using wood chunks so they don't catch flame

NikoBrew · Joined: 30 Jun 2010 Posts: 22

I've used my smoker a few times (chargriller propane bbq with a SFB attachment, no mods..yet!) and always have the same issues with keeping the wood chunks on the coals without them going ablaze. I know folks say don't soak your wood (lol), but then when people put wood directly onto coals doesn't it just catch fire? I also know people put wood on foil, in coffee cans with holes, and various concoctions to keep the wood from directly touching the coals.. at the same time with the minion method and other setups I've seen and heard about, the wood chunks are buried in the coals. Wouldn't this just make the wood catch fire and burn until it's gone?

I also just found out I have a local winery/orchard that sells wood! $140 a cord, I need much less than that and they'll scale down the price accordingly. Once I burn through the charcoal I just bought at costco (two big bags) I'm thinking of using the wood as the fuel source and for smoking.

BigPhil32 · Posted: Jul 03 2010 Post subject:

When I add my splits to my coals, I always have them on top of my firebox so they will get hot before I throw them on to the coals. This has always helped me out, and I learned this from the good people on where when I first started smoking. Now I always have some splits on top of the firebox and when they are ready to join my coals, they don't flame up very much at all.

Also, I have never soaked my wood (LOL) as the majoriy of the things I have read on here say not to do it as the point of seasing wood is to get it as dry as possilbe (about 22% water, or around there). So, why would you wan to soak your wood when you should be trying to dry it out...I hope this helps and I know people with more knowledge that me will help you out...that is what I LOVE about this site - it's awesome members!!!
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NikoBrew · Joined: 30 Jun 2010 Posts: 22

Jarhead · Posted: Jul 03 2010 Post subject:

If you are doing the minion method and mix your chunks in with the lump, you will notice excess smoke when they catch and a jump in temp. Don't worry about it, that's just the way it is and it will settle back down.
If you are running splits alone, get a good base of lump going while preheating your splits. Throw 1 or 2 on every 45 minutes or as required to maintain temps.
Control your temps from the git go, when it settles in at what you want, put the meat on. Some cookers will run up to an hour before they settle in.
Put your splits on top of the fire box, not in it, to preheat it. Ignition occurs at a certain temp, and the closer you are to that temp, the faster it will ignite.
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BigPhil32 · Posted: Jul 03 2010 Post subject:

NikoBrew · Joined: 30 Jun 2010 Posts: 22

broncosmoker · BBQ Pro Joined: 04 Aug 2007 Posts: 717

Niko,
I would stay with the charcoal and just add wood to it as needed for flavor, it is a little easier to control in that smaller firebox.

Also watch Craigslist or take a trip out to sunnyslope or Emmett and you can get lots of wood and branches for free.

I picked up a cord of apple earlier this year for free out there that I am seasoning. Apple, peach, pear, apricot are plentiful. In the fall and early spring you can pick up some grape. In Emmett there is lots of cherry.

NikoBrew · Joined: 30 Jun 2010 Posts: 22

BigPhil32 · Posted: Jul 03 2010 Post subject:

That is correct...do not presoak and put your splits/chunks on top (outside) of your firebox and this will keep your flareups down to a minimum and it will also produce less of the white billowy smoke that you are trying to avoid...

Here is a smoker I used a couple of weeks ago to smoke some little wild hogs....you can see my splits on top of the firebox...hope this helps!

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Check out my blog on BBQ joints: http://lordofthesmokerings.wordpress.com/
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NikoBrew · Joined: 30 Jun 2010 Posts: 22

cool! Thanks man. I will try that when I smoke some drumsticks this weekend.

feldon30

NikoBrew · Joined: 30 Jun 2010 Posts: 22

Timbo57 · Posted: Jul 13 2010 Post subject:

The way I understand it is that the wood will smolder when it is "cold" and cause the unwanted white smoke. If it is heated before igniting, the smoldering process is reduced and vey little white smoke is created. Thus, placing splits on the fire box heats up the wood and reduces the white smoke issue. With Minion, the chunks start to heat up prior to igniting also, and again reduces the dreaded white smoke. I'm no expert, but I have read about this on several different forums....

Tim
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NikoBrew · Joined: 30 Jun 2010 Posts: 22