RF Smoker Build

jsents · Newbie Joined: 10 Apr 2013 Posts: 25

Thanks GF, you would be surprised how many pieces of paper I lost. Losing the firebox was bit harder, although I am sure I could misplace the firebox if I try.

k.a.m. Yes the tank warp is gone Very Happy

, for the most part. In the process of beating with the sledge, we kind of hit the lip of the door opening and that bent down real nice. Sad

Wreckles, thanks, I am not sure that level needs stretching, it has a fancy digital read out. Anything digital has to be right no matter how short it is.

jsents · Newbie Joined: 10 Apr 2013 Posts: 25

Pulled the smoker home on friday, washed the inside of the tank with the power washer and Dish soap. Then I did a test burn with Junk wood. Everything went as planned, so we invited the helpers over Saturday night for the first food off the smoker. Here are some pics

3 pics of the initial burn on the patio

Our poor garden under water from the door pour Friday Night

The First meal cooked on the smoker

missionsusmc · Posted: May 27 2013 Post subject:

Those ribs and chicken quarters look great! Wish i couldve beenthere. Sorry about your garden. Last year we lost almost everything. Too dry. Had lots of deer corn though.
_________________
"Never trust a skinny cook."
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"Happiness is...a belt-fed weapon."

Mary had a little lamb, a little brisket, a little ribs, and boy she was full!!!

jsents · Newbie Joined: 10 Apr 2013 Posts: 25

The first two Smoking's went well but not Great.

The Saturday cook (Meat for 15 people) had a slight Bitter/Creosote flavor. I am pretty sure this happened when I had too much wood in the firebox and had to shutdown the air intakes for about 1 hour.

The Monday cook (Meat for 45 people), I did not make the mistake of too much fuel. I did have the problem of too low of temps. At least that is my guess. Ribs had a good ring and flavor but not fall off the bone good and I even went 1 hour longer than Saturday. I would have kept smoking longer, but the family was getting restless. After reading about wood and small hot fire on the forum, I am thinking my problem was 3 fold.
1. Too big of wood splits.
2. My temporary fire place grate is not holding the coal bed
3. Need to do a better job pre-heating the wood.

The questions....
1. I am getting ready to build the firebox basket. My firebox is 23"x23"x23" with air intakes about 1"off floor of firebox. How big should I make the firebox basket?

2. I purchased some seasoned cherry and white oak wood. The wood has not been split but has been seasoned outside for about 1 year. The logs are between 12" and 22" long. Based on the size of my smoker and firebox, how small should I make the splits to go in the smoker?

k.a.m. · Posted: May 29 2013 Post subject:

Josh, I am glad the cooker is working for you the pics say it all. Nicely done my man. Very Happy

I would make the sides 6" tall and whatever size your door opening is 1" smaller than that square. I prefer my splits about 4" diameter.
Remember a small hot fire is all that is needed, try to cook with the coals and small flames but not smoldering. Getting to kow the cooker is half the battle once you learn the sweet spots managing her is easy. Give yourself aenough start time to let the cooker come up to temp without forcing it.
Your questions tell me that you know the problems and are working to fix them.
I hope this helps. Very Happy

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Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

Maniac · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 02 Oct 2010 Posts: 2433 Location: Pa

Nice job on your pit Exclamation

As kam said keep your fire small and hot...with a good coal base and plenty of time bringing her up to temp and you will see a world of difference.

Good luck on your basket...I put a u shaped temp add on on my grate to funnel the coals to the center and it worked pretty good.
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RF Smoker
20" disc
uds

jsents · Newbie Joined: 10 Apr 2013 Posts: 25

Thanks missionsusmc, I have to say, I have not grilled or smoked chicken as well as those turned out- Ribs looked great but could have been better. Water left the garden in 24 hours so hopefully the beans will still grow.

k.a.m.
Thanks for the compliments, a lot of the ideas came from you or the this site. I was just the foreman. I will try giving it more time to come up to temp and get a good coal bed going next time. How long of a log would you use? I have 12"-22" logs that have not been split. Would you cut those in down to 6" lengths with the chain saw and then split?

Maniac
I was looking for a pic of your