The EGG® will cook most efficiently using natural lump charcoal. Big Green Egg lump charcoal is made from a selection of 100% hardwoods. It burns hotter and cleaner and lights faster and easier than briquettes. The amount of ash produced is a fraction of what briquettes produce, which means less frequent ash removal is required. Use either our electric lighter or our natural fire starters and you'll be ready to cook in about 10 minutes; never use lighter fluid