Getting Started Question

[james275]

I almost have my pit finished and will be firing it up soon.
The pit is 20"D X 66" long offset with a 18" X 18" firebox. I plan on
lighting the first fire this weekend. Can someone tell me how
much lump charcoal or hard wood I should have to get this thing
up to temp and maintain for a few hours to season the pit? I don't
want to have this thing started and burn out in an hour.
Thanks in advance
James

[mds2]

This is a tough question, especially since this is a new pit that has never been used. There isnt going to be a magic number of pounds of charcoal to use. Put enough in to get it hot, and then keep and eye on it, adjust the temp with the air inlet, and after a while when you start to lose some temp throw in some more charcoal.
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The Saucy Lads BBQ Team

[SoEzzy]

A 10 lb bag should get you started, but a 20 lb bag will get you started and then some! As mds2 said, hard to tell till you've used it a while where the numbers may lie.
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Here's a change Robert.

I still work here!

[zilla]

I would start by washing the interior of the pit with Dawn dish detergent. It's great at removing grease. Let it air dry and coat the inside with vegetable oil or lard. Then light a chimney of charcoal an pour it in the firebox when lit. Add one or two small split logs and allow the pit to come to temp slowly. Add charcoal to keep the coal bed going and then another log. After 4-5 hours at 250 your all done. Have fun!
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Zilla

GIANT BBQ

[mds2]

Is it necesary to use wood when seasoning a pit? Or is charcoal alone ok? Does it make a difference?
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The Saucy Lads BBQ Team

[elk]

I've always looked at seasonoing a pit much the same as seasoning a dutch oven or iron skillet, some type of oil and steady heat.