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Brick[_5_] Brick[_5_] is offline
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Default Wood vs Charcoal?


On 16-Jul-2009, "Dave Bugg" > wrote:

> jj wrote:
> > A newbie question about wood vs charcoal. (lump not briquets)

>
> Well, charcoal IS wood; just in a different state.
>
> > Is the main advantage of charcoal that all the sap/creosote/"low
> > volatiles (aka wrong or harsh/rough smoke) have been burned off
> > already so these won't contact your meat and impart undesireable
> > flavors?

>
> That and the fact that it has more reliable burn properties in terms of
> control and flare ups, etc.
>
> > So by adding water soaked wood chips, the BBQer can better control the
> > timing and amount of the "right" or "smooth" smoke?

>
> HELL NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What that does is add clouds of smoke and
> creosote.
>
> > Does this mean that most/all "serious" BBQers who use wood first burn
> > the wood down to coals away from the meat and then transfer the coals
> > to the smoker?

>
> 'Serious' bbqers will use whatever they want, but know how to properly
> deal
> with the strengths and weakness of the fuel. A lot of folks will use wood
>
> that has been burned into some sort of charcoal state. Coal is what is
> pulled out of the earth.
>
> > I've got a lot of smaller mesquite cuttings and now I am thinking I'll
> > burn em on a scrap steel plate and then shovel the coals/embers into
> > the ECB.

>
> That could work, but chances are that most of the usable btu will be
> burned
> off. It works best with larger rounds and splits of wood.
>
> > Hey I'm learning!

>
> That's the spirit JJ. Keep plugging away. I really suggest that you take
>
> the time to read the FAQ:
> http://www.eaglequest.com/~bbq/faq2/toc.html
> --
> Dave


I may be steriotyped for life for agreeing with Dave Bugg, but so be it.

Good post Dave.

--
Brick said that.