Bad Smoke

jsampso · December 06, 2009, 08:15:38 AM

I miscalculated my smoke timer and a puck burned down to ash. The Bubbas never went through and the food smells and tastes like a campfire. >:( More attention to detail next time.

Is the inside of the smoker now contaminated with the resin and creosote?

NePaSmoKer · December 06, 2009, 08:51:44 AM

No your smoker is not contaminated with any residues. In fact the crustier smokey it is the better it will smoke. Check the puck tube and make sure it is not pushed down to far as to keep the pucks from going through. I have had some issues with this in the past but never with a nasty burnt taste.

nepas

pensrock · December 06, 2009, 09:45:56 AM

I have had them burn down to ash before but it did not harm the taste of the food at all. ???

Quarlow · December 06, 2009, 09:56:53 AM

Yeah I forgot to put water in my bowl once and 3 hrs of pucks burnt right to ash. It all tasted good. If I was doind cheese and that happened it might be strong but otherwise you should be fine.In our home built smoker from childhood we always burnt right to ash. It was not the best flavour as I have now found out but it was damn good and no one ever complained.

FLBentRider · December 06, 2009, 09:59:18 AM

Two questions:

1. What were you smoking ?

2. What flavor and how many hours of smoke did you use ?

Mr Walleye · December 06, 2009, 10:07:19 AM

jsampso

My experience is usually the puck burning to ash doesn't give you the ashtray taste. The one thing that can cause it is not having the vent open enough. You want the smoke gently flowing through the smoker and kissing the meat. You don't want it chocked down with vent closed too much or the stale smoke will create that nasty flavor.

Just a thought, good luck. ;)

Mike

jsampso · December 06, 2009, 11:04:18 AM

I was smoking a beef roast (3lb) and a couple of turkey legs below the roast. Thia was my first time using beef and my 4th time smoking.

DBS-4
OT: 180F
IT: 160F
Wood: Mesquite
Smoke Time: 3hrs
Cook Time: 10hrs
Vent: 1/2 -3/4 open

Could the 2 turkey legs have put out too much moisture?

Quarlow · December 06, 2009, 11:12:16 AM

You know one puck burning to ash shouldn't really make your food taste funny. I wonder if you just aren't use to smoked food and it is just something you need to get use to.

KyNola · December 06, 2009, 11:15:24 AM

No offense to anyone but could it be the mesquite taste overpowering the food? Wouldn't think the turkey legs would have thrown off enough moisture to adversarily effect the outcome.

KyNola

Mr Walleye · December 06, 2009, 11:18:11 AM

Certainly poultry gives off a lot of moisture but only 2 turkey legs shouldn't be that bad. 3 hours of mesquite may have been too much for your taste as well. When you try again try using a milder wood like apple and back off to 2 hours or so until you get your tastes dialled in.

With your vent 1/2 to 3/4 open it should have been ok.

Mike

Edit...
Sorry KyNola... you have the same thoughts as I do.

KyNola · December 06, 2009, 11:21:34 AM

Mike,
I'm just happy to know that I might have the same thought as someone with your experience.

You still liking your Louisiana smoker?

KyNola

Quarlow · December 06, 2009, 11:28:22 AM

Mesquite is the strongest flavour wood so I would try something lighter next time.
Use this as a guide to smoke flavour and adjust the wood to what you like. Anddon't be afraid to mix woods once you figure out what you like.

Mesquite-Very strong
Hickory-strong
Oak-strong but not overpowering
Pecan-mild version of Oak
Maple-Mild
Cherry-Mild & fruity
Apple-Mild, fruity with a slight sweetness
Alder-Light with a hint of sweetness

Mr Walleye · December 06, 2009, 11:31:51 AM

Thanks KyNola

Ya the CS570 hasn't missed a beat. I've done ribs, wings, brisket, wings, chicken, wings, turkey, wings pork butt, and... did I mention wings. :D

I see you're sportin' a new MAK! Looks like an awesome unit! ;)

Winter is setting in here... been down to -30 C already although today is only -15 C so I'll probably mainly use the Bradley in the heated garage in the cold weather mainly for "my" comfort. I have to do a turkey next weekend for a Christmas get together of a bunch of friends... should be great.

Mike

FLBentRider · December 06, 2009, 11:34:22 AM

I would concur with Mr. Walleye and KyNola.

Mesquite is some strong stuff.

Huntnfreak · December 06, 2009, 11:47:22 AM

Quarlow-How does the Jim Beam fit into mix? I've never tried them before last night. I smoked two pork butts last night and am now just waiting for them to get up to temp so I can pull them. It smells so good I'm drooling, can't wait to taste it. I only smoked for 4 hours because I didn't know if it would be overpowering or not.

Bad Smoke

NePaSmoKer