Charcoal basket in offset, anyone using one?

[ssv3]

I have used the basket in my LSG the last two cooks and I really like it. My T-plates warped also like Island Smoke stated but still functional. Otherwise the basket is fine after and even the expanded metal bottom is still straight. My plan is to replace the t-plates with fire bricks and that should resolve any issues. I'm still working out the operator errors but it works well when you don't want to fiddle with the fire.

I've learned that less is more and second time around I only burnt an 18lb bag of Kingsford Professional briqs that went for about 6 hours which included the initial warming of the pit. Next time around I plan to warm up the pit with sticks first then put the charcoal basket it which will give me more burn time and no charcoal waste.

As far as temps, it burnt clean and I mean thin blue after the start up without any effort. Temps were 225-250*. I just sat back an enjoyed extra adult beverages since there wasn't anything to do but wait for the ribs to cook. :becky:

 

[BillN]

I have used the basket in my LSG the last two cooks and I really like it. My T-plates warped also like Island Smoke stated but still functional. Otherwise the basket is fine after and even the expanded metal bottom is still straight. My plan is to replace the t-plates with fire bricks and that should resolve any issues. I'm still working out the operator errors but it works well when you don't want to fiddle with the fire.

I've learned that less is more and second time around I only burnt an 18lb bag of Kingsford Professional briqs that went for about 6 hours which included the initial warming of the pit. Next time around I plan to warm up the pit with sticks first then put the charcoal basket it which will give me more burn time and no charcoal waste.

As far as temps, it burnt clean and I mean thin blue after the start up without any effort. Temps were 225-250*. I just sat back an enjoyed extra adult beverages since there wasn't anything to do but wait for the ribs to cook. :becky:

I'm thinking of welding some 1/2" tube and another 1/8" plate onto each of the dividers to make an airspace and stiffen the dividers. Did you put wood chunks in with the charcoal? I'm thinking of using the basket with coal and wood chunks to run my oven. Sounds like running the basket 1/2 full may be the best way to go.

 

[BillN]

Yup.

I'm in GTR's camp. Charcoal has its place as the main fuel source just not in a STICK BURNER.

Agree the best use of a stick burner is to burn sticks. In my case the oven over the FB allows for additional options (maybe).

 

[pjtexas1]

there is a reason Chris didn't use to offer the t-plates. he recommended firebricks because they work better. i bet he only offered them because everyone demanded them.

 

[Q+1]

If Vertical offsets were insulated like a vertical smoker cabinet, could they use charcoal and burn longer or comparably ? I'm guessing some heat would still be lost through the firebox top not being directly inside the oven.

Can you not burn sticks in a vertical smoker because the air intakes ( ball valves) are too small and don't allow enough O2 ?

 

[Texan79423]

Carcoal is for hot dogs and Dutch ovens. Might be needed Ina heavy rain storm, but...stick burners need wood!

 

[IslandSmoke]

I have used the basket in my LSG the last two cooks and I really like it. My T-plates warped also like Island Smoke stated but still functional. Otherwise the basket is fine after and even the expanded metal bottom is still straight. My plan is to replace the t-plates with fire bricks and that should resolve any issues. I'm still working out the operator errors but it works well when you don't want to fiddle with the fire.

I've learned that less is more and second time around I only burnt an 18lb bag of Kingsford Professional briqs that went for about 6 hours which included the initial warming of the pit. Next time around I plan to warm up the pit with sticks first then put the charcoal basket it which will give me more burn time and no charcoal waste.

As far as temps, it burnt clean and I mean thin blue after the start up without any effort. Temps were 225-250*. I just sat back an enjoyed extra adult beverages since there wasn't anything to do but wait for the ribs to cook. :becky:

Thanks for sharing! How did you setup the two exhaust stacks and your intake vent for your cook?

-Ray

 

[chuck212]

I got me a sheet of expanded metal and made my own for around 20 bucks..:grin:

 

[ChrisH]

My Shirley came with a slide out fire basket. I use a chimney full of Kingsford to start my fire, but typically burn sticks as my sole fuel source. As mentioned above, I preheat my splits, keep the firebox damper wide open and control the temp with the size of the fire. I am typically adding a 16"-20" stick the diameter of a coke can every 30 minutes or so.

If I need to run an errand or take a nap I might put a larger split on and place a handful of lump in the corner of the basket. I then set the damper to roughly half open and leave it. Shirley will maintain 250-300 for a good couple of hours as the lump ignites slowly and the temperature won't spike.

I generally prefer to just burn wood, but it is convenient every now and then to burn lump wood.

 

[BBQ Bandit]

Here is a detailed thread... http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=125816