and that
just sticking a large lump of coal on the bowl will burn the sh*t out
of it. I would suggest breaking it up because people normally keep
their coals on the outter rim of the bowl, not in the middle.

And if you need a torch because you don't have access to a stove, Home
Depot sells for 12 bucks a package where you get a valve and a bottle
of propane in the blue bottle. This thing lasts me a good solid 4
months, and I smoke 1-2 times a day. And when it finally does run out,
you can buy another bottle of propane for 2 bucks.. can't beat that.
And if you wanna spend a few extra bucks ($30 more), you can upgrade
from a simple valve that you light with a lighter and get a nicer valve
that has a starter built in, so you dont need to have a lighter.

Hope this helps a bit.

[mushrat]

damn..now that'd be nice to find here if they really are just little cubes of REAL charcoal. I generally use bulk charcoal and it comes in all shaped and sizes from the size of my fist to chunks too small to use. You wouldn't be able to post a picture of these little gems could you?
 
I'VE found useing natural charcoal to be a superior smoke to useing quicklites. A bit more work but worth it in MY opnion. I know plenty of the other guys here will argue the point.  Just remember to plan a little more in advance because it will take longer for the coals to get white and ready to use.
$.02