Grinding Wood Chips for better burn

[ohiobenz]

I've used the small woodchips in my gas Master Forge smoker for years.
There's always charcoal left over when done.
Research for solutions I found people suggesting to grind the chips in a food processor. Not sure my other half would approve of that.... but if it works I'll buy a dedicated food processor or blender bowl an knife set.
I don't care for the pellets and sawdust isn't readily available.
Anyone else doing this?

 

[BigW.]

Are you looking for a completely empty box afterwards? If there is a couple chunks left of charcoal you could use them in the next smoke??? I wouldn't be too concerned if I was getting the smoke flavor and tasty meat I was after.

 

[mike243]

I moved from chips to chunks and have been much happier even though there is charcoal some days.

 

[ohiobenz]

Are you looking for a completely empty box afterwards? If there is a couple chunks left of charcoal you could use them in the next smoke??? I wouldn't be too concerned if I was getting the smoke flavor and tasty meat I was after.

Not empty, but currently there's very little ash, mostly charcoal chips.

 

[ohiobenz]

I moved from chips to chunks and have been much happier even though there is charcoal some days.

I've never been able to keep the chunks smoldering.

 

[Winterrider]

I don't care for the pellets and sawdust isn't readily available.
Anyone else doing this?

Very very easy to make your own sawdust out of pellets. Handful or two of pellets in coffee can a bit of water to get them all wet. Let sit 15 mins, sprinkle them out on a sheet pan and into a 250° oven or smoker for couple hrs, and you have your dust.

 

[ohiobenz]

Very very easy to make your own sawdust out of pellets. Handful or two of pellets in coffee can a bit of water to get them all wet. Let sit 15 mins, sprinkle them out on a sheet pan and into a 250° oven or smoker for couple hrs, and you have your dust.

I avoid the pellets....