Newbie: Wood Chunks or Chips?

banjomark · November 2009

Greetings and Salutations,

I just bought a large BGE (I'm a convert from the WSM), and am planning on inaugurating with ribs this weekend. Now, normally on the WSM I'd load up some lump and 2-3 chunks of hickory or such, but all the propaganda that came with the egg led me to believe the way to smoke on the BGE is with wood chips in a spiral pattern. Is this what y'all do or should I do what I've been doing?

If, as I suspect, I want to use chunks as far as placement goes, do I have to place them very near the center where the charcoal is lit? (I'm used to a full chimney full of hot coals).

Thanks so much!
~Mark

Celtic Wolf · November 2009

Either, but chunks are better.

You want them mixed in with the lump. Personally I wouldn't light the egg in one spot. I always light mine in four spots (12, 3, 6, 9 o'clock) about 2" from the fire ring. Just make sure one of the spots includes a chuck of wood.

Luvs to shoot clay · November 2009

Chunks.

Unknown · November 2009

Yeah,
What he said, and don't soak them either.

thegrillster · November 2009

Chips work fine also. Spiraling increases the duration of the smoke.

Be careful because it is easy to oversmoke. Smoking in the early process of the cook seems to be more pleasing to me.

If you have chips use them. You probably already have previous experience with the taste you are looking for.

I belive the egg concentrates the smoke very efficiently.

BayouMark · November 2009

Do chunks. I tried the spiral method--burnt up a lotta chips and got a little smoke. Don't soak em and put your ribs on cold so they will develop that tell tale smoke ring.

Sooner Egg · November 2009

chips are way better

Lovenbrau · November 2009

I have use both combined. I put the chips through out and spread 4 chunks out for longer smoking.

banjomark · November 2009

Thanks all!

I do know what I'm looking for (been Q'ing on the WSM for several years) - I normally put 3 or 4 chunks in that - thanks C.Wolf for the tip about lighting 4 spots, I'll try that.

m

Newbie: Wood Chunks or Chips?

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