Can I use logs in my Bar-b-chef smoker

[timmyt509]

Just wondering if i can use logs in my bar-b-chef smoker or if i can only use chunks?

Thanks for helping.

 

[TulsaJeff]

Once you have your coals going in the firebox.. you should be able to lay a small log right on top to give you good smoke. I usually recommend about (6) 2x2 chunks or the equivelant. A 2" x 12" log of apple, cherry or even pecan would work well.

Make sure your stack is all the way open throughout the cooking process and that the fire is small enough so that you can leave your intake vent at least 1/4 open to allow good airflow into and out of the smoker.

 

[timmyt509]

ok will do and when the log starts to burn out is that when I stick another on or is one all I need?

 

[TulsaJeff]

I recommend keeping the smoke going for half of your estimated cook time so whatever it takes.. spare ribs, for example, are gonna go for around 6 hours or better so you would apply smoke for 3 hours. You should be able to find out pretty quick how long the smoke will last and how much smoke is added to the meat with using the logs.

If you want less smoke, use smaller logs and/or less time.

I tend to like a real nice robust smoke flavor personally.

 

[pineywoods]

If your talking about burning straight wood and not charcoal yes its possible but you will find that it will require more tending to then burning charcoal. You will have to add splits of wood quite often and I would suggest using small splits of wood so you don't add to much fuel at once and spike the temps. I have a smoker designed to burn wood and find I have to add wood splits every 30-40 minutes to keep my temps where I want them. 

 

[pineywoods]

I cut my own chunks out of splits of wood. I split my logs then use some for my wood smoker and cut some up into chucks with a bandsaw to use in my GOSM

 

[TulsaJeff]

And then you put the chunks in the food processor and make chips or chip juice.. Sorry Jerry, I couldn't resist

Great idea making your own chunks. I do that too with my chop saw but you have to be very careful of knots.

 

[timmyt509]

thanks for the advice you guys are funny

 

[timmyt509]

thanks again mmm maybe I will try the chip juice lol.

 

[pineywoods]

Don't tell my wife why I keep tearing up her food processors

Be very careful cutting those chunks with a chop saw sometimes they fly very far and fast  Hmm ask me how I know that

 

[timmyt509]

So what would you recommend for a wood smoker only? Is there plans for them. It sucks being in west nebraska because nobody around builds smokers and it costs an arm and a leg for shipping from anywhere.

 

[chefrob]

timmy, i have the same smoker and lump for a bed and use 6''x6'' chunks for smoke and when they are 1/2  spent i roll them onto the coal bed an add more usually 2 at a time with great results.

 

[timmyt509]

I'm glad you have the same smoker that helps. I did make a charcoal basket for mine. So what you are saying is that you use 6" X 6" by throwing that on lump charcoal and when it is half burned you flip it over and add more or are they leaning up and after they are half burned you lay them on the coals?

 

[leeman]

What about the bark ? I've heard never to burn bark in the smoker.

  -- Lee

 

[flash]

What about the bark ? I've heard never to burn bark in the smoker.

  -- Lee

 You do not want to use deeply furrowed bark, like some of the oaks, due to lichens, and molds that can be down deep in the wood, otherwise it should not be an issue.

 

[leeman]

What I've heard is the bark may be acidic and taint the meat ?

  -- Lee

 

[leeman]

Hmmm.. found some other threads and they imply hickory and mesquite do not seem to have that problem. Guess I'll give it a try. :-)

  -- Lee

 

[chefrob]

I'm glad you have the same smoker that helps. I did make a charcoal basket for mine. So what you are saying is that you use 6" X 6" by throwing that on lump charcoal and when it is half burned you flip it over and add more or are they leaning up and after they are half burned you lay them on the coals?

here is a pic of my basket........

the chunk on the left is about the size i use. this is not how i set up my burn for a smoke. i put a chiminey of lit lump and push it to the left by the vent that i keep 1/3 open. i put 2 chunks to the right and when they are 1/2 spent i roll them onto the coals and replace with more wood, this way i usually don't have to use more lump. i usually keep some space between my fire and the smoking wood. like piney said it is all about fire management.
 

 

[timmyt509]

hank you for your info I really appreciate it.

 

[chefrob]

no problem............