Question: If a tree falls in the forest…

[3Cases]

And you chop it up for your stick burner, how long will it last you?

After 10 years of producing some pretty decent Q, I am finally stepping up from my Performer to a KAT 36 x 20 reverse flow stick burner.

http://www.katbbqsmokers.com/36x20_reverse_flow/


I need some help in figuring out how long a 1/2 or 1/4 cord of white oak will last me. Storage is an issue, otherwise I would get a full cord and be set. I really don't know how long I could expect a 1/4 cord to last. I typically do ribs once a month and either a butt or brisket once a month. So probably about 18 to 20 hours of fuel a month.

I know there are a lot of factors that play in to how often you need to add fuel, and those will effect how long my fuel supply lasts me, but any insight as to how long a 1/2 or 1/4 cord might last me would be greatly appreciated.

[mikemci]

With 1 cord= 4'x4'x8' (full cord, not face cord):

1 cord= 26 months
1/2 cord= 13 months
1/4 cord= 6.5 months

This is based on each stick being 2"x16"
3 sticks to light the fire
1 stick per hour to maintain the fire

Adding 1 stick per 45 minutes:

1 cord= 19.5 months
1/2 cord= 9.75 months
1/4 cord= 4.88 months

[dport7]

With 1 cord= 4'x4'x8' (full cord, not face cord):

1 cord= 26 months
1/2 cord= 13 months
1/4 cord= 6.5 months

This is based on each stick being 2"x16"
3 sticks to light the fire
1 stick per hour to maintain the fire

Adding 1 stick per 45 minutes:

1 cord= 19.5 months
1/2 cord= 9.75 months
1/4 cord= 4.88 months

Dern, we got us a mathematician on here.

Good job of calculating.

[Doog]

Ask and you will receive,That's a pretty in depth answer. :thumb:
Depending what I was cooking I figure about 10 -15 splits a cook on my Longhorn.
I would buy as much wood as you can store and go from there.

[pgyrogear]

mikemci, you are the man this is a great answer going to copy it and get it on the website. Could not have said it better my self.

You can gain some efficiency by adding some coals when ever you add a split we have doubled the efficiency by in the 36" x 20" by doing this.

[3Cases]

Thank You mikemci!! That is exactly what I was looking for! That helps me tremendously!! I was hoping for an answer like that, but didn't think I would get one with everything spelled out for me!:-D

[3Cases]

I have an add on question for all of you...

How old do you like your wood to be? There is a place nearby that has a good price on oak. They said most of what they are selling was split about two years ago. Do you think that is too old? It will probably take me at least six months to get through what I buy. Should I look for some that is not as seasoned?

[mike-cleveland]

Not too old. As long as the wood was stored so that air flow around and thru the stack is good. Most of mine is over a year or two. Just want it dry so no moss/etc grows on it.

[SmittyJonz]

6 months to 1 yr

[jwtseng]

Remember out here in California, it's always cookin' weather! :thumb: And with a new pit, I would figure closer to 6 months for 1/2 cord of "just because I can" wood. I got my cooker in August and have almost burned through my first 1/2 cord of oak. Enjoy it!