Fuel for UDS

[packerfannate]

This is kind of a spin off from a previous thread of mine so it may seem redundant for some.

In your UDS what is your preferred fuel and why? I have always been told to never use charcoal briquettes when smoking and haven't until recently. I have always used lump charcoal.

Also, what do you prefer to flavor the smoke? I have always used store bought wood chips. I prefer the taste of fruit woods.

 

[landarc]

I use a mix of briquettes and lump, have no issues. I prefer to use chunks of wood, often a mix of apple and pecan.

 

[DriverWild]

Usually lump for me. If you want to try briquettes I recommend Stubbs.

 

[peeps]

No UDS but when burning charcoal I prefer briquettes over lump as it is more consistent. Look for natural briquettes if you don't like Kingsford.

 

[SmittyJonz]

I like Briquets with Wood Chunks, I get longer more consistent burn in my experiences. I use KBB mostly but I like Stubbs better but it's never on Sale like KBB does.

Mix the chunks thru out Charcoal. More KBB to go on top of these Chunks. I use Hickory or Pecan mostly, sometimes Cherry or Mesquite or a mix.

 

[grillinguy247]

I use briquettes (stubbs) I used to use kbb and never had complaints. IMO you just burn the Kingsford a little longer before the food goes on. But I also use lump (royal Oak) IMO it burns to fast and inconsistently. But it's all Jay a matter of preference.

 

[4uweque]

I use briquettes with wood chunks mixed in. Usually pecan or hickory.

 

[Bludawg]

 

[Smokin 81]

Kingsford blue bag is usaly gonna be the best priced also I feel is more consistent burning then most I've tried, I used the competition and it burned too hot and lump burns inconsistently! So try KBB with your choice of wood chunks and you will be a happy camper...IMO!!! Also flavors I tend to use is apple/cherry for my chicken, pork and tend stick with a predominant hickory flavor for any beef! But any way you feel like mixing to your own taste works ...just gotta experiment a little!

 

[Blythewood BBQ'er]

Royal oak lump and hickory chunks mixed with pecan or apple chunks

 

[ebijack]

I use both, but lump can burn hotter when required.

 

[Smith's Pig Pen]

We like the Stubbs and some hardwood mix with several chunks of wood- we experiment quite a bit. We know exactly what we get with this blend in terms of burn, ash and temps. KBB has more ash and less burn in ours.

 

[BBQ-Jim]

I use a mix of KBB and RO lump. I put a layer of KBB in the bottom of the basket and a mix of KBB and lump for the rest.... For wood I use apple w/ a little hickory, if doing beef I'll use oak.

 

[bigbeef24]

Wicked good lump, (great burn and clean fire) I like chunks in my UDS, (I like persimmon, pecan, for pork, oak/cherry for beef and any fruitwood for chicken) Try as many wood combinations as possible. BBQ is a craft. Remember charcoal for heat, wood for smoke.

 

[bigbeef24]

If you want to try a variety of wood check out fruita.com. They have good quality wood. Another helpful hint is to check craigslist for wood, Ive found some killer deals.

 

[Ag76]

I tried Stubbs for the first time last weekend. It did a whole lot of snap, crackle, pop like Cowboy lump does. I noticed it is packaged by Cowboy, so I guess it might be the same stuff?