Using wood in a UDS?
 

I have some apple and peach wood chunks (about a 5 gallon bucket of each) that I've had for a couple years. It's still clean but wanted to use it up. Can I put a bunch of it on the bottom of my charcoal basket and cover with unlit for a minion method cook? Or will it flare up? Or can I use it on my OTG using indirect?

Also, I just picked a large barrel of almond (that's all they had). Never used it but I know some others have. Any tips or info on almond is appreciated. Thx

I mix a lot of wood chunks in with my Charcoal in my UDS- like 20-25 chunks in 10-12,lbs charcoal. It will run a little hotter with a lot of wood chunks

Ok, that's what I thought. I'm gonna be doing a brisket for Easter Sunday, so running a little hotter is ok

Using lots of wood also produces more smoke so be prepared for your neighbors to start showing up with plates in hand. LOL

When filling up my charcoal basket for my UDS, I make layers. I pour some charcoal in the basket then throw in 3 or 4 chunks of wood, more charcoal, 3 or 4 pieces of wood, charcoal, wood, then top with lit charcoal to get the fire going.

Number of layers depends on how long I want/need to cook for.

When using large wood chunks in my uds, I find that the temps go up and down more. Sometimes swinging as much as 30 degrees. Not really a problem for longer hot and fast cooks. It will really flare up if and when you lift the lid however, so be prepared for this.

Blessings, :pray:
Omar

I use almond a lot..really a mild wood but goes great with everything..mix half almond and half fruit wood..turns out great

Thanks for the tips and info. I think I'll just use it as I always have. A few good chunks per basket. The almond wood came in 18" logs so I'm gonna be giving my sawzall a work out