How do I use pellets?

[Cdeklerk824]

Stupid question, complete noob to smoking. I just bought a char-broil electric, the one with the metal box in the bottom. I can't get my pellets to stay smoking with the cover closed. Am I doing something wrong?

 

[TNJAKE]

Stupid question, complete noob to smoking. I just bought a char-broil electric, the one with the metal box in the bottom. I can't get my pellets to stay smoking with the cover closed. Am I doing something wrong?

Is that metal box made for chips? I assume not. You will need to purchase an amazen tube or tray to use pellets

 

[pa42phigh]

I’m not real familiar with a char broil smoker but maybe try drying the pellets in a microwave for a minute. Do you just add a few at pellets at time or does it’s feed them to the pan?

 

[Cdeklerk824]

I have a tube, wound up using that instead of fighting the box today. The thing says it'll work with both chips and pellets and pellets was all I have today. I probably filled the box too much with pellets. Would get a good flame going, blow it out, put the lid on and stick it in the bottom of the smoker...nada.

 

[pa42phigh]

I have a tube, wound up using that instead of fighting the box today. The thing says it'll work with both chips and pellets and pellets was all I have today. I probably filled the box too much with pellets. Would get a good flame going, blow it out, put the lid on and stick it in the bottom of the smoker...nada.

your tube burn ok in it??
Maybe you need to get mor air to the box, is there holes in the btm of it ?

 

[pc farmer]

If your in a high altuide area the tray wont burn right. You may have to use a tube.

 

[OldSmoke]

As @pa42phigh suggested, dry your pellets in the microwave for 2 minutes. Light and let burn for 10 minutes before putting out the flame and placing in the cabinet. He is also correct about getting enough air into the cabinet for the smoldering to continue. After I put gaskets on my doors and sealed the leaks, I needed to install a butterfly vent to add air. It seems contradictory, but instead of uncontrolled leaks, I can now control the amount of air entering the cabinet. It has really helped to maintain a consistent temp and smoke - especially when using a pellet tray.

 

[Fueling Around]

Many models of Char-Broil electric.
Some models have the chip pan similar to my Big Chief meaning on top of the heating element. I found that heating the chips and chunks they smoked way too much.

I don't use my Big Chief after getting other ... toys. If I used the Big Chief today it would be with a smoke tube only.

I use a smoke tube in my kettle and pellet pooper. Best innovation for selecting your smoking flavor.

 

[Cdeklerk824]

I appreciate all the help guys, it all makes perfect sense. I'll take the advice here. Thanks so much!

 

[pineywoods]

The tube may be the best easiest way to get your smoke if you have it already. Fill it then light it with a small torch or something and let it flame till it's going good then blow the flame out and it should smoke slowly burning the pellets for hours.

 

[HalfSmoked]

There you go you asked and you received a lot of info.

Welcome to the forum as seen you ask and the help is here.

Warren

 

[GaryHibbert]

Yep, sounds like a shortage of oxygen.
I use nothing but pellets with my MES. I nuke my pellets twice for 2 mins each, to get them nice and dry--experiment with the length of time so you don't fill your microwave with smoke LOL. Then into the Amazen Pellet Tray (AMNPS). I light one end of the row with a torch and let the pellets burn for 10 minutes. Then I blow out the flames an continue to blow on the pellets until there's a nice big cherry glowing. Then I put the AMNPS into my Mailbox Mod, and it smokes for hours.
I tried putting the AMNPS inside the smoker, but it just wouldn't stay lit and smoking--just too airtight. So I added the Mailbox. (Just do a search on the Forum for Mailbox Mod.) Now it works like it is supposed to.
Gary

 

[Cdeklerk824]

your tube burn ok in it??
Maybe you need to get mor air to the box, is there holes in the btm of it ?

it worked out well actually :) Turkey legs came out perfect!

 

[Cdeklerk824]

There you go you asked and you received a lot of info.

Welcome to the forum as seen you ask and the help is here.

Warren

I really appreciate the quick help and input from everybody... I was half-expecting some snarky stuff when asking what to some seems like such a simple question, but the responses here are fantastic. Thank you so much everyone. I wound up using my tube and it worked out just fine!

 

[OldSmoke]

I was half-expecting some snarky stuff when asking what to some seems like such a simple question, but the responses here are fantastic.

I am new as well and the information freely offered here is amazing. People are very helpful and knowledgeable. I have killed so many hours just searching through old posts. I have learned a lot.

I happen to be smoking a ham so I snapped a couple pictures on the vent I mentioned. It really helps.

 

[HalfSmoked]

Nice looking ham OldSmoke.

Warren

 

[HalfSmoked]

Thanks for the like Fueling Around it is appreciated.

Warren

 

[Murray]

Making dust from pellets...

Mr T told me he makes dust all the time for some of his smoking needs.. He ground the pellets in a food processor or something.. I tried it and it seemed a little tough on the machine.. Pellets are HARD !!!.. So I threw them in warm HOT water.. in about 4 minutes they were falling apart... I...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

Now that you are getting the hang of pellets, this article is well worth the read.

 

[OldSmoke]

Nice looking ham OldSmoke.

It is delicious! I used Jeff's rum ham recipe. I added a German sausage to the cabinet and it made a really good lunch.

Thanks for the Like!