Using Wood Splits on a Charcoal Cooker

[Towen7]

I want to try an experiment to see if I can use my Pitmaker Vault with wood only. Now, before anyone tells me that charcoal cookers need to be fed charcoal (and chunks) and stick burners need to burn sticks ... I get it. This is just for fun.

I'm thinking that I can start the pit with a small amount of charcoal and a single split. Then add a split at a time (and maybe a little extra charcoal if needed). I think 2 splits may be too much heat but one wont provide enough charcoal to keep adding more. The other problem, I think, will be airflow. I'm not confident that the single 2" valve will supply. So I'll need to keep the firebox door open.

Thoughts?

 

[bjarolim]

Before I got my smoker built I had a hankering for smoked meat and I did an all wood cook with a wally world charcoal cheapo grill. What kinda equipment are u using? As long as u can keep a good coal base keep fire going, pretty sure it will be just fine.

 

[KevinJ]

I guess you don't know until you try but I don't think you'll have enough airflow to run a clean fire at reasonable temps, looking forward to see how it turns out.

 

[dadsr4]

I do it in a Weber kettle. You can't just walk away, like you can with charcoal. I'm not familiar with your cooker, but if you can control the intake air, it's doable.
Here are some turkey thighs cooked over cherry wood coals.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3595037&postcount=7
And a leg of lamb.

 

[Towen7]

What kinda equipment are u using?

I'm using an insulated vertical from Pitmaker.

I guess you don't know until you try but I don't think you'll have enough airflow to run a clean fire at reasonable temps, looking forward to see how it turns out.

I'm trying it out now. And we were both right. The 2" valve is not enough to burn clean. So I am having to regulate airflow with the door. It's kind of a PITA.

As for keeping a good coal base, I'm pretty sure that I'll endup having to add some charcoal along the way. Assuming the splits burn clean, burning one at a time wont leave enough coal for the second split and so on.

 

[bobthetomato]

I have a $100 dollar charbrolier that I start on charcoal and then just burn wood in. Make sure the wood is split and dry. Once the first couple burn down and you start getting coals it goes really well.

 

[bjarolim]

If u wanna get creative and do no charcoal get twigs and really small branches and break them up. It will be very tough to have a clean fire as well. And u definitely have to baby every minute and always be watching it like dadsr said

 

[Joe Black]

I don't see any reason that it will not work with the exception of the air intake. This is going to be interesting to watch.

 

[KevinJ]

Your experiment just tells me you need a Pitmaker Short Sniper :wink:

 

[Towen7]

That or a traditional stick burner.

 

[SMOKE FREAK]

Folks told me for years that I could not use my Chargriller as a stick burner...Till the tried my food
Air intake is key...I had to keep the ash drawer part way open to get enough air for the wood to actually ignite...

 

[Towen7]

After several hours of experimenting my original hypothesis was right.

I can burn all wood IF I make some adjustments. It'll require attention every 15-20 mins. If I keep a few a couple of gallons of water in the pan I can keep the cook chamber between 285* and 300*. Any lower requires opening the cook chamber door to regulate temp if I want to keep a clean fire.

We were right to think the 2" valve isn't enough airflow so I'll have to leave the door cracked.

Kind of a hassle but probably not much more than running a traditional offset. I may try an all wood cook tomorrow.

 

[cfspence]

Time to add a stick burner to the stable.

 

[Towen7]

It's not out of the question :wink:

 

[Joe Black]

That or a traditional stick burner.

If that's an option, go for it. Great flavor, lots of fun and plenty of room.

 

[Towen7]

Phase two of the experiment. The goal is to see if I can pull off a simple cook with 100% wood. After last night's experiment I had some leftover coals from the oak splits I burned as well as a partially burned split. I lit those to establish the coal bed and will bring the temp up. As before to get a clean burn I need to leave the firebox door ajar.

I'm using the cyber Q only for remote temp monitoring.

Once she gets to cruising altitude I'll toss on a fresh split and some leg quarters.

 

[Towen7]

Clean fire, thin blue smoke, and hovering around 285*.

Since I was seasoning the leg quarters anyway I decided to throw on a 16 lb prime brisket too. No guts not glory.

I have my phone's timer set to ring every 15 mins to remind me to check on things. Wish me luck.

 

[VoodoChild]

I use splits in my Ranch Kettle all the time ..no issues :grin:

 

[Towen7]

The chicken has come off a while ago and went to the grill for a little sauce. I'm having trouble keeping the fire clean and the temp down. She wants to run hot. I'm having to open the door every few mins to keep the chamber under 325*. So the experiment is already inconclusive since I've now changed two key variables; I'm running the vault on 100% wood and I'm cooking hotter/faster than usual.

Three hours in and the brisket is at 145* and looking good. But I'm working my @$$ off

 

[spedly]

This is really interesting! I was going to try the same thing in my Pitmaker Safe when I'm on vacation later this month. I figured it would be more work but I didn't think it would be running so hot. Makes sense, though. I'm really glad you're doing this - I hope it turns out!