What woods make the best charcoal?

[Marc Lewis]

Generally speaking, wood that is good for firewood is good for charcoal. We have not had great success with chestnut though.

[smiles]

Birch and Hazel both do nicely in mine,have heard conflicting reports about chestnut,some say don't bother whereas others say its the best thing! need to try some when i get round to it

[csservices]

Out of interest, what do you call small diameter? Is 3 inch to small?

 

I use up to 3 inch as I burn mine in an oil drum and anything over 3 inch doesnt tend to charcoal properly, plus anything over 3 inch is firewood

[TRADITIONAL LOGGERS]

Depends on the end use? Careful with Alder as possible explosion when the woodgas flare starts.

[wylie]

Try rhododendron (ponticum),if you have it near you...

[the village idiot]

Hazel is my favourite, beautiful charcoal with few fines. Also find hornbeam very good.

As has already been stated, avoid Oak, tends to shatter into small shards, maybe due to the radial lines.