Wood pile in need of a stick burner?

[STLBBQer]

So we bought a new house and the previous owners left me their wood stash (for fire pits mainly). I’m thinking I might need a stick burner to help me get through it all :becky:

It appears to be all good wood, no fence or lumber scraps, just split logs. It appears to be mainly oak, but can’t be sure. Any reservations on using an “unknown” pile with a stick burner? That’s the first question.

I’ll solicit smoker recommendations in another thread. :wink:

 

[Eckie]

I sure do like how you make the case for acquiring a stick burner! I imagine someone's gonna have reservations about knowing the "history" of the wood you're cooking with.... But I'd use it. If you can identify the species in the pile and know it is good for cooking (oak, hickory, cherry, other fruit etc), I'd cook with that, and reserve any unknowns for woodstove, firepit etc wood.

 

[Gimmethecash]

Do it!!!!

 

[Sid Post]

As long as it isn't too dry and you can still identify it as a good hardwood species you can use it. Some wood will burn really nasty and kill a good smoke. :wink:

I don't know what wood costs out in NC but, I suspect it is relatively cheap so it may not be worth risking some expensive meat to a bad 'stick'.

 

[mo_expat]

I can't see the bark clear enough to make a guess. You could take a good pic of one split bark side and post it. Someone may know what it is.

 

[STLBBQer]

Here are some pictures of the pile. Hickory is fairly cheap out here, so might not risk it. Just a thought... :grin:

 

[Monkey Uncle]

From what I can see of the bark, it looks like one of the species in the red oak group. Should be great cooking wood, as long is it isn't starting to get punky.

 

[STLBBQer]

From what I can see of the bark, it looks like one of the species in the red oak group. Should be great cooking wood, as long is it isn't starting to get punky.

Good deal. There are the few odd pieces that are getting punky, but probably 80-90% appears to be in nice shape. I used some split in my kettle yesterday on charcoal and it was really nice smelling smoke.

 

[JWFokker]

Looks like bitternut hickory bark to me

 

[STLBBQer]

So whether oak or hickory...you all are telling me it needs a stickburner.