Wanted offest smoker

[Nofries]

Came out great

 

[JckDanls 07]

That's what I like to hear ...

Share some of the experience you recieved ...

 

[ReelFaster]

I pulled the trigger and ordered and picked up a Brazos DLX Wed in Columbia SC only 1-1/2 hours awayView attachment 730040. Just starting my first cook. Smoked queso. Actually just starting the coal bed right now.View attachment 730039

Congratulations!! That's an awesome looking great PIT, wishing you many years of great BBQ. Enjoy!!

 

[1MoreFord]

With those random sized pieces of wood you might like and benefit from a fuel basket to consolidate your coals and wood. Here's a good example from Lone Star Grillz. Their baskets may not fit your smoker but it's an idea for ya. Of course they might fit but check the measurements.

Fire Management Basket

Our fire management basket has been designed to help increase the efficiency on our stick burners. This is done by concentrating the coals and directing airflow in such a way to maximize your fuel and help prevent dirty smoke. This is achieved by directing primary combustion air directly into...

lonestargrillz.com

 

[Nofries]

With those random sized pieces of wood you might like and benefit from a fuel basket to consolidate your coals and wood. Here's a good example from Lone Star Grillz. Their baskets may not fit your smoker but it's an idea for ya. Of course they might fit but check the measurements.

Fire Management Basket

Our fire management basket has been designed to help increase the efficiency on our stick burners. This is done by concentrating the coals and directing airflow in such a way to maximize your fuel and help prevent dirty smoke. This is achieved by directing primary combustion air directly into...

lonestargrillz.com

Thanks, yeah keeping the coal bed was a bit of a challenge. I could make one of those pretty easy, might be my next project. I've also been considering making this removable extension.

TheBBQHQ Custom Stack Extension for Old Country Brazos — TheBBQHQ, Inc. https://share.google/gGaHqMMlG0aLjJ5xE

 

[Nofries]

Ordered and picked one up in Columbia SC

 

[fendersrule]

Yes, a stack extension is the right way to attack it, not messing around with the firebox vents.

Once you really understand how ofsets operate--by DRAFT not by "air intake" then things get much easier.

I love the price point of the Brazos and the diameter of the stack is great, but I can't help but wonder if it just needs to be taller to really create the draft that you need! A good draft means you can run bigger splits and less of a need to worry about a coal bed (as much). Coal bed management comes with time. Every 2-3 tends, you probably want to put 2 medium peices in instead of 1 split. It's roughly the same temp outcome, but that's essentially how you add back to the coal bed.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with starting with a chimney full of lump or briquettes too. For long cooks, that is what I do. I don't do it because I'm a noob, I also do it to preserve wood. I'd rather use charcoal to create my initial bed (that will last 3+ hours) rather than burning 4-5 spilts.