Char-Griller firebox

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benflo

Newbie
Original poster
Jun 2, 2014
24
10
Hi,

Today my dad and I are mounting the firebox attachment to our Char-Griller Pro. In the instructions, it says to put the cast iron cooking grates on after it has been attached to the grill even when used as a firebox. Is this a mistake? Or do you somehow use the grates for having the fire?

Thanks,

Ben
 
The instructions say that because the SFB is being marketed primarily as a small grill that can also be used as a fire box on many CG models. You do not need to put the cast iron grill grates in the firebox, I never have in mine. However you should find a way to raise the charcoal/wood grate that sits in the ash drawer for better air flow. The most common way is to simply turn it over so it stands on it's legs. Many people have made charcoal baskets that fit in the firebox and a few have used the cast iron grill grates to elevate the fire.

Browse this at your convenience for ideas if you like-

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/58778/char-griller-smokin-pro-with-firebox-mods

Good Luck
icon14.gif
 
cliffcarter cliffcarter That's what I thought. I was just confused as to why this was in the firebox specific section of the instructions. I just threw my first pork butt, an 8 pounder on an hour ago. I seasoned it yesterday. Have you had any problems with the paint bubbling?
Ben
 
No paint bubble worries for me, but I tend to be more concerned about how it cooks than how it looks.

An old pic of typical Maine cooking weather in winter.


I'm cooking for a birthday party this weekend, 4 butts yesterday. Today 2 turkey breasts, about 8 pounds of burnt ends form chuck roasts, beans and a few burgers and hot dogs.

Good luck on your butt, I would recommend that you cook it at around 280°-320° range, as opposed to 225°-240° because you will be done more quickly by avoiding the dreaded "stall". YMMV.
 
I'm from Michigan so I know the feeling. Its about 33 degrees and RAINING!! in January. I am kind of just figuring out how well it works today, how to manage the fire temp, etc. That's why I chose a Butt. How do you keep temp consistent. I think it's fluctuating less now, but when I first started at 4:30 this morning it would go from 200 to 280 in 15 mins and back again.
Ben
 
cliffcarter cliffcarter this is the current setup. Coincidently outside our back door. I have an 8 pounder on right now, and in about 2 hours ill throw on the 5 pound butt for a get together I'm having this evening. I'm using a digital probe right now as the thermometers we ordered haven't come in yet and needless to say, the one on the grill is garbage.
Ben
 
Make sure that the firebox intake vent is turned so that the wind is blowing into it. If it is windy and the wind is opposite from what it should be then you will have trouble maintaining temps. Swirling winds are even more of a pain. Make sure that you have enough charcoal in the firebox. What are you using for fuel?
 
cliffcarter cliffcarter yeah the winds a bit swirly today. Since 4:30 this morning, I've dealt with rain, snow, and small hail. I'm using hardwood lump charcoal and apple chunks. Just put a new chimney in the box unlit, so that should keep it going for a while.
Thanks,
Ben
 
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