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Smoke question

Discussion in 'Woods for Smoking' started by iceman6409, Dec 6, 2018.

  1. Dec 6, 2018 #1
    iceman6409

    iceman6409 Fire Starter

    Rochester, NY
    I have been electric smoking for a few years now but my best friend gave me a barrell smoker and I would like to try it. So my questions is I am going to use charcoal in the firebox for temperature. I also have a 6" tube smoker for pellets that I use in the electric. Do you think that would be enough to use with the charcoal or is straight wood really the only option?
     
  3. Dec 6, 2018 #2
    biteme7951

    biteme7951 Smoking Fanatic

    Michigan
    The tube will put out plenty of smoke for a barrel smoker. It just needs enough fresh air to keep going.

    Barry.
     
  4. Dec 6, 2018 #3
    hillbillyrkstr

    hillbillyrkstr Master of the Pit Group Lead OTBS Member

    Wonder Dog Ranch, Michigan
    I use charcoal to get her going and heat and throw some wood splits on for flavor.

    Scott
     
    chopsaw likes this.
  5. Dec 6, 2018 #4
    Dutch

    Dutch Smoking Guru Staff Member Administrator Group Lead OTBS Member OTBS Admin SMF Premier Member

    Midvale, UT
    Barry has it right with any smoking device that uses pellets. It's got to have a source of fresh air. I do what Scott does and just add some wood chunks to the charcoal.
     
    hillbillyrkstr likes this.
  6. Dec 6, 2018 #5
    iceman6409

    iceman6409 Fire Starter

    Rochester, NY
    How much charcoal do you usually use? Will I need to occasionally add more charcoal? Also if I go to wood chunks how many should I use and when are they added? Would store bought chunks work well or is natural wood the way to go? Sorry for all the questions. Trying to learn as I go.
     
  7. Dec 6, 2018 #6
    Dutch

    Dutch Smoking Guru Staff Member Administrator Group Lead OTBS Member OTBS Admin SMF Premier Member

    Midvale, UT
    I use the minion style when I use charcoal for smoking. I fill the charcoal basket 3/4 full with unlit briquettes with wood chunks placed through out. I add a chimney full of lit briquettes on top and add a couple of wood chunks on top. It depends on how long of a smoke you're planning. Store bought wood chunks are good-that's what I use. I save my splits for the Lang. Remember that heat control is best handled by the air intakes for a cleaner burn.
     
  8. Dec 6, 2018 #7
    daveomak

    daveomak Epic Pitmaster OTBS Member SMF Premier Member

    Omak,Washington,U.S.A.
    The tube will probably not work in your UDS... Reason.... The charcoal and flavor woods will suck up all the oxygen to maintain the preset air inlets for temp control... If there was extra oxygen, you temps would go up until the free oxygen was gone....
     
  9. Dec 6, 2018 #8
    Holly2015

    Holly2015 Smoking Fanatic OTBS Member

    Chambersburg PA
    Agree with Dave. Pellet tube/tray inside will probably not stay lighted.

    You could drill a 3" hole in the side of the USD and do a mailbox mod.