In this study time-resolved char conversion and alkali release under steam gasification conditions were investigated using a fixed bed reactor. The behaviour of an industrial char and chars produced from straw and furniture waste was investigated. For woody chars, an increase in gasification reactivity is observed together with a notable alkali release as the gasification approaches completion (degree of conversion > 0.8). In contrast, straw char exhibited a decrease in conversion rate and alkali release throughout the gasification process, attributed to the formation of catalytically inactive potassium silicates inhibiting the catalytic role of alkali. Aerosol particles in the 0.01–22 µm size range are emitted during the char conversion. A fraction is formed by nucleation of alkali compounds and other condensable gases. A wide particle distribution that extends over the whole size range is also observed, and the particles are likely to consist of solid char fragments. The study concludes on the importance of alkali release, illustrating the difference in alkali release pattern for high and low ash char.