Keeping that box hot!

[smo-king]

Hey all, any advice on a fire box style smoker and keeping the temp up? I feel like it took way too much wood and lump charcoal with over a small bag of charcoal, two bags of hickory chunks and idk multiple bags of moistened chips like cherry and apple. Two trips to the store after the initial trip! is this what it takes.

 

[chef jimmyj]

If you can post some Pics of the Fire Box, inside and out, with some dimensions, the Charcoal Basket you use and size of the Smoke Chamber, we can help you a bit easier. Lots of things can impact Temp. Fire Box too small, Air getting to the Fire Box, Ashes having no where to go, Leaky seals around doors, Opening between Fire Box and Smoke Chamber too small. The list is a long one...JJ

 

[pit 4 brains]

I'm going on a limb here, but a co-worker of mine recently bought a Char-Griller with a side firebox. It was new in the box and when he assembled it, he overlooked the step that removes the "knock out" plate on the side of the cooking chamber where the firebox attaches. He was essentially trying to draft all the heat through the little pie vent dampener holes on the side of the cooking chamber. His symptoms sound just like yours, a whole bag of charcoal burned up and the smoker never got above 160 degrees if I remember right.

We definitely need to know what smoker you have in order to help you out. Post some pics also please..

 

[bruno994]

Pics...please...

 

[smo-king]

Thanks JJ will do

 

[smo-king]

Hey pit 4 brains thanks for the comment and sounds like I will have to do that, pics

 

[pit 4 brains]

Did ya get it to work?  Still need help? I wish i could help but..

 

[jarjarchef]

Have a char griller with side fire box. I would check to make sure the football shapped hole was knocked out. You most likely will need to remove the firebox first to get a clear shot at it. Also remove the side shelf so the smoker will stand on end, again clear shot and better leverage. The metal piece that is to be knocked out can be a pain in the rear, so be patcient.

Since you will need to do a little work, might as well do a little more at the same time. There are a ton of mods you can do to help the efficiency of the cheap off set smokers. The biggest on I would say is a must is a charcole basket. I have done several others, but that is a must in my book. There is a no weld basket on the SMF, I'll try to find it for you.

 

[smo-king]

Hey that's good info and I'll check for the charcoal box I appreciate the tip I've only smoked the one time and it turned out great just an awful lot material used. Thanks again!