Foul Taste

[fishinchef]

I bought a used BDS (Big Drum Smoker) and every time I have cooked on it, what ever I cook has a foul tatse, almost like it has been oversmoked, It is not a creosote type taste and I have tried cooking on it with no wood chunks, charcoal only and it gets the same taste.

I have cleaned it and still the same. I have a WSM and a vertical offset, and don't have any issues with either, just the BDS,

Any suggestions????

[Ron_L]

It sounds like the fire is not burning cleanly. What does the smoke look like?

[fishinchef]

I get a constant light white smoke the entire burn, almost like steam. I get it whether I have one intake hole open or all 3

[Midnight Smoke]

What are you using for fuel? Kingsford, Stubbs etc...

[fishinchef]

Originally Posted by {Midnight ☼ Smoke}

What are you using for fuel? Kingsford, Stubbs etc...

I have actually used both and even tried lump once, same nasty tatse

[PorkQPine]

I had the same problem when I started using my UDS. I fixed the problem when I used fewer and smaller chunks of wood. Lump or briquetts work the same but the Royal Oak leaves much less ash and that is important on long cooks. The key was to use smaller chunks and fewer of them. One or two is enough.

[fishinchef]

Originally Posted by PorkQPine

I had the same problem when I started using my UDS. I fixed the problem when I used fewer and smaller chunks of wood.

I get the same nasty taste even with charcoal alone, no wood chunks.

BTW, the BDS is 4 years old or older

[Midnight Smoke]

Originally Posted by fishinchef

I have actually used both and even tried lump once, same nasty tatse

What temps are you running and how are you measuring them?

[fishinchef]

Originally Posted by {Midnight ☼ Smoke}

What temps are you running and how are you measuring them?

Temps have varied depending on external conditions, but mostly 225. I have a tele-true probe in the drum and also use a Maverick, either the 73 or 732 both with pit probes

[Midnight Smoke]

I would bump the temps up and see how it works out. Like Ron said sounds like it is not burning clean.

[Johnny_Crunch]

Try a diffuser to keep most of the drippings off the fire?

[Mark]

People don't all have the same capability to taste. It might be you're taste buds are hyper-sensitive to some element in the smoke. Try a shield between the fire and the food to divert the drippings from being burnt and see if it makes a difference.

[fishinchef]

Originally Posted by Mark

People don't all have the same capability to taste. It might be you're taste buds are hyper-sensitive to some element in the smoke. Try a shield between the fire and the food to divert the drippings from being burnt and see if it makes a difference.

A sheild is the one thing I have not tried

A few more facts,
I have been smoking for years, not a rookie by any means
I have done high heat cooks, 275 - 300 with the BDS
Almost every time I have used the BDS, I have done a side by side cook with my WSM (22.5, w/clay saucer) WSM produces a great product, BDS has foul taste everytime and believe me, this is a weird taste.


A big fact: This taste/smell is present in the drum even when it is clean & cold and not being used, can it be over seasoned?


I have heard many great things about UDS/BDS's and want so bad to be able to use this one with confidence, but this taste/smell is awful, I am thinking that this is why the guy sold it (and bought a WSM)

[big brother smoke]

Trust us you need a diffuser. I have been here and worn the T-shirt, I hate that taste you describe others love it. YMMV!

[fishinchef]

Thanks to all for responding, I will try a difusser, but still have a concern that the smell is omnipresent, even with the BDS cold/clean. and BTW, I have tried seriously cleaning it. Used greased lightning with a wire brush, rinsed with water, wiped down with vinegar, then water again, drained and burned a small fire to dry it out. I have even tried torching it. I think it is possessed!!!