Eight typical Chinese brown coals were evaluated for their potential as coal water slurries (CWSs). The solid ratios and stability of brown coal water slurries were studied and compared with bituminous coal slurries. Results showed the amounts of oxygen functional groups in brown coals are much higher than that in bituminous. Thus, solid ratios at fixed viscosity for brown coal slurries are about 46-55% wt, much lower than those for the bituminous samples that are about 65% wt. Most slurries of brown coals exhibit good stability. Moreover, additives never universally improve slurry ability and stability simultaneously.