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Charcoal basket

Discussion in 'Charcoal Smokers' started by scott edwards, Oct 26, 2013.

  1. Oct 26, 2013 #1
    scott edwards

    scott edwards Fire Starter

    Emporia, KS
    Do you think the baskets used for " gym lockers" in schools, and at swimming pools, would work as a charcoal basket in a New Braunfels offset firebox smoker?  I can probably get one of those, for free, so I am curious as to what anyone thinks.
     
  3. Oct 26, 2013 #2
    themule69

    themule69 Smoking Guru

    live north of fort smith arkansas between alma and
    [​IMG]  But if you can get it for free. I'd give it a try. Do you have any pics of the basket?

    Happy smoken.

    David
     
  4. Oct 26, 2013 #3
    mdboatbum

    mdboatbum Master of the Pit OTBS Member

    Washington, DC
    If it's galvanized, just do a very hot burn before cooking and it should be fine.
     
  5. Oct 26, 2013 #4
    scott edwards

    scott edwards Fire Starter

    Emporia, KS

    It would look something like this.  I might be able to get one that is mostly metal, with small holes, as well.  My girlfriend works at an elementary school, and they have an excess of these things.
     
  6. Oct 26, 2013 #5
    pgsmoker64

    pgsmoker64 Master of the Pit Group Lead OTBS Member

    Prince George, Va.
    Galvanized metal gives off a noxious and deadly gas when exposed to heat!  I would do more than do a hot burn, I would make sure that all the galvanization is completely removed before using as a charcoal basket!!!

    Don't take chances.

    Good luck,

    Bill
     
  7. Oct 26, 2013 #6
    scott edwards

    scott edwards Fire Starter

    Emporia, KS

    something like this
     
  8. Oct 26, 2013 #7
    bama bbq

    bama bbq Master of the Pit

    Rocket City (Huntsville) AL
    I wouldn't use galvanized at all. When I had an offset I built a charcoal basket form expanded metal. It was way too easy to do to risk issues from galvanized metal.

    Yoke up can make one to your specs for you. Yokeup dot net
     
    Last edited: Oct 26, 2013
  9. Oct 26, 2013 #8
    themule69

    themule69 Smoking Guru

    live north of fort smith arkansas between alma and
    I would hunt for something differant. It might be ok with some work.I just don't see it worth the work.

    Happy smoken.

    David
     
  11. Oct 27, 2013 #9
    scott edwards

    scott edwards Fire Starter

    Emporia, KS
    It's been awhile since I attended the grade school where these baskets are, but if I remember correctly, I don't think they were made of galvanized steel.  I really don't know, because that was 30 years ago.
     
  12. Oct 27, 2013 #10
    JckDanls 07

    JckDanls 07 Smoking Guru Group Lead OTBS Member

    Florida.
    the other thing is the holes are so big... once charcoal burns half way I'm thinking it will just fall through...
     
  13. Oct 29, 2013 #11
    scott edwards

    scott edwards Fire Starter

    Emporia, KS

    Here it is, and it's the prefect size for my firebox.  Now, I just have to remove the galvanized coating, but that shouldn't be too hard.
     
  14. Nov 3, 2013 #12
    scott edwards

    scott edwards Fire Starter

    Emporia, KS
    I got the zinc removed from the basket, and I used it, yesterday. It worked perfect. The holes aren't as big as they look in the picture, so no charcoal fell through.  It kept a perfect 250 temp through the whole smoke.  Who came up with the charcoal basket idea, anyone know?