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Prime 6 Charcoal on ‘Shark Tank’: What is the cost, who are the founders and is it better than normal charcoal?

Prime 6 is made from hardwood waste sawdust, compressed and slow-carbonized into dense charcoal. That’s it. No binders. No additives.

Could anything be better than an evening with friends over a blazing charcoal fire to grill steaks? Prime 6 charcoal claims it doesn’t contain binders or additives so no chemicals get into the food. The summary for their pitch reads, “A husband and wife from New York City share their product designed to make grilling an eco-friendly experience.”

Is Prime 6 the charcoal your ingredients deserve? The official website reads: It’s made from hardwood sawdust, that’s compressed before it’s carbonized, so the oil in the wood is the only binder. Its unique hexagon shape is designed to provide high, consistent heat, so you get maximum control to develop the precise flavors you want.

What is Prime 6 Charcoal?

“Prime 6 is made from hardwood waste sawdust, compressed and slow-carbonized into dense charcoal. That’s it. No binders. No additives. No chemicals to smoke up your food. Our unique hexagonal design lets air circulate better for more even cooking,” the official website reads, adding, “And because it’s denser than other charcoal, Prime 6 burns longer, more evenly, and hotter, leaving almost no ash – and minimal cleanup. So you can get the best out of your grill, the purest flavor from your food – and make some memories to last a lifetime.”

It is 100% Sustainable as it is made from recycled hardwood waste sawdust. Prime 6 is denser than other charcoal, so it burns longer (over four hours) and the website claims 1lb of Prime 6 = 3lb lump charcoal.

“Prime 6 was created with the practical needs of busy kitchens in mind. Its high density (< 90%), ensures greater efficiency: 1lb of Prime 6 = 3lb of lump. With a 6-8 hour burn time, there's no need to replenish during service. Prime 6's clean burn reduces hood/vent cleaning and maintenance costs by around 75%. And - seems like a little thing, but it matters - it comes in stackable boxes so it's easier to store.”

Who are the founders? 

Husband and wife duo Riki and Oron Franco dub themselves “passionate grillers, crazy in love, parents to Adam and Mia and the co-founders of Prime 6.” As per All Shark Tank Products, Riki Franco earned a BA in Finance at IDC Hetzliya in Israel, and a Masters in Business and International Management from Columbia Southern University in 2012. She worked as a financial officer in Mexico and then the New York City area. Meanwhile, Oron Franco has a Diploma in Culinary Arts from the International Culinary Center in New York City, worked for seven years as Director of Operations for the Private Chef NYC, and is currently the Director of Culinary Operations for the Westville Restaurant Group.

Narrating their story, the website reads: “We created the company because we love to grill! We love inviting people over to eat, trying out new recipes – from flatbreads and fajitas to kebabs and cookies! We’re never happier than when the kids are playing on a blanket outside, there’s music on the speakers, and we’re sizzling something delicious for dinner.”

“We put a lot of care and thought into our grilling – and into our charcoal too: That’s why we created Prime 6,” they confess, adding, “It's always been our dream to build a business that would align with our ideals about sustainability and the environment, nourish our passion for cooking, and make our kids proud!”

What is the cost? 

Priced at $49.99 for 22lb, $44.99 for duo 18lb and $24.99 for 9lb, it is the ideal up-grade for everyday grilling. If you are doubtful about whether the product is worth it, the reviews on the website will change your mind. 

Chef Todd Lean of Morimoto, Philadelphia said, “Using Prime 6 in especially in Japanese cooking elevates the finished product and enhances the overall flavor. Whether it’s our vegetables, chicken or wagyu.” Chef Jorge Gutierrez of Lona Cocina & Tequileria said, “The engineering is brilliant! It was burning hot for 5 hours straight at The Wine & Food Festival and kept going after the event was over, I am very impressed with it.” And Chef Patrick Scheaffer also put his stamp on the charcoal, saying, “Prime 6 reduces the amount of hardwood I burn during cooks and saves on precious storage space. It is my preferred source of heat for all of my cooking.”

Who will steal the deal?

It's difficult to predict which Shark out of Mark Cuban, Kevin O'Leary, Lori Greiner, Daymond John and recurring Shark Blake Mycoskie will nab the deal but our bet is on Mr Wonderful. What do you think? 

Blake is back for a second round and it's quite possible that he could be interested in the product too. Teasing his appearance on the show, he wrote, “I'm back for round two in the Tank! Tune-in tonight at 8 PM ET / 7C to @ABCSharkTank.”

‘Shark Tank’ Season 12 Episode 6 will premiere on November 20, 2020, from 8 pm ET to 9 pm ET on ABC.