Smoker/firebox issues

[sinisterone99]

Hello everyone.  I'm in the Army stationed in Germany and have decent access to the bare essentials: charcoal & smoking wood.  I have a BBQ Butler and have used it several times without using the smoker/firebox.  I've always just put the wood chunks on the charcoal before cooking and during cooking.  This past weekend I tried to use the smoker box and it FAILED completely.  My charcoal was out in a few minutes and I kept trying to get it back started to no avail.  My charcoal was not cheap and I used a chimney to get it started for the smoker/firebox side only.  The vent on the box was fully open and the one on front was half open and the damper was fully open.  Can anyone tell me what I am possibly doing wrong???  I plan to start putting that box to use and want to get it right soon.

 

[oldschoolbbq]

Sinisterone99 welcome to the SMF , WE are at your disposal...try this:http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/a/stickburning101   .  if it doesn't help , and you can make smoke? Pre-burn the wood and add Red Coals to the Fire Box . Keep a side fire going .

Hope this helps , and Thank You and your Team .

Stan  

Have fun and...

 

[sinisterone99]

I read the link and excellent info I plan to use more frequently if all goes well the first time...  Thanks.

 

[cliffcarter]

Hello everyone.  I'm in the Army stationed in Germany and have decent access to the bare essentials: charcoal & smoking wood.  I have a BBQ Butler and have used it several times without using the smoker/firebox.  I've always just put the wood chunks on the charcoal before cooking and during cooking.  This past weekend I tried to use the smoker box and it FAILED completely.  My charcoal was out in a few minutes and I kept trying to get it back started to no avail.  My charcoal was not cheap and I used a chimney to get it started for the smoker/firebox side only.  The vent on the box was fully open and the one on front was half open and the damper was fully open.  Can anyone tell me what I am possibly doing wrong???  I plan to start putting that box to use and want to get it right soon.

I am not familiar with the smoker, but if you have a vent on the front of the grill chamber it should be fully closed IMHO, in order to get proper air flow into the firebox and to the charcoal.

 

[sinisterone99]

I did not know this, but will be sure to keep it closed on the next use.  Thanks.
 

 

[JckDanls 07]

I did a google search and couldn't find your smoker.. if you could get us some pics and showing where the vents are that might give us a better idea on what advice to give... pics inside and out...

 

[oldschoolbbq]

Sinisterone99 , keep the exhaust wide open and the intake manifold as control...