I have an unusual question. Is there a type of smoker that can safely be used by someone using oxygen? Since 'where there's smoke there's fire', my guess is the answer in NO.
About three years ago, I was diagnosed with a lung disease that will eventually require me to use oxygen. Having grown up in Kansas City area and now living in Texas, BBQ has always been a big part of my life and I dread having to give it up.
Does anyone know of a solution other than turning BBQ duties to my wife?
Bill
Sorry to hear about your fate, my mum was hooked to a concentrator for years. I'd suggest you talk to your oxygen supply company and your doctor. I can't say I know much of anything about it, but I'd imagine the smoke would be more of an issue than a risk of a fire from the oxygen. I have a neighbour who is on oxygen and he can't go outside during wildfire season.
Thanks for your advice. Yes, smoke is also a concern, but I do wear a good mask now when outside with the smoker. I have an old Weber kettle grill with the Slow N Sear. Christmas i smoked a ham using Meathead's apricot glaze recipe and it was outstanding. Yum!!!
Well good question Billy Van
I think if you use a bulletsmoker like the WSM it can be operated "safe" by a oxygenuser.. BUT be cautious when lighting the briquettes, that is the dangerpoint i assume.. But yer wife can be the one igniting the coals..
Damn cool Mercedes btw!
Thanks for your advice. A WSM is s as good idea. Right now I have an old Weber kettle grill with the Slow N Sear. Christmas i smoked a ham using Meathead's apricot glaze recipe and it was outstanding. Yum!!! Glad you like the Merc! It's a '79 240D.
Thanks for your comment! I assume you're referring to the oxygen concentrator systems and they would be much safer than oxygen tanks since they put out much less oxygen.
Scotch: Current favorite- The Arran (anything by them), Glenmorangie 12yr Lasanta, sherry cask finished. The Balvenie Double Wood, also like Oban 18yr, and The Glenlivet Nadurra (Oloroso sherry cask finished) among others. Neat please.
About meReal name: Aaron
Location: Farwell, Michigan - near Clare (dead center of lower peninsula).
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Healthcare- Licensed & Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) at MyMichigan Health, a University of Michigan Health System.
I'd suspect unless you have your face down by the flame, or you're lighting it like a gas grill where it flashes up, you're probably ok. Oxygen is a catalyst, not an explosive fuel by itself. Otherwise, simply take your cannula off for a minute while you light & tend the smoker, then put it back on for the trip back into the house.
Huskee the respiratory therapist gives great advice that Mike the firefighter/paramedic agrees with. Think of it this way: These O2 generators are used by thousands of people in their homes where there is cooking and heating appliances. The only time I've ever seen them pose a problem is when people try to smoke cigarettes while wearing the cannula. With that said, consult with your Dr and medical supplier for their advice.
ComfortablyNumb nailed it, call your supplier and explain your situation.
My un-educated guess would be the O2 would be so diluted in the air as not to cause a problem.
If your mask is leaking on inhalation, maybe, on exhale your lungs will have used up the majority of the O2 anyway.
Thank you! Others have suggested an electric pellet cooker, too. That's probably going to be what I eventually need to get. Sure hate to give up my old Weber kettle grill, though. Since I added the Slow N Sear it's a great little smoker!
Lots of great advice here, I will simply reiterate much of what has already been stated. First determine how much smoke you can tolerate. If not much then you will need electric or pellet. If you can tolerate abit then you have more options its just a matter of going about it safely. As stated oxygen is only 1 component of fire. Just know that asking your doc or supplier for safety sake and liability disclaimer they are going to tell you absolutely not. This is however no different than life in general, just be smart and use common sense. Forever lighter fluid, gasoline and many other combustible fluids have been used to light coals. This is now considered extrememly dangerous but many still do it. If it was me i would have no issue using a pellet grill especially the ones you can start remotely and let it come up to temp before venturing out and putting anything on it.
You are correct. Oxygen tanks can be scary around fire! Hopefully, when I do need oxygen I'll be able to get by with an oxygen concentrator for some time.
Your supplier will tell you not to use around any kind of ignition source would be my guess, for legal reasons. Just be sensible. If its an O2 tank then dont mess around, chances are you will be fine but is it worth that chance? If its a more portable, contained unit then id feel a little more comfortable but its still risky.
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