AZ Barbeque.com
BBQ Related Topics => BBQ Fuel Discussions - Charcoal, Lump, Pellets, Wood & Gas => Topic started by: RobOConnell on July 12, 2009, 09:58:33 pm
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First time using a UDS and I have some questions. First of all, I noticed that even with 2 plugs and the valve opened, I can only get temps to about 250. The cook temp was maintained at about 220 but after about 7-8 hours, I started to lose temp. I know that that was the approx time that the firebox would allow, as that is what was told to me from who I got the UDS from. I am wondering if the size of the fire box is my problem. I used a 9lb bag of charcoal in a firebox of about 10x9. Its an old colander pot with the holes drilled out to make better airflow. Since I just got the UDS this was more of an adjustment cook today. I had 2 8+ lbs pork butts. Internal temp after nearly 10 hrs was barely 150. I had to finish them in the oven. My question is, am I correct to assume that its my firebox that is hindering me? I am planning to get the usual expandable metal to eventually make a firebox of about 20x9, and thus use a bit more charcoal.
Rob
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Personally, I believe that 20" will be way too big. I've split the difference, between 14-15" diameter. I've heard it said that'll burn for upwards of 15 hours...this thread, http://www.thehotpepper.com/showthread.php?p=224276#post224276 (http://www.thehotpepper.com/showthread.php?p=224276#post224276) has a pic at the end of a very nice firebox. Many people base it on the charcoal grate of one of the Weber kettles. I'm gonna use Ex Metal cus I'm a po boy.
Maybe not quite enough starter coals?
I had my thermo in my offset smoker today, and it was 150. I wasn't cooking, it was just 150 in there. Next week, I'll light 2 briquettes, see how warm it gets...
dk
P.S. Watch the banners there. One of the sponsors is a familiar name....
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How are you monitoring the temp?..what I mean is are you going by a therm that's mounted on the barrel or do you have a probe at the grate?
I think I would scrap the colander and go with expanded metal like Dave said...more air. Right now, in Arizona, you should be trying to keep the heat down instead of fighting to get it hot.
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See my post with all the pics...my fire box is about 15x8, made out of expanded metal, and is plenty big... http://www.azbarbeque.com/forums/bbq-recently-post-pictures-and-tell-us-what-you-cooked/pork-butts-and-a-beef-roast/msg33414/#msg33414
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/3700459528_2dc8fb5910.jpg)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/3700461558_2434ce5e3e.jpg)
...and also like jaybird stated a therm in the side will read lower (usually) than one at grate level.
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Robin..give me a call..I got most of the parts to make your firebox..I should have given them to you when you were here. Sorry for the heat issue, but I only smoked smaller portions of Meat..never tried two Butts..at the same time.
Jim
First time using a UDS and I have some questions. First of all, I noticed that even with 2 plugs and the valve opened, I can only get temps to about 250. The cook temp was maintained at about 220 but after about 7-8 hours, I started to lose temp. I know that that was the approx time that the firebox would allow, as that is what was told to me from who I got the UDS from. I am wondering if the size of the fire box is my problem. I used a 9lb bag of charcoal in a firebox of about 10x9. Its an old colander pot with the holes drilled out to make better airflow. Since I just got the UDS this was more of an adjustment cook today. I had 2 8+ lbs pork butts. Internal temp after nearly 10 hrs was barely 150. I had to finish them in the oven. My question is, am I correct to assume that its my firebox that is hindering me? I am planning to get the usual expandable metal to eventually make a firebox of about 20x9, and thus use a bit more charcoal.
Rob
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Big is good, I made mine tall so I could add as much as I needed.
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e318/quiggsfile/SANY0716.jpg)
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e318/quiggsfile/SANY0725.jpg)
Also has area under to breathe.
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Damn Dave, you got enough there to have hot coals until at least Saturday. ;)
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Jay, we threw the sampler briskets (both racks full) at Stagecoach on this thing and after messing around to get temp OK it went for evvvveeeeeeeer.... all night and late into the next day. I happend to leave the thermometer in it and walked by at five pm Saturday and it was still at 235 degrees. It was amazing....should have hooked it up to a portable sauna...