Charcoal briquette are an ideal fuel because they produce a hot, long lasting, virtually smoke-free fire. Combined with other adhesives, the powder can be pressed a uniform sphere or block, often used for outdoor cooking. Charcoal is produced by burning carbon-rich materials such as wood in a low oxygen atmosphere. This process drives off the moisture and volatile gases present in the original fuel. The resulting charred material not only burns longer, is more stable, but is lighter than the entire wood (one-fifth to one-third of the original weight).