First time using my ECB

[Rys06TBSS]

I used to use my Smokey Hollow Electric smoker for all my smoking needs. I finally decided that if Im going to smoke something I might as well do it the right way and I bought a ECB to see how I liked the cooking with charcoal. I was planning on building a UDS but my wife quickly veto'd the idea due to having a drum in the backyard. All in all everything went well. I used Cowboy Lump and a couple hickory chunks. I cooked up some Pork ribs, turkey legs, and on the bottom rack, a Beer Butt Chicken. I was very happy with the way everything turned out, I modified the coal pan to have its own legs, but havnt cut any holes in the bottem yet. The temps hung out around 200 degrees though... I was trying to get it hotter but couldnt figure out how. I did add more lump twice during the session. All in all everything was amazing. The ribs were great, but the rub I made had way to much cayenne.

[cowgirl]

Sounds like a great success! Bet it was tasty too. :thumb:

[NorthwestBBQ]

Got pics?

[NCDave]

Drill some holes in the charcoal pan, and add a charcoal grate to keep the coals off the bottom of the pan. Once you do this, you shouldn't have any trouble getting it hotter. Google "ECB mods" to get an idea of what others have done. It's dark now, or else I'd take a pic of mine.

I got my ECB last summer, wanted to try smoking, but didn't want to invest a whole lot. It's been good to learn with it. Since the bottom is open, you really can't control the fire. I've gotten to where I know exactly how many coals to add to maintain temperature, without adding too much. Water pan also helps moderate the temps. Used it to smoke a turkey at Christmas and it turned out great.

I just got through building my UDS. The wife gave no objections after sampling all the things the ECB turned out.

[Rys06TBSS]

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_M5x9I2vrZ48/TYnvIT1Dz-I/AAAAAAAAAmc/Ue9qb8o0mUA/s800/2011-03-20_13-21-49_443.jpg
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_M5x9I2vrZ48/TYnvRxJskDI/AAAAAAAAAno/u3E6xr05MdA/s800/2011-03-20_15-02-06_545.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_M5x9I2vrZ48/TYnvfzOCS3I/AAAAAAAAAm0/-QmCRgDLdoQ/s800/2011-03-20_18-48-40_360.jpg

[Rys06TBSS]

I got a Smokey Joe coal rack in the mail yesterday so I plan on doing some drilling this weekend and seeing what I can come up with... I kinda want to add vents similar to a Weber.

[HBVince]

Wow, it all looks great.

[smokemaster1]

Great looking eats!!
Got to love the ECB. That was my first smoker. I miss her :cry:
http://mybbq.net/forum/userpix/411_100_1817_1.jpgYou've got to do the mods.
http://www.randyq.addr.com/ecb/ecbmods.html (http://www.randyq.addr.com/ecb/ecbmods.html)
http://mybbq.net/forum/userpix/411_100_1818_1.jpg

You've got to do the mods.
http://www.randyq.addr.com/ecb/ecbmods.html (http://www.randyq.addr.com/ecb/ecbmods.html)

[NeoTrout]

Looks good! The ECB was also my first smoker. Your wife doesn't want a drum in the yard? Could be worse. (or better) I have 3 Webers and a Klose in my backyard. My wife thinks I'm nuts! Good luck. :cool:

[---k---]

Sounds great.

I got an ECB too. I recommend ECB's to everyone thinking about getting a smoker. They are great to try one out and see if they would actually use one frequently enough to justify a more expensive smoker.

I had problems with my ECB wanting to run too hot. I did the charcoal grate and added a damper to the bottom of mine. Worked well enough. I wanted more space so I didn't have to scrunch my ribs up, so I built a UDS. I think if I were to do it my ECB mods over, I would seal off the hole on the bottom and add a ball valve like on a UDS.

[Rys06TBSS]

Sounds great.

I got an ECB too. I recommend ECB's to everyone thinking about getting a smoker. They are great to try one out and see if they would actually use one frequently enough to justify a more expensive smoker.

I had problems with my ECB wanting to run too hot. I did the charcoal grate and added a damper to the bottom of mine. Worked well enough. I wanted more space so I didn't have to scrunch my ribs up, so I built a UDS. I think if I were to do it my ECB mods over, I would seal off the hole on the bottom and add a ball valve like on a UDS.
Ball valve huh... Think that would allow enough air?

