Our Homepage | Donation to Forum Overhead | Welocme | Merchandise | Associations | Purchase Subscription | Amazon Affiliate |
|
Q-talk *ON TOPIC ONLY* QUALITY ON TOPIC discussion of Backyard BBQ, grilling, equipment and outdoor cookin' . ** Other cooking techniques are welcomed for when your cookin' in the kitchen. Post your hints, tips, tricks & techniques, success, failures, but stay on topic and watch for that hijacking. |
|
Thread Tools |
10-21-2013, 11:33 AM | #1 |
is Blowin Smoke!
Join Date: 09-07-10
Location: Chicago, IL - West burbs
|
Ran out of fuel in middle of cook! Grrrr....
This is mostly a thread so someone can convince me that it is just a me problem so that I stop lusting after my buddy's Pitmaker Vault and continue to be happy with my UDS. ...
I've been getting my mojo back with my UDS. I've done an empty test burn, couple of chickens, and some babyback ribs. I've been getting it to consistently settle in between 250* and 270* at the center. I've been happy. This weekend I picked up a couple 14# briskets on sale. I filled up my basket with the full 18# bag of Royal Oak briquettes. At the time, I thought this was overkill, but I wanted to be safe with the cooler temps expected. I lit the smoke at 7:00 pm and was locking it in around 7:45. The temps held a steady 260* until I put the meat on at 8:30 pm. Ignoring the Maverick probe at the middle, because it is too close to the meat, and looking at the thermo on the side, temps dropped only a little and were holding steady. When I went to bed around 11:00, the temp was back up within a few degrees. I was expecting a 12 hour cook with the meat done ~8:30 am. Unfortunately at 5:40 am, the Maverick alarm went off because the pit dropped 20*. I went outside and opened a vent and the lid for a bit to try and raise the temps... nothing. I tried to throw a fan on it to raise the temp, not much go. I fought with that dang smoker for an hour and a half before I gave up. Briskets went into foil and an oven. After the brisket was in the oven, I pulled the diffuser and took a look at my fire. Almost all ash and little coals. I was out of fuel! I couldn't believe it. I swear I've gone longer than this in the past.... Grrrr... I know Kingsford will give me longer burns. I just think that the Royal Oak briquettes (not lump) smell better and are much cheaper this time of year when Kingsford is not on sale. The outside temp did drop down to ~35* last night, but Really?? I guess I put my welding blanket back on or switch back to Kingsford or buy one of those sexy insulated vertical smokers. Just sort of annoyed, because I think I'm mis-remembering the good 'ole days when everything went perfect. But, the good news is the briskets came out wonderful and very tasty. Possibly some of my best...
__________________
-Ryan Proudly Smoking on a UDS, PBC & Accidental Winner of the 2012 "Saucy" Throwdown. |
|
10-21-2013, 11:37 AM | #2 |
Moderator
Join Date: 12-09-04
Location: Wandering, but not lost
Name/Nickname : Captain Ron
|
Fighting the cold and wind will increase fuel use significantly. The wind was pretty strong here last night so that is probably the biggest culprit.
But you can still buy a sexy vertical if it makes you feel better
__________________
"Ron Rico, Boss. You can call me Captain Ron..." Naked Fatties Rock! PKGo X 2/PK360/ |
|
10-21-2013, 11:45 AM | #3 |
somebody shut me the fark up.
Join Date: 08-22-13
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana
|
Most likely a combination of things ...fuel and outside temps. LOL, set your mav alarm to something like 200 degrees and not 20*
With our Midwest weather i'd consider a ATC like a IQ because it makes the burn more efficient and you'll get more mileage out of a basket. You know how it is temps drop down 30 degrees at night so a auto pit stoker is just what the doctor ordered.
__________________
Change the way you rotisserie for the BETTER![COLOR="Red"][B]Cajun Bandit Kits for your WSM or Weber Kettle Now Available![/B][/COLOR] Visit [COLOR="Red"]OctoForks[/COLOR] in Sales & Ventures Website & Blog: [url]www.octoforks.com[/url] |
|
10-21-2013, 11:49 AM | #4 |
somebody shut me the fark up.
Join Date: 01-16-13
Location: USA
|
Brand
I too notice the shorter burn times (although still quite long IMHO) with Royal Oak Briquettes and other "ridged" briquettes. Honestly with the 30 gallon drum as opposed to 55 anything I cook seems to get cooked.
I would encourage you to try Kingsford Competition. Smells good and burns good. It's just hard to find.
__________________
Tiernan SOB34, Primo Oval XL, Oklahoma Joe's Bronco, Oklahoma Joe's Highland, Pit Boss Austin XL, Pit Boss Table Top |
|
10-21-2013, 11:54 AM | #5 |
is Blowin Smoke!
Join Date: 02-02-13
Location: Springfield, IL
|
I fought my UDS yesterday with the variable winds here over 25mph. I had swings of 30-50* in both directions from my target.
Usually I settle in around 270-280 with little effort and an occasional +20 when I open the lid. I was using RO lump. |
|
10-21-2013, 11:58 AM | #6 |
Babbling Farker
Join Date: 12-18-12
Location: Dearborn Mi, Manton Mi
|
if you have a Trader Joes near you their natural briqs are very good. Made by Rancher
Also Stubbs briqs are another good option available at Lowes.
