Top Charcoal Drawing Sets Reviewed

by Steve Mason

Top Charcoal Drawing Sets Reviewed

There’s something timeless about charcoal — its ability to shift from deep, velvety blacks to soft, ghostly greys with just a change in pressure or smudge of the finger. Whether you’re sketching quick studies, exploring tonal values, or developing a detailed portrait, the quality and type of charcoal you use makes a real difference.

In this guide, I’ve reviewed three of the most popular and reliable charcoal drawing sets available today. Each offers a slightly different balance of quality, price, and versatility — from professional-grade materials to affordable starter kits.

If you’re new to charcoal, this is the perfect place to start. And if you already draw regularly, you may find a new favourite set among these recommendations.

Table of Contents

Faber‑Castell PITT Charcoal Set

Why it stands out: This kit offers a wide range of natural and compressed charcoal materials, including sticks and pencils in various grades, along with blending tools and an eraser—making it very versatile for expressive work. craftedblog.com

Best for: Intermediate artists or serious beginners who want one set to cover sketching, tonal work and more finished pieces.

Key strengths:

  • High-quality brand known for consistent results
  • Full variety: soft, medium, hard charcoals, plus accessories
  • Great for exploring different textures and contrast levels

Things to note:

  • Because of the variety of materials, it may feel overwhelming to absolute beginners
  • Charcoal is inherently messy—having quality tools helps, but expect dust and cleanup. Gathered
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Derwent Charcoal Set

Why it stands out: This set is a more compact yet solid kit that mixes charcoal pencils, sticks from both vine/willow types and compressed charcoal, giving a balanced toolkit at a lower price. USA Art News

Best for: Beginners or intermediate artists who want flexibility without too many items.

Key strengths:

  • Good “introductory to mid-level” quality
  • Includes different charcoal forms to learn about texture and mark-making
  • A manageable size that encourages experimentation without excess.

Things to note:

  • May lack some premium accessories (e.g., more blending tools or large sticks) found in more advanced kits
  • For very large works or heavy contrast pieces you may need to supplement with additional materials.

Zieler Artists Charcoal Drawing Set 24‑Piece Gift Tin Set

Why it stands out: This is a budget-friendly, well-rounded starter set packaged in a tin. Ideal for experimenting, gifting, or if you simply want a good all-in-one without a large investment.

Best for: Absolute beginners, students, or hobbyists exploring charcoal drawing.

Key strengths:

  • Affordable entry point
  • Contains a good range of tools (sticks, pencils, accessories) in one box
  • Tidy tin packaging makes it easy to store or transport

Things to note:

  • Lower cost may mean some components are less robust than premium brands
  • As you progress, you may want to invest in higher-quality sticks or papers to fully exploit charcoal’s capabilities.

Why this matters: Beginners are advised to try different charcoal types (vine, willow, compressed) to learn how each behaves. sivo.it.com

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Some Key Guidance for Choosing Sets

  • Ensure the set includes various charcoal types (vine/willow + compressed) so you can explore texture, tone, and mark-making.
  • Blending tools (paper stumps, cloth, erasers) matter—charcoal work is as much about lift and relief as it is about mark-making. theartshopskipton.co.uk
  • The surface you draw on (paper texture, weight) significantly affects how charcoal behaves—coarser papers hold charcoal and layering better.

My Recommendation

If I were to pick one set for most people: go with the Derwent Charcoal Set — it strikes the best balance between quality, variety, and cost. If you’re more serious and want premium tools, the Faber-Castell PITT set is excellent. And if you’re just starting or gifting someone, the Zieler set gives great value.

 

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