any reason to shy away from smaller chunks of wood


 

Tom Raveret

TVWBB Pro
I can get some nice wood but all they have in the oak right now is smaller chunks like 2 inch as opposed to fist size. I think those might be ideal but wanted to ask if anyone sees any downside to that size of chunk??
 
I run into problems with chips slipping out the sides of my charcoal ring sometimes. If the charcoal isn't snug against the side, they fall through and out.

I can get chips much easier and cheaper then chunks but haven't figured out a way to keep them all in.
 
Smaller chunks are ok. Just layer them in the charcoal,as opposed to putting them on top. And of course you need to use a little more.
 
I always cut fist-sized chunks smaller before use, usually into 5 or 6 pieces. I much prefer smaller pieces.

Nate- For chips, make foil pouches (a bit smaller than the size of your hand) with a single piece of foil, single thickness, packing fairly well, folding the edges to seal well. Make a small hole on one side, a bit smaller than the size of a standard pencil. Place the packet(s) hole-side up on lit fuel. The restricted air in the packet will allow for a much slower burn rather than burning up quickly, and of course the packet will keep the chips from falling through the grate.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by K Kruger:
I always cut fist-sized chunks smaller before use, usually into 5 or 6 pieces. I much prefer smaller pieces.

Nate- For chips, make foil pouches (a bit smaller than the size of your hand) with a single piece of foil, single thickness, packing fairly well, folding the edges to seal well. Make a small hole on one side, a bit smaller than the size of a standard pencil. Place the packet(s) hole-side up on lit fuel. The restricted air in the packet will allow for a much slower burn rather than burning up quickly, and of course the packet will keep the chips from falling through the grate. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

KK...Awesome idea!!! Thanks a bunch for that..so simple yet so profound.
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Hey Kevin - no reason these packets can't be buried in the unlit? Wouldn't have to be placed on lit coals IMHO. You should be able to bury them just like one often does for long/minion burns.
 
Just noticed this topic. It's pretty timely....lol. I just happened to look at the chunks I cut up in December when I bought more wood. They looked small when I cut them, but they are actually about twice the size of the pieces I have been using. Debating if I should bother cutting them in half or just use the one big chunk.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by r benash:
Hey Kevin - no reason these packets can't be buried in the unlit? Wouldn't have to be placed on lit coals IMHO. You should be able to bury them just like one often does for long/minion burns. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>I don't really bury wood so I wouldn't bury packets. If I want more wood I just open the door and chuck a piece in, though I usually start with as much wood as I'll want. With packets I'll start with no more than 2 as the foil is a bit of a barrier. If I want more I'll remove the spent packet(s) and replace with new one(s).
 
I do the foil packs light Kevin mentioned, just would suggest using HD foil as regular foil will burn through easily.
 

 

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