Minimum Draft

pufferbelly · 02-19-2011, 06:09 PM

Brethren ........

What would you consider a "minimum" draft space below the charcoal grate or basket and the bottom of the firebox? Thanks, in advance

Kevin · 02-19-2011, 07:06 PM

That will depend on your ash buildup. Many factory smokers have 1 1/2 to 2 inches and can get full of ash before you are done with your cook, causing the fire to starve for oxygen. When I made the grate for the fire box in my BSKD I think it was about 3 1/2 inches. Not sure, that was awhile ago. I burn pretty much all wood with no charcoal, and depending on the species of wood, that can create a lot of ash.

Arlin_MacRae · 02-21-2011, 11:09 AM

Just off the top of my head I'd say four inches, pufferbelly. On a long cook you can fill half that up easily, still leaving enough room for some air.

QDoc · 02-21-2011, 01:36 PM

My Lang 84 has about 6 inches

Fat Woody · 02-21-2011, 01:55 PM

What size cooker/firebox?

A big stick burner that eats logs will need more air space than a small charcoal burner. Also depends on how often you're willing/able to clean the ash out. I have to "sweep" my NBBD about 3 times during an all-day cook like a 12 hour brisket. My grate sits about 3-4 inches from the firebox floor; but I've also cooked without a grate and with it raised about 5-6 inches depending on the length of cook, size of fuel and heat of fire I want, etc.

More confused yet?

02-19-2011, 06:09 PM	#1
pufferbelly Is lookin for wood to cook with. Join Date: 06-09-06 Location: Fontana, California Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Minimum Draft Brethren ........ What would you consider a "minimum" draft space below the charcoal grate or basket and the bottom of the firebox? Thanks, in advance

02-19-2011, 07:06 PM	#2
Kevin Moderator Join Date: 02-06-05 Location: Southern Minnesota Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	That will depend on your ash buildup. Many factory smokers have 1 1/2 to 2 inches and can get full of ash before you are done with your cook, causing the fire to starve for oxygen. When I made the grate for the fire box in my BSKD I think it was about 3 1/2 inches. Not sure, that was awhile ago. I burn pretty much all wood with no charcoal, and depending on the species of wood, that can create a lot of ash. __________________ Kevin

02-21-2011, 11:09 AM	#3
Arlin_MacRae Moderator Join Date: 04-14-04 Location: Choctaw, OK Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	Just off the top of my head I'd say four inches, pufferbelly. On a long cook you can fill half that up easily, still leaving enough room for some air. __________________ Arlin MacRae NB El Dorado Offset, Primo Oval Junior, Traeger Model 075 Pellet Pooper, Big Chief, Kingfisher Kooker 14" gas/wood combo, PBC Brethren Edition Home Brewer, Murderer of Squirrels, Armadillo Inspector Flaming Pig Head Mod Black (Stealth) Thermapen Driver - you saw NOTHING Certified KCBS BBQ Judge Missin' KC...

02-21-2011, 01:55 PM	#5
Fat Woody Take a breath! Join Date: 03-29-09 Location: Lenexa, Kansas Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	What size cooker/firebox? A big stick burner that eats logs will need more air space than a small charcoal burner. Also depends on how often you're willing/able to clean the ash out. I have to "sweep" my NBBD about 3 times during an all-day cook like a 12 hour brisket. My grate sits about 3-4 inches from the firebox floor; but I've also cooked without a grate and with it raised about 5-6 inches depending on the length of cook, size of fuel and heat of fire I want, etc. More confused yet? __________________ Head Groundskeeper - Squirrel Haven Estate, Lenexa, KS Chief Cook of the infrequently competitive Fullwood Bros' BBQ Team Cigar Lounger, Malt Beverage Tester Owner/Operator of: Brinkmann "Lefty" Bandera clone, Comalco Black Dog grill aka The Chicken & Rib Machine, and various Weber kettles. World's fastest Belgian/Cuban Racing Yellow thermapen. Woody's official spousal motto: "I'm not happy 'til you're not happy!"

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02-21-2011, 01:36 PM	#4
QDoc Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 03-02-07 Location: Pine Bluff, Arkansas Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	My Lang 84 has about 6 inches