__________________
Michigan Custom 'Que "Serving Those Who Have Served US" Shirley Fabrication Custom Smoker Member Great Lakes BBQ Assn ServSafe Food Handler Certified [URL]https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michigan-Custom-Que/327994370697180?sk=timeline[/URL] |
|
10-21-2013, 11:58 AM | #7 |
Babbling Farker
Join Date: 10-15-12
Location: Anaheim, CA
|
I agree that the temps probably killed your cook. But I also find it funny that some of our best cooks happened under less than ideal conditions.
Of course, another smoker could help you recover from the shock of the fire going out....
__________________
Double Barrel Drum Smoker, UDS, ECB, Char-Broil gas grill & charcoal grills, Smokey Joe - Certified Moink Baller |
|
10-21-2013, 01:27 PM | #8 |
somebody shut me the fark up.
Join Date: 07-04-09
Location: Jonesboro,Tx
|
Water heater insulation blanket!
__________________
I'm a Proxy Vegetarian> Cows eat grass & I eat cows. |
|
10-21-2013, 01:33 PM | #9 |
Babbling Farker
Join Date: 08-23-13
Location: Detroit Mi
Name/Nickname : tom
|
How big was your diffuser, when using a large drip pan I will have 450 degrees below the diffuser to get 275 to 300 near the top. That's a pretty hefty burn going and will eat up your basket of coals quicker.
Or just do what your did, smoke for 4 or 5 hrs and finish wrapped and in the oven. It does work quite well that way. |
|
10-21-2013, 01:51 PM | #10 |
Full Fledged Farker
Join Date: 02-15-10
Location: Wylie texas
Name/Nickname : Greg
|
I noticed when I use my difuser I get about 4-5 hour less burn time on my uds.
__________________
22.5 ots, 26.75 otg, uds, Big Joe in black, 30x84 deluxe Shirley fabrication(sold) |
|
10-21-2013, 01:59 PM | #11 | |||
is Blowin Smoke!
Join Date: 09-07-10
Location: Chicago, IL - West burbs
|
Quote:
Thanks for reminding me about the wind. You're probably right. Back when I first joined the Brethren, you would always read about wind and people building wind blocks. I haven't seen much discussion of wind blocks recently. Occasionally, I do move my grill around to try and shield my drum, but didn't this time. That probably contributed. I've been debating for a while suggesting a meet up so you could show me your Backwoods. I got it bad.... Quote:
I do have a iQ110 ATC. It has worked for me, but it has also caused me problems (bad probe placement with full loads). I think you're right that when the temps are dropping is an ideal application. But, when the weather is constant, you should be able to run a drum steady without one. AND, more importantly, I feel more like a real man when I don't use it. So, these days, I'm avoiding it when I can. Quote:
I've heard that before. I'll have to try a bag once I use up my current stock pile. Thanks. My drum has it's own welding blanket. I guess it is going to have to come out of storage. I didn't think we were there yet with the weather. Thanks all for the suggestions. It's funny, I do recall having this exact problem a few years back when I did a butt for my wife's December birthday, which led to me starting to use the blanket. But, my memory swears I've done plenty more without this problem. And I think of all those posts I see of people smoking with 3' of snow without blankets and such. I just don't cook enough and my memory lies to me. I got another overnight cook scheduled for next week. We'll see how
__________________
-Ryan Proudly Smoking on a UDS, PBC & Accidental Winner of the 2012 "Saucy" Throwdown. |
|||
|
10-21-2013, 02:06 PM | #12 |
somebody shut me the fark up.
Join Date: 05-03-07
Location: New Baltimore, Mi.
|
If your running a diffuser it will significantly shorten your burn time.
Is your basket skinny and tall or fat and short? Also makes a diff.
__________________
Owner of Bubba's BBQ & Catering L.L.C. Beer Snob I cook the #bestbrisketnorthoftexas. Get over it. #detroitporkmafia BBQ Person of the Year 2013 |
|
10-21-2013, 02:08 PM | #13 | ||
is Blowin Smoke!
Join Date: 09-07-10
Location: Chicago, IL - West burbs
|
Quote:
I think it works well. I actually preheated it in the oven (since it was hot from some brownies) this time. That seemed to make it easier to get up to temp quicker and level out better. Quote:
Standard 13" diameter. The basket is ~14" tall, because that is how they cut the steel mesh when I bought it, but I probably only filled it 10" tall. I think a wider shorter basket might work better due to less ash buildup, but haven't ever tested it. Can you share what differences you think it makes?
__________________
-Ryan Proudly Smoking on a UDS, PBC & Accidental Winner of the 2012 "Saucy" Throwdown. |
||
|
10-21-2013, 03:19 PM | #14 |
Babbling Farker
Join Date: 12-18-12
Location: Dearborn Mi, Manton Mi
|
if you want to try the Traders Joes briqs, better get it now. they dont carry it in the winter, at least not around me
__________________
Michigan Custom 'Que "Serving Those Who Have Served US" Shirley Fabrication Custom Smoker Member Great Lakes BBQ Assn ServSafe Food Handler Certified [URL]https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michigan-Custom-Que/327994370697180?sk=timeline[/URL] |
|
Thanks from:---> |
10-21-2013, 03:50 PM | #15 |
Babbling Farker
Join Date: 07-31-12
Location: St. Louis Missouri
|
I keep a stack of green pine next to my smoker, just in case my fire gets low and needs stoked.
__________________
Truth, by definition is narrow and exclusive. -------------- "Do not eat the meat raw or boiled in water, but roast it over a fire." - Exodus 12:9 |
|
Thread Tools | |
|
|