Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing briquets of charcoal or the like with various shapes, preferably half pillow or "D" shape, in which briquets are molded between roll type press for compressing particulate material wherein mold cavities are circumferentially arranged on one press roll and the other press roll is blank or flat with alternating integral moving cheek plates and stationary guide bars cooperating with said mold cavities in the pinch area; thus resulting in briquets which are easily released and removed from the mold cavity areas.