Charcoal Smokers

MWS · May 05, 2005, 01:42:37 AM

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by PAsmoker
 Mike, I have a New Braunfels. I like this smoker. For the price, you can't beat it. However, when I was researching it years ago, I came across some mods that are definitely recommended. First, take some non-galvanized sheet metal & make more of a barrier between chamber & off-set box (close down hole by 4-5 inches if I remember). This will help w/ chamber from getting too hot and direct more heat towards bottom of cooking chamber. Next, take a little more metal & make the chimney a little longer inside, extended down towards the grates. Helps smoke flow & heat control. Lasly, install a boiler drain on far end to facilitate draining of grease & if you ever clean it, water.
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Thanks for the advice and tips PA. I think I saw that same webpage. I think I'll stick with the Bradley and water smoker

Mike - Harrison Hot Springs B.C.
- Find true happiness, capture it and eat it -

tsquared · May 05, 2005, 06:01:04 AM

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Our Canadian friends can look for Maple Leaf Lump. <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"> I haven't seen that since the last NHL season!
Tom

oguard · May 05, 2005, 06:10:33 AM

I see you have some hockey withdrawls to.We should be watching the run to the cup right now.Well if all we got is our Bradley then that is better than nothing at all.

KEEP ON SMOKIN
Mike

Catch it,Kill it,Smoke it

Phone Guy · May 05, 2005, 06:28:23 AM

[/quote]I actually will hit the big 40 in 22 days.

Jeff[/quote]

I remember when I turned 40.. lets see, it was about 11 months ago. Time flies.

LFord · May 05, 2005, 04:03:27 PM

Here is a good site if you want to compare different hardwood charcoals.

http://www.nakedwhiz.com/lump.htm

I have used an off-set firebox smoker for a couple of years(and an water smoker for 8 before that) and it is a great thing if you like the process as much as the product. While you don't have to babysit them as much as some people say you do have to pay attention to them the whole time you are cooking. I plan on keeping mine and firing it up for big BBQ's when I have people over and we can stand around the smoker, drink beer and BS about what life was like before we all hit 40[:D]
The one I have is the New Braunfels and it has worked great for me. Here are a couple of little tips for it.

Get a chimney style charcoal lighter.

Use some type of drip tray under your food.

Ajust your heat with the chimney cover and the vent on the firebox. If you close the chimney cover too much you don't get enough air movement through the cooking area and the side next to the box will be much hotter than the far end.

If you use small wood chips always soak them first.

Try tossing some fresh herbs into the firebox.

Always have a good supply of your favorite beverage on hand. I make my own beer and wine so this is not usually not a problem for me.[:)]

Fermentation and civilization are inseperable-John Ciardi

Chez Bubba · May 06, 2005, 05:29:56 AM

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by BigSmoker I actually will hit the big 40 in 22 days.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Just did it in February, ain't no big deal if your mind's in the right place![8D]

Except for the fact that the doc is now gonna want to shove his finger up the one-way valve![;)][:0][V]

http://www.chezbubba.com
Ya think next time I check into a hotel & they ask "Smoking or Non?" they would mind?

MWS · May 06, 2005, 05:30:48 AM

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by LFord
 
Always have a good supply of your favorite beverage on hand. I make my own beer and wine so this is not usually not a problem for me.[:)]

Fermentation and civilization are inseperable-John Ciardi
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Lford,

Thanks for the reply, Welcome to the forum. Now I'm thinking about that New Braunfels I saw again......I like the idea of a good charcoal smoker for those summer afternoon sessions with friends. Hey... I too am an avid homebrewer (ales) and have used the Bradley to smoke grains (smoked porter). Homebrewing and barbecue......[;)]

Mike - Harrison Hot Springs B.C.
"Men like to barbecue, men will cook if danger is involved" -John Wayne

LFord · May 06, 2005, 04:00:38 PM

Homebrewing and barbecue......

They do make a great combo don't they?

I like to have one or two Brew-B-Q's each year where we get together, brew and have a BBQ at the same time.

Fermentation and civilization are inseperable-John Ciardi

MWS · June 03, 2005, 05:30:29 AM

So I did a BBQ session with my charcoal water smoker on the weekend. Like my signature line says, "Men like to Barbecue, men will cook if danger is involved", well, I stepped on a red hot piece charcoal in bare feet.[:0] Some coals dropped out of the bottom of my chimney starter onto the ground and unaware, I did a unsuccesful walk on hot coals. Do not wear bare feet around charcoal......[V]

Mike 

"Men like to barbecue, men will cook if danger is involved".
-John Wayne

nsxbill · June 03, 2005, 03:27:24 PM

I have been lusting after the Caldera Del Fuego from BBQGuru only because it will knock down for road trips, and it looks pretty darn versatile too.

Bill

There is room on earth for all God's creatures....on my plate next to the mashed potatoes.