Briquettes

Briquettes are manufactured solid fuels formed by compressing combustible materials into uniform blocks or cylinders. They are commonly made from charcoal fines, sawdust and other wood wastes, or from coal dust, often with binders such as starch, clay, or molasses. The goal is a dense, standardized fuel that delivers steady heat and predictable burn times for heating, cooking, or industrial use.

Types include charcoal briquettes, which are made from charcoal fines with binders and are widely used for barbecue grilling; wood briquettes, created from compressed sawdust or other pressed wood residues; and coal briquettes, produced from pulverized coal or lignite blends. Each type has different burn characteristics, ash production, and odor profiles.

Production involves drying and grinding the feedstock, mixing in binders and additives, and forming the mixture under high pressure into bricks or rods. Some charcoal briquettes are carbonized during processing to produce a consistent, high-energy product. The final product is typically dried before packaging to reduce moisture and shipping weight.

Uses and performance: Briquettes are used for domestic heating and outdoor cooking, as well as in some industrial furnaces and power generation applications. They generally offer higher energy density and longer burn times than loose materials, with more uniform heat output. They may produce more ash than lump fuels, and binders or additives can affect odor or flavor in cooking.

Environmental and safety considerations: The sustainability of briquettes depends on feedstock sources and production practices. Wood-based briquettes from residues are often promoted as a renewable option, while coal-based briquettes carry higher fossil fuel impacts. Proper storage and ventilation are advised to minimize emissions and damp-related deterioration.