Combo Wood & Charcoal in an Offset
- Thread starter BigRich
- Start date
edapp
Knows what a fatty is.
Some offset pits can accommodate a charcoal grate in the main chamber. LSG offers it as an add on, OKJ has one in one of their models. Shirley offers one that replaces the lowest food grate.
I think you would have to burn an enormous amount of charcoal if you tried to use it in the firebox.
I think you would have to burn an enormous amount of charcoal if you tried to use it in the firebox.
Stlsportster
Babbling Farker
First question is which offset brand/model. I know some people that get away with it on a small cheap offset like an OK Joe Highland, or one of the split smoker/propane units.
95% of the rest of offset smokers will not work well with running charcoal as the main heat source.
95% of the rest of offset smokers will not work well with running charcoal as the main heat source.
edapp
Knows what a fatty is.
I would get a dedicated charcoal smoker if that is what you are trying to do. Will be much more efficient. Kamado, drum, kettle, gravity fed... take you pick.
Stlsportster
Babbling Farker
Rich, just understand this same question gets asked several times a month around here.
I can use my screwdriver to pound in a nail, but the hammer works much better.
Offsets are DESIGNED to be wood only cookers.
Your smoker. Your food. Your method. Consensus of the Brethren is use the right tool the right way.
Inthewoods
Quintessential Chatty Farker
I would look at the Peoria meat monster (MMIF) or the (MMOF)
I see this question a lot and that particular cooker gets overlooked. It's $$$.
-D
I see this question a lot and that particular cooker gets overlooked. It's $$$.
-D
CptKaos
is one Smokin' Farker
And that is "the best way" to run an offset on charcoal briquettes, lots and lots of them
BigRich
Well-known member
Thanks.
SmittyJonz
somebody shut me the fark up.
There's Not - buy a charcoal smoker. DIY UDS or OK Joe Bronco smoker
orangeblood
Full Fledged Farker
many folks use charcoal and sticks in their offsets (even in competitions). thats why baskets are OEM options from many very reputable builders.
as long as you know your smoker's air flow, and you are able to adjust the intake to account for coals and sticks vs a small stick only fire, you will be fine.
when i use both i burn slightly smaller well seasoned sticks on top of coals snaked on the grate after bringing the smoker up to temp with a chimney full of lit coals. i have a square firebox and it is easy to make a substantial sized snake of unlit coals with sticks on top. if you have a round firebox maybe a small basket is best.
dont be afraid to experiment as long as you first know how air flows / is controlled in your smoker. with practice you should be able to extend the time between feeding the fire. sometimes i get even temps for 3 hours.
coals with sticks is an option when you cant tend the fire every 45 minutes for 12+ hours. is it better or can you taste a difference?...questions for another thread
just my $0.02
good luck!
as long as you know your smoker's air flow, and you are able to adjust the intake to account for coals and sticks vs a small stick only fire, you will be fine.
when i use both i burn slightly smaller well seasoned sticks on top of coals snaked on the grate after bringing the smoker up to temp with a chimney full of lit coals. i have a square firebox and it is easy to make a substantial sized snake of unlit coals with sticks on top. if you have a round firebox maybe a small basket is best.
dont be afraid to experiment as long as you first know how air flows / is controlled in your smoker. with practice you should be able to extend the time between feeding the fire. sometimes i get even temps for 3 hours.
coals with sticks is an option when you cant tend the fire every 45 minutes for 12+ hours. is it better or can you taste a difference?...questions for another thread
just my $0.02
good luck!
Stlsportster
Babbling Farker
Combo Wood & Charcoal in an Offset
Good luck.
Good luck.
Stlsportster
Babbling Farker
Charcoal smokers (ugly drum, Weber kettle or Smokey Mountain, insulated vertical cabinets) are designed to limit the amount of air flow, causing the charcoal to burn low and slow for long times.
Wood smokers (offset smokers) are designed to increase airflow allowing wood to burn clean.
Screwdriver meet hammer.
Wood smokers (offset smokers) are designed to increase airflow allowing wood to burn clean.
Screwdriver meet hammer.
Beer Belly BBQ
Knows what a fatty is.
I've always ran charcoal with splits in my stick burners. Especially for competitions. I will start with 1-2 chimney full of a good lump and about 2 splits to get it heated up. Then i will throw splits every 45 minutes to an hour. Once the coal bed is starting to dwindle down I will add more lump.
Stlsportster
Babbling Farker
Starting with charcoal to get a good base, is much different than planning to use charcoal as the main heat source!
pokeable
Knows what a fatty is.
OP seems to be asking if you can run an offset primarily with charcoal as the fuel, and add splits primarily for smoke/flavor.
I start my offset with a couple of handfuls of lump, with a split or two on top as well. But after that, am just throwing in more splits.
Stlsportster
Babbling Farker
This thread started in 2013.
https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=178270
Almost 20,000 people have read it.
https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=178270
Almost 20,000 people have read it.