[Rys06TBSS]

Looks good! The ECB was also my first smoker. Your wife doesn't want a drum in the yard? Could be worse. (or better) I have 3 Webers and a Klose in my backyard. My wife thinks I'm nuts! Good luck. :cool:

I live in a town house. I think she's more or less concern about the association v freaking out.

[---k---]

Ball valve huh... Think that would allow enough air?

Don't know. It works in the UDS. Similar principals. I don't see why it wouldn't.

Still need the mods to the fire basket. But to control air getting in... One way to try. You can always add more holes / valves.

[JiveTurkey]

ECBs are great cookers once you figure out how how they work. I'm glad you had success with your first cook. Keep learning how it works and enjoy your cooker. The brethren are always here to help if you have questions.

BTW, I used to have an ECB, it was my first smoker as well. I did the mods and it did pretty good. What you will most likely see happen is that as you cook more your food will turn out better and better every time. Then more and more people will start wanting you to cook for them and before you know it you'll be having 30 people over for Super Bowl and you'll think to yourself, "sure would be nice to have something bigger". Mark my words, it will happen. :-P

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r298/jbone1200/bbq/DSC02198.jpg

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r298/jbone1200/bbq/DSC02197.jpg

[hamiltont]

I have an ECB that I use frequently for small cooks. Here's a link to the mods that I made. Cheers!!!

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=93517

[SmokinAussie]

I got embargoed when I bought an ECB...

[NeoTrout]

I live in a town house. I think she's more or less concern about the association v freaking out.

I can see that. It only takes one irate neighbor to make life difficult.

[Rys06TBSS]

I can see that. It only takes one irate neighbor to make life difficult.
I dont disagree with her... Im sure that will be the case, and I really dont want to store a 55 gallon drum in MY already full half of the garage.

[Wampus]

I've always been a fan of the ECB. It gets a lot of hard knocks, but properly mod'd, it's a great cooker, ESPECIALLY for the money!

Food looks great!:clap2:

[Rys06TBSS]

I have an ECB that I use frequently for small cooks. Here's a link to the mods that I made. Cheers!!!

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=93517

That thing looks amazing... You used the orignal legs and cut the down? Also what do you have going on inside of the drum? Are the original screw holes for the legs just closed off with screws? or did you put another rack at the bottom.

[hamiltont]

That thing looks amazing... You used the orignal legs and cut the down? Also what do you have going on inside of the drum? Are the original screw holes for the legs just closed off with screws? or did you put another rack at the bottom.
Original legs - Yes. Didn't cut anything. Just added screws to plug up the old holes. Otherwise everything is the same inside. The water pan & lower grill sit on the original brackets. Cheers!!!

[Rys06TBSS]

Do you guys use the water pan? and use water inside it? Ive read about people putting foil inside them or sand. I dont understand that. Can somebody please expain? Is it just to absorb the heat to keep the temps stable?

[hamiltont]

Do you guys use the water pan? and use water inside it? Ive read about people putting foil inside them or sand. I dont understand that. Can somebody please expain? Is it just to absorb the heat to keep the temps stable?
I've used water but now just fill it half way with sand & HD Foil over the top. Let the foil sag so it catches the liquid. Otherwise it will run over the side & make a mess in the lower pan. When you're done just throw the foil away and keep the sand for next time. Seems to work okay. Cheers!!!

[Rys06TBSS]

I have an extra waterpan... Do you see any reason why i cant drill holes in that one and use it as my coal pan then use the current ash pan for a ash catcher?

[hamiltont]

Okay, gota do a check here. Do you have the Smok'N Grill like mine or do you have the Gourmet Model with a separate base for the charcoal? Both are considered ECB's. Cheers!!!

[Rys06TBSS]

Smoke and grill. I ordered an extra charcoal pan and water pan

[hamiltont]

Okay. Did you order the Electric Gourmet base? Part # 450-7010-0. http://cspoutdoors.com/relaropanfor.html

[Rys06TBSS]

No not yet. What I was planning on doing was drilling holes in my current coal pan. Then using the water pan to put inside the coal pan and putting the smokey joe coal rack inside the water pan

[hamiltont]

Okay. Keep us posted on how that works for ya. Cheers!!!

[Rys06TBSS]

NM...I just ordered that base. Itll be better anyhow. Hows that glass cord holding up around your lid?

[hamiltont]

So far so good using the tube of adhesive that came with it. A couple spots came loose so I just touched them up. If it continues I'll just get a tube of High Temp Silicone Adhesive Sealant. Cheers!!!