Let's Talk BBQ

FORUM SPONSORS => Pit Barrel Cooker Co. => Topic started by: SteelerFanInTexas on January 14, 2018, 09:52:11 AM

Title: How much wood do you add to charcoal?
Post by: SteelerFanInTexas on January 14, 2018, 09:52:11 AM

I'm still in the learning/experimenting phase.  I've been using various types of wood chips, but have to admit that I don't taste much flavor that I can attribute directly to the type of wood being used.  I've been using somewhere between a cup and two cups of wood chips, and I'm wondering if I should up that.  And, if so, by how much?

I know I can experiment...and I will.  But I don't want to add too much and kill my ribs this evening.  So I'm just curious how much other people use.

Thanks,
Chris

Title: Re: How much wood do you add to charcoal?
Post by: teesquare on January 14, 2018, 09:58:54 AM

What you are seeking is really a "personal taste" issue...but - for me...I like a high quality lump charcoal to start with. Then - occasionally - I will add 1 fist size chunk of preferably pecan, or cherry - or both if I have it.

I do not find that chips or pellets do what we want when cooking with charcoal. They burn too quickly. And they can produce that ugly white smoke that produces an acrid, creosote like flavor that nobody likes....

Title: Re: How much wood do you add to charcoal?
Post by: SteelerFanInTexas on January 14, 2018, 10:12:11 AM

Thanks teesquare.  Do you soak the wood chunk(s) or just put them in dry?

Title: How much wood do you add to charcoal?
Post by: Pappymn on January 14, 2018, 10:32:13 AM

Quote from: SteelerFanInTexas on January 14, 2018, 10:12:11 AM

Thanks teesquare.  Do you soak the wood chunk(s) or just put them in dry?

No soaking. And if you can swing it, don't buy the wood chunks sold in bags in big box stores. Usually old and dry. I buy mine from fruitawood.com. great quality


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Title: Re: How much wood do you add to charcoal?
Post by: teesquare on January 14, 2018, 11:30:17 AM

I only use dry wood...when you soak wood...the fire has to expend more BTUs to evaporate the water - before it can begin to smoke.
So what you get from wet wood is stinky "wet wood steam"...then it smokes. No added benefit from wetting wood - other than it taking more time to get the smoke you want....  ;D

Title: Re: How much wood do you add to charcoal?
Post by: smokeasaurus on January 14, 2018, 12:16:08 PM

I do not add wood to my PBC. If I did, I would use good quality chunks...no more than two and try to set them in the charcoal basket where the food will not be hanging directly over them. The drippings would hinder the burn and cause the chunks to smolder.....you do not want wood to smolder....you get dirty smoke.

Go Steelers today.......payback to Jacksonville.............

Title: How much wood do you add to charcoal?
Post by: psousa781 on January 14, 2018, 04:22:51 PM

I use one or two chunks depending on how long of a cook it’ll be.  I’ve used hickory and apple so far.  Hickory gives a stronger straightforward smoke flavor whereas apple has a more distinct flavor (you should definitely notice it).


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Title: Re: How much wood do you add to charcoal?
Post by: viscera912 on January 16, 2018, 05:50:53 PM

for longer cooks i use 2-3 chunk and i place mine bottom of the basket

i used to do chips but like as mentioned above they burn out quickly

Title: Re: How much wood do you add to charcoal?
Post by: 1Bigg_ER on January 16, 2018, 06:04:01 PM

You really don't need additional wood in the PBC.
The rare times that I did, I buried a chunk or 2 in the coals.
I found that if I just tossed it on top of the burning coals, the wood didn't do much but catch fire.

Title: Re: How much wood do you add to charcoal?
Post by: Pit Barrel Cooker Co. on February 07, 2018, 03:07:11 PM

We recommend a handful of wood chips be added to the charcoal right before the food goes into the Pit Barrel Cooker and there is no need to soak the wood chips. We don't recommend wood chunks as chunks increase barrel temperatures. If you do use wood chunks, just be mindful that the cook will be hotter and faster and results will vary. Please contact our office anytime with questions or concerns at 502.228.1222.