proper use of wood / smoke

rutili

Hello,

Thank you in advance for your feedback.

What is the proper way to use wood? More specifically,

Should you let the wood burn for some period before putting the food on?

Can you add chunks in the middle of a cook?

Who do you avoid the harsh acrid tast?

Little Steven

rutili,

I don't use a lot of smoking wood since moving to the egg. I found the first few times that the smoke flavour was very intense if I used more than a little wood. When I use it I put it in with the lump and light the smoking wood with the lump to make sure it is burning clean. I use a mapp torch to light.

Steve

crghc98

well, you are burning lump right, letting a good fire get going with clean burning smoke and a stable temp.

You can start with your wood chunks or chips in your coals. I like to mix everything in and use whatever is handy. When the smoke smells good its ready to cook..usually will be a light whispy blueish smoke...

you can add smoking wood during a cook, though if using a platesetter it can be cumbersome. if you mix the smoking wood in, you shouldn't need to do that...

Grandpas Grub

 
I have better results when I put the lump in the lump bed and then light.

I like to use long chunks if at all possible. If using chips I put them to the side of some burning lump in a pile so the flavor wood smokes slightly.

I have also had good success using aluminum foil to make a 'pouch' of wood, putting holes in the top of the pouch. I use about a palm full of chips in each of several pouches. This seems to allow the flavor wood to smolder rather than light. I place the pouches partially over where the lump is glowing.

The main concern for me is the acrid aroma when I put my had over the top vent.

With a little experimenting you find which way works for you.

I seldom or only use cherry or apple with fish other than cold smoking.

Light wood when cooking fowl.

Anything goes with beef or pork.

Here is a nice write up about smoking wood. While you are there go to the main page and take a look through the site. Smoking Woods