New smoker not getting good smoke flavor

[Savage_Hog_BBQ]

ive Recently purchased a custom built reverse flow smoker. I love the new setup and it works amazingly, but I’m not getting the good smokey flavor I get from my backyard offset smoker.

Has anybody else had this issue? Only thing I can think of is that the new cook chamber is very large so maybe the density of the smoke is a lot lower than my offset. Any help or suggestions would greatly be appreciated

 

[old sarge]

Only thing I can think of is that the new cook chamber is very large so maybe the density of the smoke is a lot lower than my offset.

Are you using whole logs or splits? Aside from the wood, I think you answered your own question.

 

[Savage_Hog_BBQ]

I use splits

 

[old sarge]

Might want to try some small diameter logs in the empty smoker and see if the volume of smoke increases, which I doubt. But really, I think the larger chamber with more available air for mixing is reducing the concentration.

 

[Savage_Hog_BBQ]

I believe the large chamber is the issue as well. It was recommended to me on another site to add a pipe to the exhaust so that the exhaust pulls from grate level instead of at the top of the smoker. Hopefully it was cause the smoke to build up more before exiting the chamber

 

[Kade]

I have also just bought a custom reverse flow and thought the exact same thing. I believe this is due to the smoker being efficient and drafting extremely well. I was used to the dirty smoke I was getting off my previous offset. The new smoker burns really clean. The more I cook on it the better I like the taste of the clean smoke. The wife also likes it way better as she used to complain about how thick the smoke was with my old pit.

 

[weedeater]

Nice looking rig you have there! I think you may have hit on the solution with extending the exhaust pipe down to main grate level or slightly above. This will allow smoke to stay around a little longer in the cook chamber. You can try this on a temporary basis to see if it helps before making permanent mods. If that doesn’t work there are folks here that can help you figure it out.

Weedeater

 

[JckDanls 07]

ok.. went back and read the thread again... no mention of what kind of wood you are burning ?? when you have good fire management you will see very little if any smoke at all .. try setting a log of a different species off to the side of the fire in the firebox.. if you don't already ...