Insulated fire box on a offset

[812 Bar B Que]

Does an insulated firebox really help on a offset smoker ?

[captainlee]

I personally don't know but I have seen TV Pitmasters rave about them for holding even temps.

[Uncle Bob]

Here's one builders detailed reasoning for NOT insulating: (5) Insulating a Firebox on Your Offset Smoker: Is It Necessary? - YouTube

[RonB]

Thanks for posting this. I don't have an offset, but I enjoyed the video.

[realdocBBQ]

I have both insulated and uninsulated. I dont think it's that big of a deal.

[PBCDad]

I'm not a builder and I've never used a non-insulated firebox, but Jamie Greer and Aaron Franklin use at least some insulation on their fireboxes, and my inclination would be to trust their experience. Maybe you get more smoke flavor if you use more wood, but I get plenty as-is.

It probably depends somewhat on where you are based too, this past week it's been in the 20's up here and I'm sure the insulation is helping.

A last consideration may be safety, as I'm sure the non-insulated fireboxes get ripping hot, and I'd bet I would have burned myself more than a few times by now if I didn't have the insulation.

[bbqLuv]

My Traeger holds temperature well up to 500*F
Not what you are looking for. I know. But I had to add in 1.5 cents worth.

[TripleB]

How well does your Traeger hold temp in a black out?

[bbqLuv]

TripleB in a Black Out it holds ambient temperature all day and all night long. lol
And yes, that is the downside of an electrical alliance. 😒

[Huskee]

Yes, if it is cold or raining, and especially raining and cold. I have tested wrapping my firebox in insulation and it definitely helps your cooking chamber's temps, which seems strange but it does. Whatever you do, do not wrap your firebox's handle. Ask me how I know.

[TripleB]

Yep, what he said. I have an insulated fire box, but really don't need it in So. Cal. Temps don't get all that low here and rain is fairly absent.