Camp Chef Smoke Vault 18"

[spwalker75]

I've just started using my Smoke Vault 18" and had a mediocre pork butt and a very nice whole chicken. My question now is can I use wood chunks instead of wood chips in my smoker and will that give me longer lasting smoke? I plan on smoking a turkey for Thanksgiving. Any advice on the best type of wood to use for turkey? Thanks.

 

[SmokinAl]

Yes, absolutely you can use chunks.

I usually start out with a combo of chunks & chips to get it going.

Then I only add chunks every 45 minutes to an hour.

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• SmokinAl
• Nov 14, 2016

Hope this helps!

Al

 

[chilerelleno]

Heck yeah ya can use chunks, big as you can fit in the pan.
I just acquired a CCSV24 and love it, I'm using the Western brand of wood chunks.
Not as chunky as I'd prefer, lots of small pieces and chips with a few nice chunks.
But it's relatively inexpensive/convenient and they've a good variety.
http://www.woodinc.com/wood-chunks.html

 

[SmokinAl]

It's real easy to make your own chunks out of wood splits.

Much cheaper than buying them.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/242787/cheap-wood-chunks-free-sawdust

Al

 

[spwalker75]

Great. Thanks! One more question, should I soak the chip/chunks before smoking?

 

[SmokinAl]

 
Great. Thanks! One more question, should I soak the chip/chunks before smoking?

NO !!!

Do not soak the wood, it won't smoke properly.

Al

 

[chilerelleno]

I used to soak chips thinking they"d last longer, nope.
They'd just smolder and then , poof, smoke up just as quick.
Waste of time/effort.

 

[redrocker65200]

I have the same smoker. I use chunks, and depending on size and temp I usually have to add more every hour or so. But I am by no means an expert.

 

[r2 builders]

I use chunks as well (even though the smoker manual says not to) I place the chunks in cast iron skillet on a small rack over the burner (I ditched the OEM chip pan) When smoking a turkey I will start out with a few chunks and let those burn down till I get TBS the add every hour as needed.