Charcoal

[Jethro1]

What type of charcoal should I use and why in a UDS? Thanks. Jethro from Maine.

[Tom_Heath]

You can use either to be perefectly honest.

I have ran with both, and from doing that I found that I like to run lump.

I use kingsford brand charwood lump. Mainly this brand since I got a heck of a deal on it.

The lump temps to burn hotter so it takes less coals burning to maintain a certian temp.

Also with the lump I seldom use any other woods for smoke.

[Frank_Cox]

I use both kinds. I use briquets in my reverse flow's when getting the smoker to temp and then use wood from then on. When I am using a drum I use Lump. I think that the Lump performs better and gives a better flavor.

[k.a.m.]

Jethro1, on long unattended burns in the UDS or WSM's I prefer R/O charcoal it burns consistently but does create a lot of ash. Lump burns hot and fast so I prefer to use it during day light burns when I am around the cooker to keep an eye on it. If you use lump try to make your pieces of equal size when loaded this will minimize bridging in the pieces and not stopping your burn. I hope this helps.

[Tom_Heath]

Thank You KAM, I forgot to mention the fact that the lump has little ash. On a 20 plus hour burn I may end up with a 3 lb coffee can about 2/3 of the way full.

[Jethro1]

Thanks for all your help guys. Man, I'm gonna have fun with this, oh ya, and learn a lot. Jethro from Maine.