Fire basket

[Springram]

I have noticed most of the Shirley's have what I call a "fire basket" in the firebox. Any opinions on whether this helps the burning efficiency for a wood fire by holding the coal bed together better than a normal fire grate?

I have thought about maybe using two 3"-4" angle iron pieces to help keep the coal bed more compact.

Maybe I need to quit think about stuff too much. My cooker seems do well as it is.

Any thoughts?

 

[jwtseng]

I think ppl will tell you its not necessary, but i got one made for my firebox to do just what you said...to hold the coals together better. There's a gentleman on eBay from TX who makes them whatever size you need out of angle iron and expanded sheet. I have found that more than just keeping my bed of coals in a nice confined area, the basket also ensures that any split that I literally throw into the firebox will land and stay right on top of the burning coals and ignite quickly and burn completely. I like it.

 

[pjtexas1]

Before I got my shirley I always thought it wasn't necessary. I've changed my mind and wouldn't want to go without it now. Coals stay together and the double layer of expanded metal keeps the tiny coals from falling thru.

Edit: I do wish it was bigger though.

 

[Springram]

Before I got my shirley I always thought it wasn't necessary. I've changed my mind and wouldn't want to go without it now. Coals stay together and the double layer of expanded metal keeps the tiny coals from falling thru.

Edit: I do wish it was bigger though.

That's what all the gals say......sorry, had to do it.

Thanks for the input. There is a guy with XXL Charcoal Baskets who will make custom fire baskets. He makes them for many cookers including Jambo and Lang, etc.
My firebox is insulated so the interior dimensions are a little smaller than the normal 24"X 24" X 22" firebox that LSG builds. Regardless, I may look into the cost of having one make to fit. Maybe Chris at LSG will be willing to make it for me. Still think two 4" angle irons might get me 80% where I want to be.

 

[Springram]

jwtseng,

Do you recall this Texas guy's name? Thanks for your previous comments.

 

[jwtseng]

jwtseng,

Do you recall this Texas guy's name? Thanks for your previous comments.

Here is a link to one of his ongoing eBay listings. He lists sizes for specific models of stick burners, but message him with how big you want your basket to be and he will point you to the appropriate listing. My firebox is 24x24 with a 12x12 door opening. He made me a box to my specs of 18x11.5x8 and shipped it in under 2 days.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/112007590112

 

[Joe Black]

I had an XXL basket made for my smoker and it works great. It keeps everything together so the coals and the splits are on top of each other.