First really bad cook!

[bbqpigskin]

Well, I produced my first really bad batch of BBQ yesterday. I did a couple of racks of spares. They came out awful! I tried to use a little lump mesquite and some pecan for heat for the first time. I usually use regular Kingsford and whatever wood I decide to use for flavor. Had a few problems:

1. Had a hard time keeping a consistant temp in my smoker. Usually no problem.
2. As soon as I sparked the mutha up, it started to pour
3. The ribs ended up black and tasted way too smokey. Almost like the bad brown smoke you get when first heating the rig up.

What I learned:
1. Stick to what works. I feel pretty good about the BBQ that I regularly get in my little offset.
2. Maybe using lump and wood for heat is better in bigger rigs. When I get mine done, I'll have to start all over again learning to build consistant fires.
3. I still had fun and was able to be critical about what I did and not get too pissed...there is always next weekend!

Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

PS- no porn...it looked lie chit!

 

[bbqinNC]

Sounds like the fire did not have enough air. Was it a really smoky fire?

 

[BBQ_MAFIA]

Been there with the bad cook thing.
After a day of being mad, it couldn't wait for the next weekend to start over.
Good luck on your next try.

 

[bbqpigskin]

The fire was a bit smokey. I think that trying to use just hard wood for the heat was my mistake. My firebox is not huge, so maybe that type of fire is not the best for it. it could not handle that type of fuel. It burned clean, hardly any ash, but the wood took too long to ignite or maybe did not stay ignited once I shut the door and closed the damper a bit.

Is this a problem for those of you with bigger rigs?

 

[backyardchef]

The fire was a bit smokey. It burned clean, hardly any ash, but the wood took too long to ignite or maybe did not stay ignited once I shut the door and closed the damper a bit.

That sounds like the fire wasn't getting enough air or wasn't hot enough. Not sure what size wood you were using, but that would be a guess....I've run the chargriller on wood and charcoal or all wood, but it took a bit of trial and error to get there. The biggest difference was using a basket to hold the coals and wood. There were a few inches under the basket and around to get air.

I've also had troubles with themps when it's really humid out, or about to rain....hope that helps a little....we've all been there. The fun part is doing it again the next weekend........

 

[midnight]

but the wood took too long to ignite or maybe did not stay ignited once I shut the door and closed the damper a bit.

Is this a problem for those of you with bigger rigs?[/QUOTE]

Did you pre heat the wood? I bet that is a big part of the problem. If the wood is cold or damp it will take a long time for it to ignite and untill it does you will get alot of bad smoke from the wood. The next log I plan on throwing in the fire box always gets laid on top of the fire box lid to pre heat. When I put it in it will ignite almost instantly with very little smoke.

 

[JohnMcD348]

I feel your pain. I lost a brisket yesterday myself.

 

[Draughter-TB]

Bad Smoke

Sorry you lost some good meat:sad: ...I'll stick to charcoal and wood chunks for a little while longer before I try to graduate. BREW!!!

 

[Arlin_MacRae]

If I even suspect my wood is wet (remember which forum we're in, you farkers!) I leave the intake and exhaust wide open on my 'Dera until I'm sure I'm getting mostly sweet blue. And, like midnight said, preheat your wood whenever possible to make sure it's dry and ready to burn.

 

[big brother smoke]

Sounds like smoldering wood!

 

[jgh1204]

I posted a bad results thread a few months ago. Shake it off and try it again.

 

[Hoorenga]

Yup, fire control. Just didn't get a good burn on the wood. Practice, practice, practice! Just remember that if you pay attention and learn from your mistakes you will be rewarded many times over by the smiles and joy of your friends when you do get it right. And once you get it, you get it. I recieve praise and joy even if I screw up, from my dog that is. He likes anything I fark up. You are learning bro and that's all that counts. Hang in there and you will soon be a real pit master. It's a process and a journey and we are glad to have you on board.