- Define the appliance and service pattern.
- Specify usable lump size and fines.
- Run and record a controlled kitchen trial.
- Include packaging and arrival condition in acceptance criteria.
Define the equipment and service
Tell the supplier whether the charcoal is intended for a charcoal oven, parrilla, open grill, rotisserie or another appliance. Include the typical fuel charge, service duration, temperature objective and refuelling practice. A grade suited to one setup may be inefficient in another.
Specify the usable grade
Large pieces can support a durable fuel bed, while excessive fines may restrict airflow or disappear quickly during lighting. The buyer should define a size range, the allowed proportion outside that range and the point at which it is measured. Transport and bag handling can change the distribution between packing and delivery.
Run a recorded kitchen trial
- Weigh the unopened bag and record visible damage.
- Separate the sample by the agreed size bands and weigh fines.
- Use the same appliance, charge weight, ignition method and airflow for every comparison.
- Record time to a usable cooking bed, refuelling and controllability.
- After cooling, record ash and any operational observations.
Record smoke and sparks separately during lighting and steady cooking. Moisture, airflow and partially carbonized pieces can affect the result. Any acceptance criterion should use a repeatable test method rather than an undefined promise of “no smoke” or “no sparks.”
Include packaging in the evaluation
A strong food-service bag protects the grade, stacks safely and can be handled in a busy kitchen. Confirm nominal weight, material, closure, carrying method, storage instructions and whether the distributor needs its own brand. Do not finalize artwork until the product and pack construction are approved.
Move from sample to ongoing control
A successful sample is not the end of quality control. Agree how production lots will be identified, how samples will be taken and what happens when a delivery falls outside the written tolerance. Photographs can help document damage, but they do not replace weights and measurements.
BRICAPAR buyer note: A large piece shown in a photograph does not define the bag. For restaurant supply, the useful measure is the distribution of pieces and fines across a representative sample after normal handling.