Smoke box vs fire box ratio question

[LanceR]

Is there a definitive answer as to whether the smoke box to firebox ratio for an RF unit is is based only on the volume above the RF plate or does it include the entire smoke box including the volume under the RF plate?

I'm feeling my way into building a small RF patio unit with a stainless steel propane tank and rectangular fire box and will be ready to start the fire box soon.

Thanks

Lance

 

[daveomak]

Lance, morning... Looking at the calculator, there is no difference in calculating varying types of smoker so I think it is the total volume of the smoking chamber... I think the original idea was to insure adequate heat for the smoker because of heat loss etc...  Well insulated smokers wouldn't need a huge firebox....  My philosophy is... "If you can't engineer it, overbuild it"...  Dave

From the calculator page....

NOTE: The rule of thumb for BBQ pits is the firebox will be 1/3 the size (volume) of the cooking chamber. You can still use this calculator even if you don't follow that rule.

 

[LanceR]

Dave, I kind of expected that to be the answer but wanted to be sure.  In any case since it gets darn cold and windy here in the winter I plan on making a larger than standard firebox and have been tinkering with the idea insulating the fire box.

Thanks

Lance