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Choosing between Coal, Coke, and Gas forges is one of the most important decisions for a blacksmith.
Each has distinct pros, cons, and ideal uses.
COAL FORGE
What it is:
Coal is a natural fossil fuel made mostly of carbon. Blacksmithing coal (bituminous) burns hot and creates a "coke heart" when properly managed.
Pros:
- Very high heat potential (up to ~3,000°F / 1,650°C)
- Excellent temperature control via air blast
- Traditional aesthetic and workflow - many smiths love the smell, feel, and look
- Can forge weld easily when managed correctly
Cons:
- Smoke and sulfur - dirty, smelly, and needs good ventilation
- More maintenance - constant fire tending and clinker removal
- Not allowed in some urban or indoor areas
- Good bituminous Coal can be hard to find in some regions and expensive to have shipped.
Best for Traditional blacksmiths, farriers, and those who enjoy old-school fire management or do forge welding often.
COKE FORGE
What it is:
Coke is coal that's been heated to drive off impurities, leaving almost pure carbon.
Pros:
- Burns cleaner than coal (less smoke and impurities)
- Hot, steady fire once it's going
- Less clinker and ash
- More consistent fuel quality
Cons:
- Harder to light - needs a strong fire or starter fuel
- Still needs good airflow and maintenance
- More expensive and less available in some regions
- Burns Hotter - Need to pay attention to your work to make sure it doesn't overheat or disintegrate
Best for Industrial or professional setups where a clean, hot solid-fuel fire is needed without the smoke of coal.
GAS FORGES (Propane or Natural Gas)
What it is:
Uses propane (most common) or natural gas burners to heat a refractory-lined chamber.
Pros:
- Very clean - no smoke, no soot, or clinkers
- Low maintenance
- Fast startup - ready in minutes
- Consistent heat - great for repeatability and batch work
- Portable and indoor-friendly (with proper ventilation)
- Propane is readily available in most regions
Cons:
- Less "localized" heat - you can't easily heat just one small spot
- Fuel cost can add up with frequent use
- Limited temperature control compared to solid fuels (but still plenty hot for most work)
- Forge welding can be trickier unless the forge is well-designed and insulated
- Noisy - Them more burners on the forge, the louder it is
Best for: Hobbyists, modern smiths, bladesmiths, and small shops where convenience, cleanliness, and efficiency matter more than tradition.
Summary Comparison Table
| Feature |
Coal |
Coke |
Gas |
| Heat Output |
High Heat |
Very High Heat |
Hot |
| Cleanliness |
Dirty |
Cl;eaner than Coal |
Very Clean |
| Ease of Use |
Moderate |
Harder |
Easy |
| Starup Time |
Slow |
Moderate |
Fast |
| Temperature Control |
Excellent |
Good |
Moderate |
| Noise Level |
Quiet |
Quiet |
Loud |
| Fuel Availability |
Centaur Forge LLC |
Centaur Forge LLC |
Local Hardware Store or Welding Supply |
| Best For |
Blacksmithing |
Competitions and Manufacturing |
Farrier and Beginner Blacksmith |
Centaur Forge is your “Go-To” place to view, compare and purchase your new forge.
Gas Forges:
Centaur Forge offers over 20 different styles of gas forges ranging from single, double and triple burner from 4 different reputable manufacturers.
Coal & Coke Forges:
Centaur Forge has the largest selection of Coal and Coke Forges in the USA.
Centaur Forge has the forge that will suit your blacksmithing needs, ranging from small portable forges, medium to full size shop forges with a wide variety of Blowers.
Centaur Forge Coal and Coke Forges are designed and built in Burlington, Wisconsin
You can also buy the critical components needed to build your own forge or get replacement parts for your existing forge. The Centaur Forge Firepots are designed to be able to replace many of the old Champion or Buffalo Forge Firepots.
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