Offset smoker question

[Dailey1974]

I have recently purchased a offset stick burner. So far i have smoked a couple of chickens, a pork butt, and some ribs with it. My understanding is that you are looking for thin blue smoke coming from the stack. During all of my smokes so far I am not seeing any visible smoke from the stack except when i tend to the fire and it is white for a minute. There is definately heat coming out the stack but nothing blue more like clear. I am burning split logs and they are burning the entire time, no smoldering. All vents are running wide open. Am i over thinking this or is something not right. Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Wasi]

Do you get nice smoke ring or can you taste the smoke in everything you cooked? I am not exactly sure what the think blue should look like but on my offset I always see a bunch of smoke coming out of the stack but my stuff never tastes bitter or over smoked. I tend to over think things as well when smoking.

 

[banderson7474]

Hmm what kind of wood are you using? The only time I don't see some form of smoke is if the wood is burned up.

It's possible that you are burning super clean but I would try some different types of smoke woods to see if there is any difference.

 

[Dailey1974]

Hmm what kind of wood are you using? The only time I don't see some form of smoke is if the wood is burned up.

It's possible that you are burning super clean but I would try some different types of smoke woods to see if there is any difference.

I am buying bags or kiln dried logs at academy sports. I have tried cherry, pecan, oak and hickory. All with the same smoke color result. When the smoke is clear the logs are ignited and burning well.

 

[Dailey1974]

Do you get nice smoke ring or can you taste the smoke in everything you cooked? I am not exactly sure what the think blue should look like but on my offset I always see a bunch of smoke coming out of the stack but my stuff never tastes bitter or over smoked. I tend to over think things as well when smoking.

I do get a smoke ring but feel it could be better. Im pretty sure i am over thinking this. Lol

 

[bluewhisper]

Sometimes they burn clear and that can still be good. Did you say you have an open flame in the firebox? That burns a lot cleaner that a smoldering fire. It can be like oven-roasting, but with a kiss of smoke flavor, especially if it puffs a bit when you stoke. The Q at a lot of Southern places tastes like that.

 

[RiversideSm0ker]

If you would prefer a bit more smoke flavor then try buying some wood chunks that match the type of logs you are using. Just don't get the same kiln dried version. You will get more smoke production and thus a bit more smoke flavor. I certainly wouldn't worry if you aren't seeing smoke from your chimney. Your wood source if just that clean because of the kiln drying process. Just my two cents.

G

 

[Dailey1974]

Sometimes they burn clear and that can still be good. Did you say you have an open flame in the firebox? That burns a lot cleaner that a smoldering fire. It can be like oven-roasting, but with a kiss of smoke flavor, especially if it puffs a bit when you stoke. The Q at a lot of Southern places tastes like that.

Thanks for the info.

 

[Dailey1974]

If you would prefer a bit more smoke flavor then try buying some wood chunks that match the type of logs you are using. Just don't get the same kiln dried version. You will get more smoke production and thus a bit more smoke flavor. I certainly wouldn't worry if you aren't seeing smoke from your chimney. Your wood source if just that clean because of the kiln drying process. Just my two cents.

G

Thanks. I was wondering if it was burning cleaner because it is kiln dried wood. Will have to experiment with other woods maybe not kiln dried.

 

[RiversideSm0ker]

I definitely suggest trying various wood sources. Through experimentation I have found pecan to be my favorite wood for smoking. It’s fun and delicious to find your own favorites.

G