FAQ's

Will my food taste like coconuts when I use aFire Coconut Charcoal?
No. aFire Coconut Charcoal is made from the inner hard shell of a coconut for its sustainability and superior heating results.  No coconut flavor is imparted on food when using aFire Coconut Charcoal. Instead it produces a clean charcoal aroma.

I can't get my coconut charcoal to light.  Am I supposed to use lighter fluid?
aFire Coconut Charcoal is meant to be lit with the aFirepuck Starter.  The non-petroleum starter burns hot and gets the fire going.    Lighter fluid is not recommended to start aFire Coconut Charcoal as one of its benefits is the absence of such chemicals.

Are there any products made to go with the charcoal?
aFire has launched an entire grilling line that includes the aFirepuck Starter and aFire Flat Chimney Starter, which help to get aFire Coconut Charcoal started, as well as the aFire Instant Light Charcoal Box which comes with 3 pounds of charcoal and an aFirepuck Starter, perfect for tailgating and quick cookouts in gourmet style.

How is aFire Coconut Charcoal better for the environment?
No trees are cut down or coals dug out to make this fuel.  It is 100% all natural coconut shell that is considered a biomass fuel. No fillers or petroleum products are added to this product so it will not emit harmful chemicals or change the taste of food.  There is no sulfur in aFire Coconut Charcoal, which means no sulfur dioxide emissions which contribute to acid rain and regional haze.  Coconut shells are a sustainable source.

How does aFire Coconut Charcoal provide better heating results?
aFire Coconut Charcoal is made from the inner hard shell of a coconut.  When carbonized coconut shell is burned as charcoal, it achieves high heat and maintains that temperature for up to two and a half hours. The condensed fiber of coconut shells creates hotter, longer and cleaner burning charcoal.

Am I supposed to use aFire Coconut Charcoal for a special recipe or cuisine?
aFire Coconut Charcoal will give your next BBQ a fun twist.  It can be used for any grilling recipe you love. This efficient fuel is compatible will all the charcoal grills out in the market. For a sampling of suggested recipes, visit our blog at www.makeafire.com.

What are the sizes of the mini and gourmet planks?
6"x7" (MINI) - comes 4pk each set and 6"x12" (GOURMET) comes 2pk in a set.

Can I use the planks in an oven?
Yes, just soak the plank in water for at least 30 minutes; you can cook your food right on top of the plank on the "broiler" setting in the oven. It won't smoke up the house.

How do you use a plank?
Soak the plank under water for at least 30 to 60 minutes (add wine or juice to soaking water for creative flavors).
HEAT. Preheat grill to 350-400 °F
SMOKE. Cook seasoned seafood, meats, or vegetables right on top of plank. Close lid and smoke to your liking. There is no need to turn food.
ENJOY. Remove food and plank from grill and use plank as serving dish.

Can the plank be reused? How many times?
Yes, you can reuse it until it breaks or has splinters. On average, it can be used 3 times, depending on the cooking temperature. The hotter the grill, the more likely the plank will char. When the plank has cracked or charred, you can still use it for smoking wood chips. The way you use wood chips is to soak the wood in water and throw it on top of the charcoal to smoke the food.

Will using a plank affect the cooking time?
No, it will not, but there are different cooking methods when using planks. For example, if you want grill marks on your food, you have to sear it on the grill first, and then finish it off on the planks.

Which foods pair well with each kind of wood?
Red meat (Steak), Pork, and Game: Cherry
Chicken: Alder
Seafood: Cedar
Pork, Lamb, and Cheese: Maple

Can you suggest other combinations?
Steak and Seafood: Alder
Pork and Seafood: Cedar
Lamb and Fish: Alder
Pork and Steak: Maple
Chicken and Steak: Alder
Chicken and Seafood: Cedar or Alder

Do you carry other woods?
Yes, please contact us and we'll send you a complete list of woods we carry. 

What are the ingredients inside each rub?
Steak: Sea salt, spices, garlic, sharp paprika, and soybean oil.
Chicken and Turkey Rub: Sea salt, spices, garlic, peppercorns.
Seafood Rub: Sea salt, spices, garlic, citric acid, paprika, and parsley.
Pork and Lamb Rub:  Sea salt, spices, garlic, citric acid, paprika, and parsley.

What is the size of each rub?
Net Weight is 4oz (113g).