Abstract: A generally pillow-shaped charcoal briquet having a convex upper surface and a convex lower surface, wherein at least one of these surfaces contain an enhanced surface feature comprising one or more grooves. When two or more grooves are located on one or both convex surfaces, the grooves are generally parallel to each other and to two opposing sides of the briquet, and generally perpendicular to two opposing sides of the briquet. The briquets have improved ignition characteristics and enhanced burn phase properties.

Abstract: A generally pillow-shaped charcoal briquet having a convex upper surface and a convex lower surface, wherein at least one of these surfaces contain an enhanced surface feature comprising one or more grooves. When two or more grooves are located on one or both convex surfaces, the grooves are generally parallel to each other and to two opposing sides of the briquet, and generally perpendicular to two opposing sides of the briquet. The briquets have improved ignition characteristics and enhanced burn phase properties.

Abstract: A generally pillow-shaped charcoal briquet having a convex upper surface and a convex lower surface, wherein at least one of these surfaces contain an enhanced surface feature comprising one or more grooves. When two or more grooves are located on one or both convex surfaces, the grooves are generally parallel to each other and to two opposing sides of the briquet, and generally perpendicular to two opposing sides of the briquet. The briquets have improved ignition characteristics and enhanced burn phase properties.

Abstract: A solid fuel briquet, such as a charcoal briquet for cooking, which displays selected ignition and burn characteristics over a variety of shapes and compositions, as well as a method for forming such a briquet, are provided. The briquet is defined by an ignition phase of less than about 18 minutes, preferably less than about 15 minutes and a burn phase of greater than about 35 minutes, preferably 40 minutes and most preferably 45 minutes, with respect to any desired briquet shape. The briquet is made by predensifying a coal portion of the briquet into pellets. The pellets are then blended with wood char and any other optional ingredients and compacted into briquets. The resulting briquet contains dense coal regions, surrounded by regions of char and any adjunct briquet ingredients.