When you are grilling or bbqing, there are a number of types of fuels for you to choose from. Your choice will be affected to a degree by whether you are cooking on a propane or charcoal grill, or over a campfire (or possibly other locations). Below are several choices for fuel and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Lump charcoal

The advantage of lump charcoal is that it burns hot and slow, and, because it is usually all-natural, has no extra chemicals.  You only need to use half as much charcoal as other types.  Using lump charcoal can give you the same type of flavoring as cooking over an open fire. The disadvantage is that it comes an irregular chunks and may need to be broken into uniform pieces before using it.  Lump charcoal can also throw sparks, although there are varieties that do not. If you are looking for charcoal that will burn hot and long and give you great flavor, check out lump charcoal.

Standard briquettes

Standard briquettes are much easier and safer to use than lump charcoal but they have a chemical base that you must burn off which can take some time, up to 15 or 20 minutes. Because of the chemical base, they may give your food a slight flavor. Standard briquettes won't burn as long as lump charcoal but are more easily found and a bit more inexpensive. There are a variety of ways to light briquettes, from using lighter fluid to a charcoal chimney.

Instant lighting briquettes

Instant briquettes start quickly and very convenient to use but they cost much more than other briquettes and can give a chemical flavor to your food. Avoid this if at all possible. There are other, better ways to start your briquettes.

Wood chips and chunks

Wood chips can give a wonderful smoky flavor to your foods.  They take a little bit of preparation, since they must be soaked in water for about 30 minutes prior to putting them on lighted charcoal. Wood chips are necessary in a smoker, or can be used in a standard grill, either with propane or charcoal.

Propane gas

Propane gas is very convenient and very inexpensive and provides instant heat.  It may provide less flavor to your food, though this may not be very obvious. You can use wood chips with your propane gas grill can add a smoky flavor to your food.

If you use charcoal they should be stored in tightly covered containers because they will absorb moisture from the air.  Moisture will make them harder to start.

Strong scented woods, like mesquite, hickory, maple, or oak can actually give a flavor to your food.  Milder types of woods will add just a smoky quality.

I hope this gives you some ideas of some of the options you have when cooking outdoors.