Offset Smoker Fire management

[Yoder Owner]

If you like the offset smoker and cooking old school method visit YouTube and search and watch Aaron Franklin Fire Talk.
YouTube has several Fire management related to the offset smokers some are good and some not so good. Two important things, never soak wood in water. It causes wood to smolder and smoldering wood creates dirty smoke.
Also preheat wood so once it’s placed in the firebox it almost immediately burst into full flame. You should always build your fire structure Lincoln log style and continue building Lincoln log after your first coal bed. Chopping down to coals as soon as your wood starts ashing over. In small offset ONLY use just under 2” x 2” x 10” and you can get by using 1.5” x 1.5” x 10” to 12” lengths. Attached is a picture that’s in my fire management tools.

 

[JLeonard]

the splitter is on my short of gotta haves when I get my stick burner!

Jim

 

[SmokinAl]

I just use an axe!
Al

 

[jcam222]

the splitter is on my short of gotta haves when I get my stick burner!

Jim

I love mine , indispensable tool

 

[SmokinEdge]

I just use an axe!
Al

Yes I agree. And if some swing the axe like a girl, then you can always position the axe head at the desired split location and hit the back side with a small sledgehammer (single jack) easy peasy.

 

[racerjohnbf]

Yes I agree. And if some swing the axe like a girl, then you can always position the axe head at the desired split location and hit the back side with a small sledgehammer (single jack) easy peasy.

Yep. I would add that using a dead blow hammer would ensure you don't damage the poll of your axe if doing it this way.

4 lb. Neon Orange Dead Blow Hammer

Amazing deals on this 4Lb Neon Orange Dead Blow Hammer at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[DougE]

I don't swing like a girl, but find it less labor intensive to place a hatchet where I want the split and whack the hammer side of it with a 5lb sledge. Usually 1 or 2 whacks does it.