It looks like PBC cook times are usually way less than 5 hours, but some things may take longer than that. Even their site shows a 20-lb turkey taking 7 hours. How long should one batch of coal actually last and what would I do if I have to refuel? Seems not really setup for that.
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Most of my cooks I have not had to refill. I have only had to worry about that a few times. All of those times it has been much cooler out and/or pretty windy. Like most other cookers, wind and colder temps will cause your cook to use fuel at a higher rate. It can be done you just have to plan a little.
If I know the cook may need to go a smidge longer I try to get that basket as full as possible and maybe a little over full. When doing this make sure you get hot coals evenly spread out and a good quality lighting of the coals.
In the event where I have had to add coals I have filled a chimney 1/2 to completely full and got a good light on the coals, removed the food, used a tool to lift the basket out (my chimney doesn't move around well inside the barrel), added the coals, put the basket back, put the food back, left lid open for a few minutes, and the closed it back up.... and that has got me through the cook. This is the cleanest method I have found to keep ash from going everywhere.
A couple times I tried just wearing gloves and using tongs to lower and drop coals in to the basket via access through the hinged grate.... This is ok for a few coals but would suck for an entire basket and still causes some ash and may require you to move some food.
The option I always weigh the heaviest and often times prefer if possible though is I ask myself: "Is this something that I can finish in the oven or grill?"
Something like a pork butt I am completely fine with putting in the oven. Ribs I am fine finishing on a grill, especially if all I am really down to is saucing them and needing to set the sauce. Because I cook poultry at a higher temp anyway then the grill could be a possibility as well and may even help in crisping the skin.
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Yesterday I ran the PBC all day to get a feel for things. I added ribs at 2pm knowing there might not be another 3-5hrs left. When I felt the need to add more coals, which was twice after adding the ribs, I just gently stirred the remaining coals with my tongs and gently dropped about 20 coals or so from my chimney down the center (after moving the ribs to the sides). The next time I dropped a few handfuls at a time. Crack the lid, give it a few minutes, good to go.Comment
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I've run the PBC wthout refueling for about 11 hours using the suggestion of overfilling the basket of coals. Like Nate mentioned - the coals are usually out so close to the end that it's just easier finishing in the oven. If for some reason I needed more time in the PBC I'm planning on using the method Huskee mentioned and remove food, add fresh coals, and proceed to open another beer.Last edited by kill2grill; December 6, 2016, 10:26 AM.Comment
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Would a larger basket do the trick? Maybe with lines marked for normal and overfilled? I wonder if anyone has figured out a way to make the basket a little taller.
PatComment
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Do you have a PBC? I can't tell because you haven't created a signature yet stating what you are using. Check out the homework assignments to get instructions on how to do so...Originally posted by ptehan View Post
Anyway... Creating a taller basket would probably not be the best of ideas because:
1. Often times (especially with ribs and brisket) you are already kissing the fire because of the length of the meat.
2. Noah went through 29 different prototypes before settling on this design and I'm sure that could have somewhat of an affect on performance.
Not saying it couldn't be done or that it hasn't happened but I just haven't seen anyone on here say they have or any of the other PBC threads on different sites that I follow say they have.Comment
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Well, golly, I've been traveling a lot the last couple of months and checking into The Pit has been sporadic due to logistics, so somehow I missed the fact that you've also come over to the dark side, Huskee , joining DWCowles and a few other of my fav stickburner (and other smokers) pitmasters. Congrats to you! You're going to have a lot of fun with it.Originally posted by Huskee View Post
KathrynComment
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Well, richinlbrg, it looks as though you and I are just going to have to keep a closer eye on things from here on out.
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INDEED, fzxdoc - hope your travels have been good!
We look the other way and stalwart stickburners run "afowl" LOL
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