Good smoke/Bad Smoke

johnnyp

disclaimer: new to BGE.

i hear people talking about good smoke and bad smoke.  How do I know the difference?

SmokeyPitt

One indicator is the color.  When you first light the egg there will be heavy white smoke, but after it stabilizes the smoke will be more clear.  Some say "blue" but to be honest I don't really see the blue in smoke. 

Another great indicator is to trust your nose.  Hold your hand over the top of the daisy wheel, then smell your hand.  If it smells pleasant like a BBQ restaurant then you are good to go.  If it smells like a camp fire then give it some more time.  

DoubleEgger

^^^ +1. 

Welcome to the funhouse! 

All lump is not created equal either. Some brands are more smokey than others and will be more of an issue. Check out the nakedwhiz website for his thorough lump reviews and find the best brand for you. 

johnnyp

DoubleEgger said:

^^^ +1. 

Welcome to the funhouse! 

All lump is not created equal either. Some brands are more smokey than others and will be more of an issue. Check out the nakedwhiz website for his thorough lump reviews and find the best brand for you. 

I read on another post that BGE brand lump is made by Royal Oaks, but RO branded lump can be found at Walmart for half the price. That's what I've been using and with the exception of one cook, have been happy.

Whats the general consensus on RO?

pgprescott

All this time I thought that cigars were good smokes and cigarettes were bad smokes. Go figure???

Chubbs

johnnyp said:

DoubleEgger said:

^^^ +1. 

Welcome to the funhouse! 

All lump is not created equal either. Some brands are more smokey than others and will be more of an issue. Check out the nakedwhiz website for his thorough lump reviews and find the best brand for you. 

I read on another post that BGE brand lump is made by Royal Oaks, but RO branded lump can be found at Walmart for half the price. That's what I've been using and with the exception of one cook, have been happy.

Whats the general consensus on RO?

Most say RO has a strong flavor to it. Depending on what you cook it may overpower and you can find a more neutral lump. I use RO some and it is fine for me. Check out Naked Whiz Charcoal database and get a review on lump. 

fljoemon

Good read here: http://playingwithfireandsmoke.blogspot.com/2004/02/introduction-to-barbecuing.html

g37

Just started using  RO it's pretty good. I haven't  noticed any smokey flavor in my food. Like doubleegger said some lumps r smokey. I used lazzari and the white smoke never cleared.

grege345

Bad smoke smell= bad smoke taste
<BR> 

DoubleEgger

johnnyp said:

DoubleEgger said:

^^^ +1. 

Welcome to the funhouse! 

All lump is not created equal either. Some brands are more smokey than others and will be more of an issue. Check out the nakedwhiz website for his thorough lump reviews and find the best brand for you. 

I read on another post that BGE brand lump is made by Royal Oaks, but RO branded lump can be found at Walmart for half the price. That's what I've been using and with the exception of one cook, have been happy.

Whats the general consensus on RO?

Just because RO makes BGE, it doesn't necessarily mean it's the same level of quality. A basic C class Mercedes isn't the same as a S series even though they're both made by the same company. General opinion is RO is mediocre at best and Rockwood and Ozark Oak is the good stuff. In between lies Weekend Warrior, BGE, etc

Nature Boy

Bad smoke makes your eyes water. It is usually tan, white or gray. When it is right, you want to climb into it. It will smell good even with no food. The smoke will usually be blue-ish. If you don't see smoke, you can still taste it. Waiting for it is always a good move. Cheers!
Chris

kthacher

I get perfectly fine wispy blue smoke, neutral flavour out of RO.  Don't agree with all the negative comments on it.  

Blassiter

One thing I read on the nakedwiz reviews of charcoal is Royal Oaks makes 3 types of lump and all are in the same red bag. Only way to tell difference is read where the wood is from. Nakedwiz rated the Royal Oak made from American hardwood very well and the others were just average. I have not had a chance to see which one WalMart sells.

FlashkaBob

If you wanna screw with these guys, your next question should be "How does the smoke know when it's time to change color and and taste better?"