Color?

[joshs]

I see chicken on here that looks good. My chicken is always really dark almost black and sometimes black. What am I doing wrong? I have a MES and I leave the vent closed. Is this causing the problem?

 

[placebo]

Quote:

I see chicken on here that looks good. My chicken is always really dark almost black and sometimes black. What am I doing wrong? I have a MES and I leave the vent closed. Is this causing the problem?

Yes. Your vent should always be open, never closed while smoking meat.
 

 

[jirodriguez]

I would clean out the inside of your MES real good if you have been smoking with the vent closed. If there is any creasote build up it makes the food have a bitter nasty after taste.... and it can be a fire hazard. Once it is clean then proceed with smoking, but with the vents open.

 

[joshs]

Thanks guys I will clean again and smoke with the vent open from now on. I was just thinking with the vent closed there was more smoke and keep the heat hot enough to cook. 

 

[pineywoods]

Leaving the vent closed will often lead to the formation of creosote or stale smoke. The type of wood can also affect the color. You really don't need heavy smoke you want thin blue smoke or no smoke and just the smell of the wood. If you can smell it so can the meat

 

[meateater]

I agree with the above comments, here's another way to look at it. You walk into a smoky bar and your clothes smell like smoke when you get home, however you don't smoke yourself.

 It only takes a little.

 

[mballi3011]

I guess I can third the above mentioned comments. You really don't want any cresote to form in your smoker for it could ruin many dishes. Now go clean yoursmoker and then watch those vents and you will enjoy the fruits of your newly found labor. You will very soon be enjoying some of the best Q that you can image putting in your mouth.

 

[chefrc]

The buildup of creasote has been know to cause a flash fire. With the vents closed after a while the smoker will start to make a huffing sound. And as soon as someone opens the door the creasote will ignite and could cause injury and property damage. I seen this happen in Texas. You don't want to serve bitter meat with no hair on your body. Clean her up and leave the vents open all the time during smoking.