Kingsford Blue Briquettes....

[inkjunkie]

Have not used them in decades. Picked up a couple bags to try them in the UDS. Not real thrilled about the ash but that is another story. Anyhow I filled the charcoal basket of the UDS today, about half of it was KBB the other half was the Mesquite chunk charcoal I have been using for a while now. When using the KBB can they be "controlled" like the chunk charcoal can? I ran the temperature up to make dinner and then tried to lower it. The temperature was up around 400* prior to me choking back the air flow. 2.5 hours later, with just 1 ball valve about 75% open the temperature was still hovering around 310*. I am thinking I may have an air leak....but when I closed the exhaust and shut the ball valve all the way it went out fairly quickly....will clean out the charcoal basket tomorrow and fill it with nothing but mesquite and try again...

 

[dirtsailor2003]

I use KBB for most my smokes as it's the easiest to get here. I have no problems controlling the temp. One thing with the UDS is if you really overshoot, no matter what fuel it will take a longtime to get back down. I will usually go 15-20 degrees above my target temp (unless I'm loading 15-20 pounds). Then put the meat on.

Another the no is you don't give your lights no method. That can make a difference in how your temps can be controlled. I fill my basket full then I torch one area with my propane torch for 5-10 minutes. Run the vents wide open until I get to the temp I want.

 

[inkjunkie]

I use KBB for most my smokes as it's the easiest to get here. I have no problems controlling the temp. One thing with the UDS is if you really overshoot, no matter what fuel it will take a longtime to get back down. I will usually go 15-20 degrees above my target temp (unless I'm loading 15-20 pounds). Then put the meat on.

Another the no is you don't give your lights no method. That can make a difference in how your temps can be controlled. I fill my basket full then I torch one area with my propane torch for 5-10 minutes. Run the vents wide open until I get to the temp I want.

Propane torch as in weed burner?

 

[dirtsailor2003]

Propane torch as in weed burner?

For fast starts yes. But that only takes 30 seconds to 1 minute.

This is the normal torch that I use. shown here lighting one of my mini-wsm.

image.jpg

• dirtsailor2003
• Apr 9, 2015

 

[dirtsailor2003]

One note I light UDS basket and then put it in the drum when using the small torch. When I use the weed burner I put the basket in and then light.

 

[dirtsailor2003]

image.jpg

• dirtsailor2003
• Apr 9, 2015

Close up of the torch. Didn't realize the first photo didn't show it well.

 

[inkjunkie]

image.jpg

• dirtsailor2003
• Apr 9, 2015

Close up of the torch. Didn't realize the first photo didn't show it well.

looks like a MAPP gas cylinder with one of those "self igniting" thread on gigs?

 

[dirtsailor2003]

looks like a MAPP gas cylinder with one of those "self igniting" thread on gigs?

Yes, typically I use propane, just happened to grab the MAPP.

 

[welshrarebit]

My last five or six smokes I've been using kingsford competition briquettes, because I bought some on sale last spring, and I'm not real happy with flavor or length of smoke they deliver...

Much like my women I like 'em a little dirty!!!!