First Post - First Smoker - Question?

[torchrider]

Howdy from the heart of Texas. I have been wanting a smoker for years, and finally pulled the trigger on a used one this weekend. It is a horizontal one with a firebox on the side. I am sure I will have hundreds of questions and know I will find all the answers by doing a search.

So, here is my first really dumb question. The firebox does not have a lid, but has a door on the side. Why do some have lids and some not? Did I make a mistake by buying one without a lid on the firebox?

OK, here are some photos. It is still in the back of my truck and is likely to stay there until I can figure out how I am gonna mount it. :-).

 

[acemakr]

I can't answer your question as I have zero experience with a stick burner. But, I can welcome a fellow Texan to the forum. Welcome from Denton. I'm sure you will really enjoy your time here.

 

[torchrider]

Thanks Acemakr, Georgetown here, just north of Austin.

 

[jaxgatorz]

Welcome to smf.. A picture would help us answer your question

 

[olewarthog]

Welcome to SMF. Fireboxes that have lids are made so you can use the firebox as a small grill for steaks, burgers, etc. A SFB without a lid would be more efficient (IMHO) since you would not lose any heat or smoke if the lid did not fit tight. A side loading SFB might be a bit awkward to work with charcoal if it doesn't have a slide out shelf. If you're burning mostly sticks however, then it would not be an issue.

 

[mama's smoke]

Only have a MES, myself, but a big Austin welcome to the SMF. All your questions will be answered here.

 

[timtimmay]

With a lid you lose heat, but gain convenience. Mine has a lid and it is very hand for tending to the fire. I can see heat escaping from it though.

 

[timtimmay]

Also, when you have a chance, stop by Roll Call and introduce yourself

 

[chef jeff tx]

Howdy neighbor, welcome to the SMF!!

 

[graybeard]

Yep, welcome to SMF. As mentioned a picture says a 1000 words.@ least! Can't say I've ever seen a SFB without a lid so I'll be waiting on your picture. Good luck with your smokes,

beard

 

[torchrider]

Photos added to original post.

 

[captsly]

Hey torchrider, and welcome to a fellow Texan!! I have sfb and it has a lid on top of the box as well as on the end. It is convienent for grilling directly over the fire but that is about it. As said previously you probably lose some heat thru it. Get that thing mounted and smokin!!

 

[big hat smoker]

The lid on a firebox is for cooking directly over a fire on a grate mounted in the firebox. Since there's no lid it is only for hosting your fire source for smoking, if you're grilling you build your fire in the main chamber. When you're ready for an upgrade go see Gene at Georgetown Fireplace and Patio, he is now carrying a complete line of my custom made Big Hat Smokers.