A briquette is a compressed block of coal dust or other combustible material (e.g. charcoal, sawdust, wood chips, peat or pulp) used for fuel and kindling to start a fire for grilling. There are also lava rock and ceramic briquettes. These materials serve a dual purpose by protecting the burner from drippings which can accelerate the deterioration of the burner or cause flare-ups, and dispersing the heat from the burner more evenly.