Large Smoker Charcoal Baskets

[nmayeux]

Several of us have larger smokers, and after I bought mine, Tim put forward the idea of making a charcoal basket for extended burns. I was wondering if anyone had experience with using one for both rec and comp cooks? Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated, as I plan to put one together shortly. I will keep all posted with pics and notes.

 

[chad]

I had one made for the Kingfisher and use it everytime I cook. At the very least it helps me keep the coal bed together.

 

[nmayeux]

Dave, I did not get a chance to see inside your firebox, but what does the basket look like? I was under the impression you just burned wood. If I remember correctly, your fire box is about the same size as mine.

 

[chad]

Noah,

Here's a couple of pics - I hope.

I always start a bed of Kingsford - it really helps the heat issue and gets the wood started quickly. I rarely add any charcoal - once the fire is established I just load up the wood when needed. So, we do burn primarily wood but I like having the coal base to start with. I also use my mega-BTU gas burner to preheat the cooker while waiting for the coals to get going. I could use the brush burner to light the wood and probably get the same effect.

I did the buckboard bacon yesterday and since I needed less heat overall I started 1/2 basket of Kingsford and put that side of the basket towards the "grill" side of the Kingfisher - I had no problem keeping the heat where I wanted it even witht he reduced coal bed. I added some oak at first to get things going and then went with small pecan chunks for the rest of the cook - somewhere around 4 or 5 hours.

 

[Brauma]

Whats the proper name for that expanded metal stuff? Ive gone to HD and Lowes and they dont seem to have it. Guess I need to go to a metal shop.

 

[Brauma]

Well, ask Google and you shall rececive:

http://www.mcnichols.com/products/expanded/standard/productDetails.html#swd

My next question is: what size expanded metal did you use on the firebox?

 

[chad]

The exanded metal I asked for was 3/4 inch - not sure of the gauge - probably 12 or 14 but please don't quote me on that (I just checked and it's closer to 8 gauge expanded metal). All Lowe's and HD have is the small gauge which is ok for a lot of projects - a fabricator will be able to set you up. I had a local guy fabricate it for me (Scott at Partygrills.com) - I've borrowed one of his cookers and talked with him at a couple of contests. I emailed measurements and we talked about features. I need to take mine back and have the divider taken out - I can't get the heat I need using "u" shape so I just fill each side with Kingsford and use two chimneys of lighted charcoal to get things going. Other than that it's done just what I asked for - holds my coal bed together whether charcoal or when I'm on all wood.

 

[BBQchef33]

Brauma.. home deopt HAS the expanded metal. It s just hard to see. In most all the home depots its around the same spot. The first isle next to the lumber,(think it usually has the work gloves in it). Next to the work gloves, there is a small display of steel rods, flats, aluminum flats, threaded rod, angle line, etc.. Once you find that display.. look ABOVE it. There should be 24x24 sheets of expanded steel in cardboard sleeves.

 

[Brauma]

10-4. I'll check again at a different HD. If I strike out there no big deal. I just found a great old steel yard/fab place in my own county. Never been there before. The place could make a great movie set. I needed some 1/8"x2" bar stock for a project and someone turned me on to this place. Best prices Ive found on metal to boot. If HD doesnt have expanded, Im sure this old place will.

 

[Sawdustguy]

Noah,

Are you going to use the Charcoal in the Lang? The way my Lang 84 goes through wood I will be broke in notime. I will be following your thread to see what you come up with.

 

[nmayeux]

I'm going to give it a try. I liked the idea of preheating the cooker, and establishing a good bed of coals before cooking. Also, it is a waste to burn wood after wrapping the meat. Once the meat is sealed, the cooker is really just an oven, and there is no more need for sweet blue.

I will probably try a test with my cheap BSKD basket, and work out a design to be built by a fabricator. On a different note, my 60 burns a stick every 30 to 45 minutes when cooking at 225. Is this rate comparable to yours?

 

[Trout_man22]

10-4. I'll check again at a different HD. If I strike out there no big deal. I just found a great old steel yard/fab place in my own county. Never been there before. The place could make a great movie set. I needed some 1/8"x2" bar stock for a project and someone turned me on to this place. Best prices Ive found on metal to boot. If HD doesnt have expanded, Im sure this old place will.

Mark if they don't let me know I can get it for you.

 

[rbinms33]

Brauma.....I used that stuff from HD to build my grate. It did work but I had to put 1" angle "crossmembers" under it so it didn't sag down into the ashpan. Been using it several years now.

 

[Brauma]

Trout, thanks. I may come see you if my bro-in-law falls thru. He says he has some 3/4" diamond laying around the shop. Im thinking 1" would be better to make a box with but I'll take some freebie scrap and build a first try then go from there.

You'll be proud to learn that I just finished the arc welding portion of my Welding 101 class tonight. Got A's and B's on all welds. I did my vertical downs (with a 6013 rod) tonight. Forgot my cap and now I have skull burns!! Ouch. You need any help in the shop? Wont be long and I'll give your welder buddy a run for his money! Yeah right.

Richie, thanks for the pic. Great looking box.

 

[Sawdustguy]

Noah,

About 2 sticks an hour on the Lang 84 for 225*.