Having problems getting smoker to temp

[kylersk]

I started with a full chimney of charcoal. Added 2 splits worth of wood (chunks of oak). The smoker would settle in at 180. I have my firebox vents wide open and it just won't get hotter.

Link to BBQ Pit Calculator

On thing, I have a 2" drain pipe welded to bottom of heat plate. My firebox opening to cc is 31 cubic inches. The opening at other end is 14.25 x 2.25 inches. Is my drain pipe restricting draft?

Or do I just need a bigger fire in firebox?

[Big T]

It's hard to say for sure but just going by the pictures it doesn't look like your fire is burning very well. Is your wood well seasoned and dry ? Also it will help a lot to get your fire up off of the bottom of the FB, just a simple grate for the wood to set on will make a big difference.

[Big T]

You can see the difference that getting the fire up so that you have good airflow makes. I was cooking at 250 degrees with this fire and I designed my pit with the smokerbuilder pit calculator.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kylersk]

Thanks! I burned it out yesterday with my fire grate in. I saw a video of someone suggesting not using a fire grate and burning right on bottom of FB. His reasoning was the coals do not fall through grate. That didnt work for me.

I put the grate back in today and now look. Nice fire. Now to figure out how she burns and temp control.

[kylersk]

Not sure why the forum rotates my pics?

[kylersk]

Amazing how well it works with the fire grate in.. sitting at 240 currently.

https://youtu.be/g6KjpXlfvY8

[Big T]

Glad to hear that you figured it out! I believe that a picture that is taken with your phone turned sideways post in the correct position but if taken with your phone up and down it posts on its side.

[Dirtytires]

Also, remember it is the burned down coals that supply the majority of the heat for you. The flame itself is relatively cool, by comparison. You always need to keep some coals going by loading enough wood in early enough to burn down.

We use the charcoal to ‘create’ the coal bed then allow the wood the maintain it. I have always had better luck with fairly small (full length) splits as they burn down to coals faster than a fat chunk does.

[sjb67]

If your coals still fall through your fire grate add another piece of expanded metal turned 1/4 turn to make the openings smaller.