Offset, Insulated or non-insulated firebox?

[doug93003]

I've been going back and forth on ordering a new offset with or without an insulated firebox. I know all Jambo's come insulated, but with some other manufacturers its an option.My assumption was that an insulated firebox would increase burn times, resulting in longer times between adding logs. I spoke to a friend of mine whose had both and he said it's still between 45 minutes and an hour, just that he adds smaller splits for the same temp and burn time.

Does anyone else have experience with both? Is there any real reason to go with an insulated firebox?

 

[Mattb82]

I think it also comes down to where you live. I'm in an area that gets really cold so it was more important to me. I can't speak from firsthand experience yet as mine gets here next month.

 

[pjtexas1]

Saves fuel and doesn't get so hot so the paint lasts longer.
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=204594&highlight=Shirley+firebox

 

[Shagdog]

So there's a couple reasons I got one...

Cold weather, sure. You still have some thermal loss through the walls of the FB. It doesn't stop it all together, but it does help. A lot. Its warm to the touch, but you couldn't fry an egg on it, or burn yourself. So all that thermal energy makes its way into the cooking chamber. But let's face facts, a stick burner isn't economical. We don't use them because they're thrifty. I doubt the log or 2 that I don't use would ever be noticed.

That being said, Here's why I did it. Kids. I have kids, and we often have bbqs with smaller children running around. The insulated box is just safer. You can bump it touch it lean on it, no problem. Without, you would seriously injure a kid who came in contact with it.

Also, I couldn't stand to have the FB be all rusty all the time because the it got hot enough to melt the paint off. I have yet to see anyone who solved this little problem, and when I ponied up that much cash for a smoker, I want to keep it nice.

 

[Jason TQ]

You still have to feed it about the same. I thought about insulated, but it is warm here most of the year and couldn't justify the cost. You are correct on smaller sticks for the same amount of burn.

 

[gtr]

I live in SoCal and chose not to have an insulated firebox. I've never used a cooker with one to know what it's like, but at the same time I've never found myself wishing I had one. My considerations were both the money and the fact that I live in a warm climate.

Question about insulated firboxes - do they get hot on top? I like to preheat splits on the FB, heat up sauce, etc. - I like having that hot surface.

 

[sparctek]

I have an insulated firebox on my LSG offset. My experience mirrors what has already been stated; I still add splits every 30-45 minutes, but they are smaller splits.

I usually take a normal split and split it in thirds lengthwise. That is what I add every 30-45 minutes. Another thing to consider... if you like to cook at lower temps, i.e. 225 then it may be harder to maintain a coal bed. I cook at 275-300 with the above size splits. Any lower and maintaining a coal bed gets challenging.

 

[Shagdog]

I live in SoCal and chose not to have an insulated firebox. I've never used a cooker with one to know what it's like, but at the same time I've never found myself wishing I had one. My considerations were both the money and the fact that I live in a warm climate.

Question about insulated firboxes - do they get hot on top? I like to preheat splits on the FB, heat up sauce, etc. - I like having that hot surface.

Greg, I have a warmer, but I am going to say no, it doesn't get hot enough to preheat splits. When I feel like my splits need dried or warmed (it's really the same thing) I put them in the firebox, under the basket, opposite side from the fire. If my pit is running 300, the warmer only ever gets to 150.

 

[JohnnyB]

I live in southern NH. It gets cold. Real cold. I ran mine the other day in 30* weather, and had no problems. Only thing is you do use a little more wood. But like others have said...who cares? Wood is easy to come by around here. I will say though, I'm jealous of the insulated boxes because of the safety factor. I have to put baby gates all around mine when my boy is with me. Kind of a pain, but it's necessary.

 

[doug93003]

Is the insulated firebox on the LSG smaller than the non insulated?

 

[sparctek]

Is the insulated firebox on the LSG smaller than the non insulated?

Yes, it is a little smaller on the inside; the outside is still same dimensions. I have not found that to be detrimental in any way.

 

[Smokin' Greene]

I prefer an insulated firebox. I like the safety aspect of it, and I think it is more efficient.

 

[bbqlearner]

I'm right now in line waiting for a Shirley and I ordered insulated FB mainly for safety reasons. I cant tell you how many times I myself get burned touching my current offset FB let alone kids. And we have a lot of friends with little kids so yeah mainly because of safety.
Living in Texas, if looking at weather alone, I would not be able to justify the extra cost.

 

[ssv3]

I live in SoCal and chose not to have an insulated firebox. I've never used a cooker with one to know what it's like, but at the same time I've never found myself wishing I had one. My considerations were both the money and the fact that I live in a warm climate.

Bingo! SoCal = no need for insulated.

Shagdog's made good points also if they apply to you.

 

[akoda]

I never thought of the safety aspect. I am going to burn myself for sure I seem to cut or burn myself good every few weeks. Sober usually but not always

 

[dummy que]

to insulate or not to insulate

i cook on a LANG 60 i halve lined the bottom and sides of the firebox with firebrick i also cover the top of my firebox with firebrick i halve also lined the tunnel under the sear plate with firebrick i still use about the same amount of wood but i find it much easier to maintain temps after the cooker stabilizes i can still use the top of my firebox to warm splits i halve no problems with small children getting burnt once properly warned :tumbleweed: