Is Kingsford Charcoal Still Owned by Ford? The Surprising Story Behind Your Backyard BBQ
The answer is a definitive no. Kingsford Charcoal is no longer owned by Ford Motor Company; it has undergone several ownership changes since its humble beginnings as a byproduct solution within the Ford automotive empire.
From Byproduct to BBQ Staple: The Kingsford Story
The story of Kingsford Charcoal is a fascinating example of innovation born from necessity. Henry Ford, in his quest to mass-produce automobiles, needed wood to build the Model T. This demand led him to purchase vast swaths of forest land and establish sawmills. These mills generated significant amounts of wood scraps and sawdust, posing a disposal problem. Instead of simply discarding this byproduct, Ford, ever the resourceful entrepreneur, sought a solution. That solution was charcoal briquettes.
Ford tapped chemist Orin Stafford to devise a method for converting the wood waste into a usable product. The resulting charcoal briquettes were initially used as a fuel source for the Ford plant. However, Ford quickly realized their potential as a consumer product, particularly for grilling and barbecuing, a burgeoning trend at the time. The company was named Kingsford Chemical Company after Ford’s real estate agent, E.G. Kingsford, who secured the land for the wood distillation plant in Iron Mountain, Michigan.
The Evolution of Ownership: A Timeline
The ownership of Kingsford has changed hands several times since its inception under Ford. Here’s a simplified timeline:
- Early 1920s: Ford Motor Company establishes Kingsford Chemical Company.
- 1951: Ford sells Kingsford to a group of investors.
- 1961: Kingsford is acquired by Standard Oil of New Jersey (later Exxon).
- 1973: Clorox acquires Kingsford from Exxon.
- 2021: Clorox announces a strategic review of its Charcoal business.
- 2021: KIK Consumer Products acquires the Charcoal business from Clorox.
This journey highlights that Kingsford Charcoal‘s connection to Ford is firmly rooted in its origin, but its current status is far removed from its automotive ancestor.
What Makes Kingsford Charcoal So Popular?
Despite the ownership changes, Kingsford Charcoal has maintained its popularity due to several factors:
- Consistent Performance: Kingsford provides a reliably hot and long-lasting burn, making it a favorite among grillers.
- Widespread Availability: Its broad distribution network ensures that it’s readily available at most major retailers.
- Recognizable Brand: Decades of consistent marketing have solidified Kingsford as a household name in the BBQ world.
- Variety of Products: Kingsford offers a range of charcoal products, including original briquettes, match light charcoal, and flavored options, catering to diverse grilling preferences.
Alternatives to Kingsford: Exploring Your Options
While Kingsford remains a popular choice, numerous alternatives exist in the charcoal market:
- Lump Charcoal: Made from whole pieces of wood, lump charcoal burns hotter and cleaner than briquettes, but it can be more expensive and less predictable.
- Briquettes: Besides Kingsford, other brands offer briquettes made from various materials, including coconut shells and sawdust.
- Pellet Grills: Using wood pellets for fuel, these grills offer precise temperature control and consistent smoke flavor.
- Gas Grills: A convenient and quick option, gas grills offer instant heat and easy temperature adjustments.
| Feature | Kingsford Briquettes | Lump Charcoal |
|---|---|---|
| —————– | ———————– | ——————– |
| Material | Wood scraps, additives | Whole pieces of wood |
| Burn Time | Long, consistent | Shorter, hotter |
| Price | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Availability | Widely available | Varies by location |
| Ease of Use | Very easy | Easy |
Common Mistakes When Using Charcoal
Even with a reliable product like Kingsford, grilling mistakes can happen. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
- Not using enough charcoal: Insufficient charcoal leads to inconsistent temperatures and longer cooking times.
- Using lighter fluid excessively: Overuse of lighter fluid can impart an unpleasant taste to the food. Use a chimney starter instead.
- Grilling over direct heat for too long: Can cause burning on the outside while leaving the inside raw. Use indirect heat for slower cooking.
- Not allowing the charcoal to fully light: Before grilling, ensure the charcoal is covered in a gray ash coating to avoid flare-ups and off flavors.
Is Kingsford Charcoal still owned by Ford? It’s all about evolution!
Remember, ownership of Kingsford Charcoal has changed hands several times, so Is Kingsford Charcoal still owned by Ford? No, it is not. The current owner is KIK Consumer Products.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Grill
Achieving grilling perfection requires practice, patience, and the right techniques. Here are a few tips to help you up your BBQ game:
- Use a chimney starter: This ensures even lighting and eliminates the need for lighter fluid.
- Control the airflow: Adjust the vents on your grill to regulate the temperature.
- Preheat the grill: Allow the grill to preheat to the desired temperature before placing food on the grates.
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure that your food reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Let the food rest: Allow cooked meat to rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who currently owns Kingsford Charcoal?
Kingsford Charcoal is currently owned by KIK Consumer Products. They acquired the brand from Clorox in 2021. This represents the latest chapter in the brand’s storied history.
When did Ford sell Kingsford Charcoal?
Ford sold Kingsford Charcoal in 1951 to a group of investors. This marked the beginning of Kingsford’s journey away from the automotive industry.
Why did Ford start making charcoal in the first place?
Ford created Kingsford to utilize wood scraps and sawdust generated from his Model T production facilities. It was a resourceful solution to a waste management problem.
Is Kingsford Charcoal environmentally friendly?
Kingsford offers some environmentally friendly options, such as charcoal made from sustainable wood sources. However, traditional charcoal production can have environmental impacts, so it’s important to research specific products.
What are the ingredients in Kingsford Charcoal?
The primary ingredients in Kingsford Charcoal are wood char, coal, and additives to aid in binding and ignition. The specific composition can vary between product lines.
How does Kingsford Charcoal compare to lump charcoal?
Kingsford Charcoal offers consistent burn times and ease of use, while lump charcoal tends to burn hotter and cleaner. The best choice depends on your grilling preferences.
Can I use Kingsford Charcoal in a smoker?
Yes, Kingsford Charcoal can be used in a smoker, although some prefer lump charcoal for its cleaner burn. Experiment to find what works best for your smoking style.
What is the best way to light Kingsford Charcoal?
The best way to light Kingsford Charcoal is with a chimney starter. This method avoids the use of lighter fluid, resulting in a cleaner taste.
How long does Kingsford Charcoal last?
The burn time of Kingsford Charcoal varies depending on conditions, but typically lasts for several hours. Proper ventilation and charcoal quantity are factors.
Does Kingsford Charcoal have any flavor?
While original Kingsford Charcoal doesn’t impart a strong flavor, they offer flavored briquettes, like mesquite or hickory, for added smoke flavor.
Is Kingsford Charcoal safe to use?
Kingsford Charcoal is generally safe to use when used properly. Always grill in a well-ventilated area and avoid overusing lighter fluid.
How can I dispose of used Kingsford Charcoal?
Allow the charcoal to cool completely before disposing of it in a metal container. Never dispose of hot charcoal in a plastic container or near flammable materials.