heating the firebox

[rivman]

I live in Orange County, CA where smoking wood has to be purchased and believe me it is not cheap. I am wondering when I am initially heating up my Brazos stick burner in the morning, can cheap firewood be used then switch to smoking woods for the smoking of the meat?

[Panhead John]

You can use a chimney of lit charcoal to start the wood, a lot of people do that, and it’s easier.

[Jerod Broussard]

This guy shows a very good way. Start with the cheap stuff.

[rivman]

Great video!! Thanks for your help.

[Chiller Phil]

Assuming it is a stick burner, what type cooker?
Where in the OC are you?
Non-cooking type wood species will continue to emit undesirable Volatile Organic Compounds until completely "decomposed", i.e. has be come charcoal.
Satisfying the "heat soak/cooker warm up" would better accomplished with charcoal. They would impart less undesirable flavor once fully ash-ed, even Kingsford Blue Bag.

[rivman]

Thanks for the quick reply. I live in Placentia in N. OC. I do start with a chimney of lump charcoal to get a coal bed but to really heat the whole cooking chamber it takes a load of wood. My Brazos DXL is pretty thick metal. I think my question has been answered and do not want to have any "undesirable Volatile Organic Compounds" lingering in the cook chamber that may penetrate the meat when I start the cook.

[lostclusters]

rivman I sure it is the same in orange as it is the San Diego county in that there are tree trimmers there. Most of the wood I use I buy from tree trimmers. Might save you a buck or two.

[Henrik]

Yes, start with the cheap stuff, heat is heat. Then switch.

[texastweeter]

Short answer, yes. Be sure it is hardwood.

[Chiller Phil]

I recommend a different BBQ.
Always sounding like a broken record, my consistent experience with my KBQ C-60; clean smoke in 5 minutes, maximum set point achieved in ~15 minutes and cooks ~25% faster. All of which equate to fuel efficiency.
I live in the los Angeles harbor area, I have no idea at cost relative to other locales, but I source my wood straight out of Compton, $20/40# bag. Fire Wood of My Ranch is the location.
Thoroughly indoctrinated member and evangelist for the cult of KBQ I am.

[jfmorris]

I always start with a chimney of charcoal, get my temp established then add wood as needed to maintain.

[Santamarina]

I use a 500k BTU propane weed burner to start my fire. Once the fire is going I use the torch to warm up the walls of the cook chamber. Quick and easy!

[bbqLuv]

Well people, I fill the hopper, turn it on, set the temp, 15 minutes later, start the cook.