why a charcoal box in firebox?

[amper]

I understand that ash brings heat down and you want air underneath the coals, but if the coals are in a charcoal box and turn to ash and do not drop down to the ash pit, won't that cause a problem? Doesn't make sense to me how a charcoal box will help.

 

[amper]

I mean charcoal basket in fire box

 

[daveomak]

The screen mesh size is usually big enough, ash falls through to an ash collecting area under it, or the ash can be coaxed to fall out with a gentle tap on the basket to open up air channels...   The basket also allows for the Minion method to be employed for longer, temp controlled smokes that aren't necessarily achievable  without the basket.... and flavor chunks can be buried in the unlit coals for continuous smokey good flavor....      Dave 

 

[amper]

Alright. Now I have to figure out an inexpensive way to make one

 

[daveomak]

I used the handy-dandy search bar at the top of the page and searched "charcoal basket"...  below is the link to see what others have done...

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/newsearch/?search=charcoal+basket&type=all

 

[amper]

Exactly what I've been doin last 30 minutes. Going through those posts. There are a lot.

 

[amper]

Probably just gona call a machine shop and ask to weld me a 10x10x10.

 

[ringtail bbq]

I made one with stretch metal. Found the method on you tube. Cheap, quick and no welding. It's worked great for me.... JB

 

[amper]

I saw that youtube video, they made it look easy. Im not that handy, and I don't gave work gloves. I could see myself getting cut up and failing on that project. Plus, I believe that makes a 12 " one which is too big for my firebox. Bbq guys sell one for 49 bucks, but im gonna ask my local machine shop first.