Sure is Windy Out.

Wesman61 · 12-02-2012, 03:36 PM

Getting ready to smoke two chickens and it's really windy out there. I have my offset under the front porch overhang in case it rains but this wind is going to make it a challenge. I haven't smoked on a windy day before but I'm ready to accept the challenge. This smoke is based on the brining chapter of Gary W. Low and Slow book. The chicken is brined and in the fridge drying per the instructions. I'll be using Lazzari lump mesquite and some mesquite chunks for fuel. Don't worry, I don't plan on lighting the chimney on the cooking grate.

Wesman61 · 12-02-2012, 04:41 PM

Well, I think I'm done smoking till spring. This just isn't working out. I can't get the smoker cook chamber over 150 degrees. I have a whole 7lb bag of lump and four chunks of mesquite and it doesn't matter how I set the dampers. Guess we're having oven roasted chicken for dinner. Arrrggg!

Guess this chicken is going into the pellet pooper.

BBQ Bandit · 12-02-2012, 07:04 PM

Sorry to hear that... it is not exactly a dealbreaker to your plans.

Wind is a common difficulty - if you don't have a working solution.

Next time build a portable windbreak - similar to a 3 pane fire screen for a fireplace. Use thick plywood (roughly 48 x 48 square each) using hinges between panel. Place it around your firebox - leaving 12" gap around.

You just might have a better chance in this scenario. Good luck.

Wesman61 · 12-02-2012, 07:33 PM

Thanks BBQ Bandit. Interestingly the wind died down but I discovered the wind was less of the problem than I thought. It's just that this is the first time I've used an offset in cooler weather. I finally pulled the charcoal basket out and threw a bunch of cherry wood on the coal bed. I just needed a way bigger fire than what worked in the summer. I'm a little slow when it comes to learning from my mistakes. Next time I'll build a raging fire and wait till it settles to a nice coal bed before I throw the meat on.

Wesman61 · 12-02-2012, 08:24 PM

Here's a pic. This smoke was not fun. I am a little too easily thrown out of sorts because I'm an obsessive type guy. However I did learn a lot.

12-02-2012, 03:36 PM	#1
Wesman61 is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 07-06-08 Location: Nampa Idaho Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Sure is Windy Out. Getting ready to smoke two chickens and it's really windy out there. I have my offset under the front porch overhang in case it rains but this wind is going to make it a challenge. I haven't smoked on a windy day before but I'm ready to accept the challenge. This smoke is based on the brining chapter of Gary W. Low and Slow book. The chicken is brined and in the fridge drying per the instructions. I'll be using Lazzari lump mesquite and some mesquite chunks for fuel. Don't worry, I don't plan on lighting the chimney on the cooking grate.

12-02-2012, 04:41 PM	#2
Wesman61 is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 07-06-08 Location: Nampa Idaho Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Well, I think I'm done smoking till spring. This just isn't working out. I can't get the smoker cook chamber over 150 degrees. I have a whole 7lb bag of lump and four chunks of mesquite and it doesn't matter how I set the dampers. Guess we're having oven roasted chicken for dinner. Arrrggg! Guess this chicken is going into the pellet pooper. Last edited by Wesman61; 12-02-2012 at 05:23 PM..

12-02-2012, 07:04 PM	#3
BBQ Bandit Babbling Farker Join Date: 02-15-08 Location: Harrisburg, PA Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	Sorry to hear that... it is not exactly a dealbreaker to your plans. Wind is a common difficulty - if you don't have a working solution. Next time build a portable windbreak - similar to a 3 pane fire screen for a fireplace. Use thick plywood (roughly 48 x 48 square each) using hinges between panel. Place it around your firebox - leaving 12" gap around. You just might have a better chance in this scenario. Good luck. __________________ Bacon should be capitalized as a pronoun for pork! A BBQ Servant; cooking for the Troops, Churches, and Charity Operation BBQ Relief founding member Lang 84 Deluxe Kitchen known as "The Glamazon" Custom Klose Backyard Chef... of Snot, 22.5 WSM Former smokers; Lang 60 Mobile - The Damsel II, Lang 48 Patio - The Damsel, and Bubba Keg Grill - RIP

12-02-2012, 07:33 PM	#4
Wesman61 is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 07-06-08 Location: Nampa Idaho Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Thanks BBQ Bandit. Interestingly the wind died down but I discovered the wind was less of the problem than I thought. It's just that this is the first time I've used an offset in cooler weather. I finally pulled the charcoal basket out and threw a bunch of cherry wood on the coal bed. I just needed a way bigger fire than what worked in the summer. I'm a little slow when it comes to learning from my mistakes. Next time I'll build a raging fire and wait till it settles to a nice coal bed before I throw the meat on.

12-02-2012, 08:24 PM	#5
Wesman61 is one Smokin' Farker Join Date: 07-06-08 Location: Nampa Idaho Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Here's a pic. This smoke was not fun. I am a little too easily thrown out of sorts because I'm an obsessive type guy. However I did learn a lot.