There are three main types of charcoal: black charcoal, white charcoal/binchotan, and sawdust, and they are made using different methods and different types of wood. Each type has different characteristics when burning (burning time, amount of ash, ease of ignition, etc.).

Binchotan is white charcoal made by carbonizing Ubamegashi (which includes oaks). However, in recent years, it has become common to call it Binchotan as a general term for hard, well-burned charcoal, including other types of charcoal besides Ubamegashi. Binchotan, which has been burned tightly through a process called “nerashi,” produces a high-pitched metallic sound when struck, and its cross section sparkles. Because it is hard, it has a stable, long-lasting heat, and the heat can be easily adjusted from about 500 to 1000°C by fanning it with a fan. It is suitable for cooking that requires delicate heat adjustment.

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Charcoal can be divided into “white charcoal” and “black charcoal” depending on the manufacturing method. In the final carbonization process, the charcoal is taken out of the kiln and covered with sand and ash to extinguish the fire. The surface of the finished charcoal turns whitish, hence the name “white charcoal” and it is characterized by being very hard. In contrast, “black charcoal” is made by sealing the mouth of the kiln to suffocate the charcoal and extinguish the fire. It turns jet black and is relatively soft.

This charcoal is made by pressing additive-free sawdust under high temperature and pressure into a rod shape called “Ogalight” and then baking it in a kiln. Many of these charcoal have a hole in the center, so they are also called chikuwa charcoal. There are white charcoal finishes and black charcoal finishes for sawdust. Also, the type of sawdust used varies depending on the tree species and blend, so the heat output, amount of ash, and burn time also vary.

It is made by pressing additive-free sawdust under high temperature and pressure into a rod shape. It can be used like firewood, and can be used in fireplaces, bonfires, and wood stoves. Compared to firewood, it burns longer and has a stable heat. It is an easy-to-handle artificial firewood with little ash and smoke. Incidentally, sawdust is made by carbonizing “Ogalite”.