Putting drippings on charcoal

[thenovaman]

What would happen if you put unburned charcoal under the meat in the drip tray, and then use that charcoal for the next smoke?  That way you get indirect heat AND burning drippings!  Does this sound like a good idea or a disaster waiting to happen?

 

[daveomak]

NovaMan evening..... try it..... let drippings drip on the charcoal your next smoke.....  Light them and see what happens..... I would hold off on the meat though until the fire went out.....  that is if they light.... most drippings are water and other stuff... good for making sauce and gravy....  Dave

 

[thenovaman]

Yes, the possibility of a grease fire did occur to me.  I guess I'll just have to try it and find out!

 

[jarjarchef]

It is worth a shot. I would caution on the grease and the potential of black smoke from it and discoloring the meat. Sort of like if you marinade anything in a marinade with a lot of oil in it. You get a black greasy mess on the food from the oil burning. Depending on what is in your rub, sometimes herbs and spices give off a bad smelling smoke as they burn. They might give an off flavor that can get into your meat. But I have never tried it, so not 100% sure of any of that.