Is my wood green?

[Bruceski44]

I just got a cord of apple wood and it measured 12% - 17% moisture with my meter, but it’s awfully smoky in my KBQ. Could it still be too green? I mixed in some kiln-dried, store-bought hardwood and the smoke level is much less.

[Huskee]

Doubtful, that's a pretty good dryness. I usually tell people try not to burn wood for smoking unless it's 20-25% max, teens to 20 so much the better.

[bbqLuv]

I just have to ask, how much does fire temp or airflow affect the smoke quantity and or quantity? Just curious.
Thank you in advance.

[Huskee]

bbqLuv A lot. I always teach folks who are burning logs to keep a very HOT fire, just make it small. It only has to be large enough to get your target cooking temp range, but whatever size it is needs to be HOT with ample airflow for best results. Choking back the air on a too-big fire will result in thick smoke and you don't want that very long.

[RonB]

Your kiln dried wood is likely too dry. Huskee had it right, and your apple wood is great. I can't really help with the KBQ though.

[Steve R.]

Okay, this is somewhat of a "is your computer turned on?" level troubleshooting question, but did you split the piece of wood and then immediately check the moisture level on the inside of it? 12% - 17% is plenty dry for burning.

[Bruceski44]

Thanks for all the replies.

stever, great question and no. But when I tested a freshly split piece it was at 25%. It’s some really tough splitting, even with a kindling cracker xl and a 2-handed swing on my 3lb hammer. Which also makes me think it’s green.

I just wrapped the ribs, so was loading up more apple to get a pic, but can’t get the oversmoke anymore. Maybe because I have a 6 hour coal bed now.

[Steve R.]

Yeah, the moisture on the inside is what matters, and it's close but not quite there yet, imho