If you’ve never looked into it, you might be surprised to learn how many different types of coal are out there and what they can offer you and your fire.
Knowing the characteristics of each grade of coal helps you understand what’s in the smoke exuding from your flames. Let’s look at the different types of coal that you can purchase online.
Anthracite
If you search through the different grades of coal, you’ll see that anthracite ranks atop the list. Anthracite ranks so highly because it is carbon-dense, has low volatility, and is composed of fewer impurities than other forms of coal. This form of coal burns very well for a long time thanks to its energy-efficient performance, giving you long-lasting heat.
Bituminous
Bituminous coal is the second highest coal rank, sometimes called ‘black coal’. Bituminous coal is commonly used worldwide as it is abundant in many areas. This coal isn’t as energy efficient as Anthracite and produces more smoke per weight unit than Anthracite, but it ranks higher than other frequently used types.
Sub-Bituminous
You’ll often read that sub-bituminous coal has a carbon content much lower than anthracite and, for that reason, is less desirable to use for safety and efficiency reasons. This type of coal has primarily been used for steam power but typically has a high moisture content within it that makes using it for home purposes undesirable.
Lignite
It’s ill-advised to burn lignite coal at home because it’s the lowest coal rank on the scale. There is not much carbon within lignite, which makes it an intelligent choice for burning, and it has too much water within the coal, which contains risks. However, because it is found closer to the surface than other types of coal, it is easier to mine and, therefore, has been used by so many for generations.
Smokeless Coal
Your best choice for burning at home is smokeless coal because you won’t be subjected to as many harmful chemicals that could be emitted from other forms of coal. In addition, you’ll find that smokeless coal burns exceptionally well for long periods, so you won’t need to top up your fuel source as much.
You must monitor your smoke output if you live in a Smoke Control Area. For the best assurance of not breaching local restrictions, stick to smokeless coal. The type of coal you select can depend on where your fire is being assembled, whether you will cook on those flames, and how long you want the fire to last.
Smokeless coal, supplied by companies like HouseFuel, is normally made of anthracite so is therefore a high-quality product that lasts for as long as you’d generally like.
