My VOC reducer/lump filter

busmania

Let me start by saying I have NO scientific evidence this works, but it seems to work for me. It only takes an extra minute or so to filter it so why not give it a try?  the buckets are $2.95 from home depot.

I noticed that when I dumped a bag of lump in my egg and it was towards the end of the bag and there were lots of little pieces and dust, the "VOC's" took longer to burn off.  So, I created this handy contraption.  I drilled 1 inch holes in a bucket.  Put that bucket into another bucket and dump your lump in.  Shake it, rattle it etc and get all the dust to go into the bottom bucket.  pour the filtered lump into egg and viola!  To me, it seems to be ready to cook faster and the "bad" smoke seems to burn off faster.  maybe its all in my head!

grege345

I was just outside wondering about this same situation. I'm gonna copy this metod

GeorgeS

Nice easy way to filter out the dust! Sometimes the simple solution is the one that is most elusive! Great job!!

busmania

GeorgeS said:

Nice easy way to filter out the dust! Sometimes the simple solution is the one that is most elusive! Great job!!

Thanks, my lump usually gets dumped into buckets anyway (one for "used" lump with wood chunks that may be not totally burnred, one for big chunks, another for the hell of it) so I figured this was taking it one step further. 

GeorgeS

I'm gonna steel that idea too! I hate the dust sparks!!

Spaightlabs

Makes perfect sense, the more small pieces the more surface area in a given measure of lump. More surface area = more VOCs to release.

Terrebandit

Gonna buy me some stock in Home Depot cause they gonna have a run on bucket sales!

stlcharcoal

Just please do not throw those fines and char dust away.  There's a lot of good BTU's left in that.  Save it in another bucket with a lid.  Use it for your camp fires, wood stove, fireplace, fire pit, composting, etc.  Or when you get enough, sell them to a briquette company--that's what the lump charcoal companies do. 

pretzelb

Reminds me of the Charlie Papazian bucket in a bucket home lautering system for homebrewing beer. 

minniemoh

I try to keep the dust out since I seem to get a lot more flashbacks with those fines in there. Maybe that's just me...

Helmet

Brilliant, I'm making one today!

busmania

I must admit, this is actually my second version.  The first I only drilled holes about 1/2" and they were not nearly big enough.  The 1" holes work much better.

busmania

Also, you can only fill the bucket about a third full otherwise it doesn't work very well.  You have to filter two or three batches each time you fill the egg but I think it is worth it.

odie91

If you guys have a Firehouse subs place in your area, you can buy their used buckets for $2.