We recommend Big Green Egg 100% Natural Lump Charcoal. Our manufacturer uses the finest kilns and the highest standards in the industry. Unlike briquettes, it contains no fillers, no additives. It lights easily using newspaper or an electric lighter. After cooking, you can extinguish it by closing the top and bottom drafts. You can reuse much of it the next time you use your Egg. The charcoal burns evenly and cleanly and there is very little ash to remove from your Big Green Egg. Some other brands of natural charcoal are also acceptable. If you run out of the "good stuff," please use the best quality charcoal or briquettes you can find.