It's a valid concern. It was 75F outside on Sunday when I smoked baby back ribs. My hot coal bed could easily fit in 2@ 20 oz solo cups and I was adding 2 wood splits that I could (just about) wrap my hand around every 45 min and the temp stayed happy at 250F all day.Iwishicouldcook41 wrote: ↑February 28th, 2022, 9:44 pmBeen battling the same question in my head. At what point are you burning such a small fire that it becomes difficult to maintain a good coal bed?
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thanks leaning towards non insulated, steel is just so expensive right now.Dirtytires wrote: ↑February 27th, 2022, 9:55 amSafety was the biggest driver in my decision to fully insulate my firebox. I can touch mine hours onto a smoke and not end up with third degree burns. I can't tell you how many times friends and kits have bumped into it soI feel it's worth it.
As far as fuel goes, my fires are always small and typically I burn 2 small splits every 45-55 min. I would say it's a bit more efficient but not enough to ever pay for itself with the price of steel these days. A big drawback is that I actually have a hard time keeping temps at 250 during a hot day as it requires the fire to be so small that it's difficult to maintain.
Totally your choice....the 0.25 inch firebox is plenty thick enough and will work great for you.
Basically all the same thing - semi, non-semi Wouldn't bother on a cooker that size, just my 2 cents.Iwishicouldcook41 wrote: ↑March 3rd, 2022, 8:06 pmAny thoughts on semi-insulated/air gap insulation?Wouldn’t save much on materials, but if the air gap keeps the exterior cool enough to be safe, while letting the firebox operate more like an un insulated box, it could be a win/win
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The man has spoken! Confirmed my thoughts, and saved me a few bucks. All in one post!Frank_Cox wrote:This is a great topic!
So I lean towards what dirtytires said.
One thing that never seems to come up in these conversations that I’m paying more attention to these days is the ability to “sweat” heat.
Back in the early days you’ll see some conversations between us and gizmo about some of his insulated builds.
If you don’t insulate your firebox you can sweat heat and run a larger fire.
This yields a less efficient burn but still complete combustion (Thin Blue Smoke) which gives more intense flavor.
Running a more efficient burn and smaller fires makes a more mild flavor. Almost to clean for my tastes These days.
As I build more Smokers, my designs are heading that way.
I’ve noticed a huge return in flavor but very little impact on amount of fuel consumption and time to manage the fire.
Like I always say, there’s no wrong way to build one… just opportunities to learn.
Also, it’s just metal. We can always add insulation later.
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I dig that idea for those that want/need to live in both worlds at the same time.Dirtytires wrote:Im just going to add a few cents thoughts on Franks comment of sweating heat. I put a warmer box with direct vents from the firebox so I can bleed of heat when I want a bigger fire (assuming I don't have anything heat sensitive in the warmer)