wood advice needed!

[tpicki]

I have been trying to use lump in my Chargriller w/ fire box. I have made mods (chimney, basket, baffle) and still struggle to get anything more than 200ish. The Chargriller web page said that I needed to use whole logs. The question is what wood can I use? If I find some oak or maple around can I use it and add Hickory, mesquite, etc for flavor? Any and ALL input is greatly appreciated!

 

[walking dude]

this may be a stupid question..........but did you knock out the knock out between the firebox and smoking chamber..........lots of folks use just lump and have no problems with getting temps up

 

[tpicki]

Never any stupid questions when it comes to a newbie like me. Yea I knocked out the hole (had a blast doing it too!). Do you think I need more lump. I usually start with one chimney and use the Minion method with another chimney sized amount. Anyone ever use logs? Thanks again

 

[tn_bbq]

How accurate is your thermometer?

 

[tpicki]

The Chargriller thermo is not great so I bought a Taylor digital and put it through a wood block and set it on the grate at meat level. Is that a good way to judge temps?

 

[auto5man]

Is your thermo at grate level? That being said, since modding my COS I can tell you it takes a whole lot more heat to bring cook chamber up to desirable temps. Before mods I would put one charcoal chimney (small size) in the firebox and get a temp of 300 to 350 (thermo close to dome of lid factory installed) and then I would use the firebox damper to bring temp down to 225 degrees....meat took HOURS longer than published book times. After my thick steel baffle was installed, a charcoal chimney full of coals would only bring temp up to 175 with damper wide open! (chimney dropped to grate level and thermo moved to grate level), so I had to burn 1/3 to 1/2 logs which brought temp up to 225 to 250. How much heat it takes depends on how obstructive your baffle is. I like the fact that now I can burn logs without huge temp spikes.....

Dave

 

[auto5man]

that my thermo unit is a Brinkman professional that is very accurate. It reads whatever the ambient outside temp is (Memphis during summer that means HOT) before I put fire in the box. To measure temp closer to firebox I use a remote digital and get readings 25-30 degrees hotter (the Brinkmann is farther away from the firebox).

Dave

 

[tpicki]

All very helpful...Still wonder about log? Other than obvious "stinkers" (pine, etc.) what wood can I use? Lots of woods around and free would be great! Just struggling with the concept. Sorry for the newbieness!

 

[dirtman775]

same here, have no probs getting up to temps, i to use the minion with a full chimney, and sometimes less in the box to start off. Did you drill holes in your baffle? Turn the small grate in the fire box upside down to raise your coal basket? try those, dont be concerened about using whole logs to get the temp up, i use 4-5 2x2 chunks and do just fine

hope this helps

 

[dirtman775]

apple is the best jmho, really any wood from a tree that bears fruit