Observations about using wood chunks

[husker-q]

Hi all!

Thought I'd take the time to document my evolving process of the best we to introduce smoke - as it may help someone else down the road.

I'm still somewhat new at the smoking process (been up and running since end of 2007). As such, I'm still learning what works for me and my smoker (CGP w SFB). I have the temperature part down - and am able to maintain a nice steady temp, but thing I was still having trouble with was the smoke - I kept having flame up problems and have been trying several different ways to avoid that.

Early on - I've tried placing directly on coals, wrapping in foil, placing in foil tray, I've resisted soaking because I think that changes the composition of the smoke.

Yesterday I had what I think was my "best smoke yet". Previously, I'd been adding approx 3/4 to 1 chimney of pre-lit to the charcoal basket and then I'd spread the coals around in the basket, then place the chunk using the various methods above. This time, I kept the coals in a taller pile, on the vent side of the charcoal basket, keeping the left side of the basket open. Then, I'd place a chunk or two on the left side - about 2 inches or so away from the coal pile. I was amazed at the quality, quantity of the smoke and had not one flameup in 14 hrs of smoke time.

Bottom line is you have to keep experimenting to find what works for you and your smoker - but for me - I have new found confidence in my smoker now and that can only lead to great things to come.

hopes this helps some of my fellow rookies!

 

[smoke freak]

Glad you found what works for you. Experimenting is what its all about. In my experience, I found that I want flames all the time. Dont want my wood to smolder. I get a much thinner cleaner smoke that way. My family loves the food and cant wait for the next smoke. To each their own, right.

 

[cbucher]

glad you found what works, and a nice little piece of info. I have had an occasional problem with flame-ups as well.

 

[husker-q]

Freak - now you have me all confused (jk)! I thought the goal was no flame!

My main reason for flame control is to reduce temp spikes. I can get temp spikes up to the upper 200's when my chunks catch on fire.

Thanks for the input

 

[gorillagrilla]

I dono , I almost always soak my wood.Not smart enough to know how this would change the ' compisition' of the smoke.I know I am just delaying the enevetable,but I seem to get a longer sustained smoke when I soak.Maybe some of this is steam ,which I think couldnt hurt and may even have benificial atributes. Keep in mind fresh smokable woods are scarce where I am and lots of time I have to buy off the shelf,so I need to s t r e t c h it ! Lotsa luck and happy smokin !

 

[ddave]

I think you may have discovered a very helpful method in controlling smoke. I sort of stumbled onto the same thing. If you can control the distance between the heat source (charcoal pile or gas flame) and chips/chunks, you really have a lot of control over how much and how quickly you generate smoke.

I have an SnP with an Afterburner and I put chunks in a 46 oz. juice can per the instructions. But if I put the can in the cutout, I get instant flames -- even when the can is covered with foil. But if I stand the can up in the corner of the firebox, I get really nice TBS. If it is not smoking enough, I move it closer to the flame. If it is smoking too much, I move it farther from the flame.

This works really well for me but I realize that many models don't offer much flexibility. For those I guess you would have to experiment with thickness of the chip/chunk container.

Dave

 

[sumosmoke]

Really great post, I never thought about placing the wood chunks away from the charcoal pile. Will definitely need to try this method with the next smoke I do.