cashelton Yes I use an ash pan. I have thought that too much ash collects on it and impedes air flow, I wish the charcoal basket had longer legs. The ash would be a problem with or without the ash pan, it gives the same clearance. Maybe a different charcoal would give less ash, or burn longer, I am going to try others. Just picked up some B&B.
I would lay enough HD Foil on the bottom as necessary, put a couple of fire bricks in top of foil, and put charcoal basket without ash pan on bricks to increase air flow.
But as I think this through, I might experiment with the bottom air vent first.
Did a pork shoulder today on the PBC. Winds were up to over 20 mph and the temps were single to double digits over the course of the cook. I mention that mainly because of my own discomfort. I put the charcoal basket on 3 four inch start collars to give plenty of room underneath for ash (left the ash pan off), and used B&B charcoal instead of Kingsford. Still had to crack the lid 4 or 5 times after about 4 hours to keep temps where I wanted (275), and took both rebars out when it slowed around 163, then it held around 295. It was done in about 8 hours without adding charcoal, and one the best shoulders I have made. I used 4 big chunks of hickory, more than I usually do. Looked like the basket had a couple good hours left. I will consider a fan and controller, would like less effort and more consistent temps.
Spent a lot of time looking at other smokers to get. MCS might win out. So far, I think the Backwoods G2 Chubby looks good for my needs, wants, experience, price, and hassle. It is limited in temps, but fits with what else I have and what I would use it for.
If not cooking outdoors, I am cooking on the stovetop with my 14" carbon steel wok, 12" CI skillet, or in the oven with my two Lodge CI pizza pans, or two dutch ovens. I've also got a nifty Lodge carbon steel grill pan that rocks for veggies outdoors.
Mark V I've burned hundreds of bags of KBB over the past 30+ years of grilling and smoking, and am now a complete convert to B&B briquettes and lump. Heck, I've used their char logs in my offset and they burn forever. The B&B briquettes burn several hours longer for me on a Weber kettle with the SNS, and seem to produce less ash than the Kingsford did as well. I think you'll find you like it.
My biggest issue is that the main place that seems to stock B&B for me is the local Academy (sporting goods) and they are always out of the briquettes, so when I see them I pick up several bags.
I’m a big fan of my Yoder pellet grill. I think it adds a nice amount of smoke for me and my preferences and that of my family. Moreover, the control is great and there is a lot of the "set and forget" to it, however, you can be more involved if you want too. Good luck on your search!
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