The Differences Between Coal & Charcoal

Coal vs Charcoal – What’s the Difference and Which Should You Use?

Many people use the words coal and charcoal interchangeably — but they’re very different fuels with very different purposes.

At Fitzpatrick Fuels, we supply both  charcoal  for outdoor cooking and smokeless fuels for home heating  across Huddersfield, Honley, Holmfirth, and the surrounding areas.  Here’s how to tell the difference — and how to choose the right fuel for what you’re doing.

The Key Difference

  • Coal is a naturally occurring fossil fuel used for heating and energy.

  • Charcoal is made by slowly burning wood with limited oxygen, producing a cleaner, lighter fuel that’s safe for cooking.

Coal burns longer and hotter, but it produces heavy smoke and isn’t food-safe. Charcoal burns cleaner, lights faster, and is perfect for barbecues, pizza ovens, and firepits.

Charcoal – The Best Choice for Outdoor Cooking

If you’re lighting a barbecue, pizza oven, or fire pit, always use food-grade charcoal. It burns cleanly, produces that familiar smoky aroma, and reaches high cooking temperatures without releasing harmful fumes.

At Fitzpatrick Fuels, we stock:

Available forcollection  from Honley or Milnsbridge, or local delivery across Huddersfield on orders over £100.

Can You Use Coal for Cooking?

No — coal isn’t safe for cooking or barbecues.

Coal can contain impurities and additives that release harmful fumes when burned around food. It’s also banned for domestic sale as a heating fuel in many areas, due to smoke and pollution levels.

If you’re cooking outdoors, stick to charcoal or kiln-dried wood. If you’re heating your home, switch to a  smokeless fuel instead.

Smokeless Fuels – The Modern Alternative to House Coal

Traditional house coal is no longer available for domestic use, but you can still enjoy the same warmth and long burn with smokeless fuels.

Smokeless fuels are cleaner, hotter, and more efficient — perfect for multi-fuel stoves and open fires.

Our range includes:

  • 💨 Newheat – consistent heat output with minimal ash.

  • 💨 Supertherm – our longest burning smokeless fuel.

  • 💨 Glo Therm – a high-quality independent blend offering excellent value.

All our fuels are Woodsure Ready to Burn certified and approved for use in Smoke Control Areas such as Huddersfield, Holmfirth, and surrounding towns.

Order Online or Visit Us

Whether you’re lighting a barbecue or a stove, Fitzpatrick Fuels has you covered.

Collect in person from our Honley shop or Milnsbridge yard, or order online for local crane-off delivery.

📍 Milnsbridge: The Old Railway Goods Yard, Scar Lane, HD3 4PE
📍 Honley: 12 New Mill Road, HD9 6PL
📞 01484 653 768

Family-run. Local service. Quality fuels, delivered the right way.