Thick. . . blue smoke

bigwalk

Fire Starter

Original poster

Jan 2, 2011

35

10

• Apr 29, 2011

• #1

Hey all,

  I currently have four butts on the smoker for my son's 2nd birthday party on sunday. I am a nervous wreck about messing it up. Here is my question. I have one chunk of hickory about half the size of my fist in the pan and it really seems to be chugging out the smoke. It isnt white, but the nice blue that you look for. But it does seem fairly thick. Am I in danger of messing up the meat or just being paranoid? I dont think i can do any less wood so I am open for some direction. Thanks!

 

reardenreturns

Smoke Blower

SMF Premier Member

Mar 1, 2011

120

10

Houston, Republic of Texas

• Apr 29, 2011

• #2

I think you'll be good. You could always pull the chunk if it goes for a really long time, but a fist sized chunk shouldn't last that long..

 

rbranstner

Smoking Guru

OTBS Member

Oct 18, 2007

5,698

39

West Fargo, ND / Northern MN

• Apr 29, 2011

• #3

As long as it is blue you shouldn't betting creosote from my experience. Creosote will give you that bad bitter taste. If it is a heavy smoke then it could get more of a smokey flavor than you want but that's a personal preference. Any way you can take a picture of the smoke and post it? You should be fine.

 

shooter1

Smoking Fanatic

Oct 30, 2009

438

20

Lutz, Florida

• Apr 29, 2011

• #4

You should  be fine, 1 chunk is really not that much for 4 butts. I normally use about three slightly smaller chunks in my WSM. Butts are real forgiving so don't let it freak you out, just take it slow and enjoy the process. When you see everyone chowing down on your "Q" your going to get a big smile on your face.

 

rbranstner

Smoking Guru

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Oct 18, 2007

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West Fargo, ND / Northern MN

• Apr 29, 2011

• #5

Shooter1 said:

You should  be fine, 1 chunk is really not that much for 4 butts. I normally use about three slightly smaller chunks in my WSM. Butts are real forgiving so don't let it freak you out, just take it slow and enjoy the process. When you see everyone chowing down on your "Q" your going to get a big smile on your face.

Click to expand...

Yea I agree. If you only use the one chunk of wood you will probably end up saying "I wish it had a bit more smoke". I guess it all depends on how big the piece is and how long it burns at that heavier rate. If its only for an hour or two you will probably want to add another one after the first one is gone.

 

bigwalk

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Original poster

Thread starter

Jan 2, 2011

35

10

• Apr 29, 2011

• #6

Thanks for the input. See if you can explain this too me. I am now six hours into the smoke. My smoke now is almost non-existent. It does not matter how much I throw in there now, it still makes almost no smoke. Nothing has changed. What is going on?

 

SmokinAl

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Jun 22, 2009

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Central Florida (Sebring)

• Apr 29, 2011

• #7

What kind of smoker do you have? What temp are you smoking at? I think we can help you with a little more info.

 

bigwalk

Fire Starter

Original poster

Thread starter

Jan 2, 2011

35

10

• Apr 29, 2011

• #8

Brinkman Vertical propane smoker. I am smoking at 240-250.

 

SmokinAl

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• Apr 29, 2011

• #9

Well I'm stumped. I don't have a gas smoker so I really don't understand what's going on. If your chip tray is clean ( no ash build-up ) except for the one chunk you put in there & the burner is working well enough to keep the temp up then it has to be the wood your using. Is it dry? Do you have some wood chips you can throw in there to see if smaller pieces will start to smoke. Hopefully one of the guys with a gas smoker will be along soon. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

 

hardslicer

Smoking Fanatic

Feb 7, 2011

303

11

Indiana

• Apr 30, 2011

• #10

sounds like your son is in for a treat........