Wood chunk size on my WSM 18"

[Smoking77]

I'm going to do a Fruita Wood purchase for my WSM and they offer 3" x 3" and 2" x 2" wood chunks. Is one or the other a better choice for my 18" cooker? If it's useful, I use lump charcoal, usually cook low and slow anywhere from 225-275, and like moderate smoke on my beef and pork. When I do chicken, I cook high temps 350 or higher, but smoke profile on chicken doesn't matter as much to me. Thanks for the input!

[ecowper]

Not sure how much difference it would really make in terms of amount of smoke. That said, I have a 20 lb box in the garage right now, full of 2x2 chunks of apple.

[Smoking77]

Would having bigger chunks possibly cause a dirtier smoke? Bigger wood taking more time to get hotter and all that science?

[Mr. Bones]

I shop frequently at Fruita, always gits me th 3" x 3" chunks, so I can use em in bigger charcoal smokers, as needed.

I jus split em down smaller, with th claw side of a hammer, if'n I needs less, which ain't often...

I cut my own local woods down to approx th same, fer chunks...

Cain't imagine chunk size bein a variable in regards to dirty smoke, just season, an moisture content...

[Steve R.]

Agree. Those chunks are going to be kiln dried, so less "dirty" smoke just due to being that dry.

[Smoking77]

Excellent idea Mr. Bones. Although there's a 50/50 chance I lose a finger that way

[jfmorris]

I would go with the 2x2 chunks. That is closer to the "golf ball" sized chunks recommended here on AR. I think the 3x3 chunks will be a big big, and send up a lot of flames when they catch fire. Like Mr. Bones says you can always chop them down with a hatchet. I buy B&B chunks in bags, and if I don't like the size of the larger hunks, I split them with a hatchet.

[jfmorris]

Haha Smoking77 the grand prize thread had not been posted at 8:51 CST.

[Smoking77]

Touche!

[Steve R.]

Personally, I would go with the 3" chunks. It seems there is an extra charge for the 2 x 2. It's really not a big deal to split those with a hatchet. Just one light tap to stick the chunk on the blade and then a bit firmer (with your free hand safely away) to finish it off.