I call it the 20/20 Charcoal basket...

mrmarblz · Mar 28, 2017

gr0uch0 said:
Make sure that it's blocked up and off the bottom of the FB: air needs to get under it for proper circulation and draft. Often, ash buildup on the bottom is the culprit, and may need clearing from time to time. 3" nuts/bolts/washers on each corner can cure that issue pretty quickly.

I had it sitting on top the stainless steel grating that the grill came with giving probably 4 inches of space between the bottom of the firebox and the basket. I am certain this was not the issue, unfortunately.

gr0uch0 · Mar 28, 2017

short smoke said:
That is the problem I have been having with long smokes. Ash building up in the bottom of the basket and not falling through.

Rattle the box around to knock the ash through the grates and make sure there's good clearance between the FB and the basket and no ash choking off the airflow.

mrmarblz · Mar 28, 2017

gr0uch0 said:
Rattle the box around to knock the ash through the grates and make sure there's good clearance between the FB and the basket and no ash choking off the airflow.

It had plenty of airflow. The temperature just never got much above 200 degrees using the basket. There wasn't enough ash in the first few hours for that to be the problem, in my opinion. I'm not upset just trying to be clear and rule out possibilities to figure out what's going on.

gr0uch0 · Mar 28, 2017

MrMarblz said:
It had plenty of airflow. The temperature just never got much above 200 degrees using the basket. There wasn't enough ash in the first few hours for that to be the problem, in my opinion. I'm not upset just trying to be clear and rule out possibilities to figure out what's going on.

In no particular order:

1. Enough charcoal?

2. Upper vent fully open?

3. FB vent fully open?

4. FB door open?

5. Opening between FB and CC not obstructed?

I know these sound rather basic and may or may not be the case. You did say that you were dealing with wind--could have been downdrafting and not getting good airflow. Was the opening of the FB pointed into the wind? That can make a big difference.

short smoke · Mar 28, 2017

MrMarblz said:
It had plenty of airflow. The temperature just never got much above 200 degrees using the basket. There wasn't enough ash in the first few hours for that to be the problem, in my opinion. I'm not upset just trying to be clear and rule out possibilities to figure out what's going on.

what kind of charcoal are you using? Maybe not enough lit coals?

mrmarblz · Mar 28, 2017

gr0uch0 said:
In no particular order:

1. Enough charcoal?

2. Upper vent fully open?

3. FB vent fully open?

4. FB door open?

5. Opening between FB and CC not obstructed?

I know these sound rather basic and may or may not be the case. You did say that you were dealing with wind--could have been downdrafting and not getting good airflow. Was the opening of the FB pointed into the wind? That can make a big difference.

I checked all those five points at the time. And the wind was going along the face of the opening, not into or away from it.

short smoke said:
what kind of charcoal are you using? Maybe not enough lit coals?

I was using Kingsford Briquettes, and I started with one fully hot/red full chimney and I believe I dumped that on top of another full chimney of unlit charcoal.

short smoke · Mar 28, 2017

MrMarblz said:
I checked all those five points at the time. And the wind was going along the face of the opening, not into or away from it.

I was using Kingsford Briquettes, and I started with one fully hot/red full chimney and I believe I dumped that on top of another full chimney of unlit charcoal.

lump charcoal tends to burn hotter than the brickets, you may want to try lump or a combination of both. That may help you get your temp up. Lump doesn't burn as long as the brickets but it does have less ash and seems to respond faster to adjusting of the FB vent. To my knowledge that is the best way to use the basket. Maybe try a chimney and a half or two of lit coals? Just a suggestion, maybe that will help you. Good luck

mrmarblz · Mar 28, 2017

short smoke said:
lump charcoal tends to burn hotter than the brickets, you may want to try lump or a combination of both. That may help you get your temp up. Lump doesn't burn as long as the brickets but it does have less ash and seems to respond faster to adjusting of the FB vent. To my knowledge that is the best way to use the basket. Maybe try a chimney and a half or two of lit coals? Just a suggestion, maybe that will help you. Good luck

Good idea, I'll give that a go. Thanks!

gr0uch0 · Mar 28, 2017

Also, Marblz, if you have another windy day, make sure the FB is nosed into the wind--you're sure to avoid any bad/back draft issues that way. Good luck.

mrmarblz · Mar 29, 2017

gr0uch0 said:
Also, Marblz, if you have another windy day, make sure the FB is nosed into the wind--you're sure to avoid any bad/back draft issues that way. Good luck.

Hmm, harder said than done for my setup. I have leveled out only a small area for the grill, but still a good point.

dontknowsquat · Apr 24, 2017

Thanks a bunch for this! I have been looking at the charcoal baskets but I am not going to pay $70+ for one and I have no welding experience, so it is good to know I can make something on my own. Appreciate it!

dirshman · Jun 18, 2017

This one has been out there a long time, but still useful. Have spent several days rehabbing and modifying my Chargriller Pro. This was the last step. Found the post, followed the directions to the letter, and 30 minutes later I have a basket for my side firebox. And saved $50-$60 over ordering one. Thank you!!!!

provels · Jun 20, 2017

I built one of these and used it for the first time yesterday in my NBBD. Results were GREAT! I used about half the charcoal I had before and the temperature was incredibly stable. Even with the small amount of charcoal shown in the pic, temp held at 250. I had some old 3/8" rebar laying around, so I criss-crossed two pieces about 21" long on the bottom through the loops at the corners and secured them in the middle with an old hose clamp which suspended the basket about 4" above the firebox bottom. I was quite surprised that nothing melted or even sagged. Loved how it just fell together and putting the cut ends through the loops was inspired. Great project, right up my alley. Thanks again.

*First Post!*

WP_20170619_17_42_06_Pro.jpg

provels
Jun 20, 2017

WP_20170619_17_42_11_Pro.jpg

provels
Jun 20, 2017

eldelay · Sep 9, 2017

I know I'm digging up an old post, but I planned to follow the tutorial. Could someone rehost the photos? Photo bucket killed them

provels · Sep 9, 2017

Here's most of it:

Get a 24"x24" expanded metal at Home Despot from their stock bar/strip/sheet metal section.

Cut into it to make a 12"x12" interior square bottom and fold up the sides and tabs, tucking the pointy parts through the horizontal loops (or you can screw it together).

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg74/cowgirls-photos_album/020-1.jpg

That's about it... Just pay attention to the direction of the loops/points before you cut into it.

Some pix on on page 3 of the post.

You may find a little more visual assistance here:

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1...harcoal+basket+site:www.smokingmeatforums.com

pmoney · Sep 10, 2017

Does anyone have the original tutorial from the first page? Photobucket ate the pictures.

eaglewing · Sep 17, 2017

Should be ALL updated with uploaded pics here!!!!!

Damn Photobucket... I got hundreds of useless pics on this forum now!!!!

THNX to the site for hosting them!!!!!!!!!!!!

I call it the 20/20 Charcoal basket...

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