I have used the original briquets as well as the new briquets. To start a fire the newer version gets the fire started sooner, but they fizzle too quickly. They are good for a small amount of cooking, but if you want longevity, light them up, soak the coals and get to grilling the old school way. If stacked and soaked properly and of course ( I never put meat on the fire until I see some white in the coals) I have had fires burn 6 or more hours without a restart and this is of course cooking chicken, (which takes the longest to cook) along with burgers and many other food items. Kingsford is the only way to go........ Kingsford charcoal briquets signify the official kickoff of the summer.