Charcoal (?) basket...

[inkjunkie]

Have seen folks mentioning using a basket in the firebox. Reason I am asking is I am only in the planning stage of my build. But while I am thinking I am wanting to get a head start on splitting my firewood. Plans are for a 21x18x18 FB. If a basket is necessary this will have to be taken into account when I am working on the wood pile ad I have a lot of 20" stuff. Debating on cutting them into 2 10" pieces or just taking a small slice and using them for flavor chubks in the BGE/UDS

 

[kc5tpy]

Hello.  A basket is not "necessary".  I don't know what you are thinking of building but if you have a fire grate heavy enough not to sag from the heat and if you have clearance for airflow below the fire grate and the top of the ash then the basket is not "necessary".  Then again if the bottom of a basket is airflow choked by ash then the basket will do you no good.  Keep Smokin!

Danny

 

[smokejumper]

Hello inkjunkie,
Baskets are used in fireboxes when using charcoal for fuel. The basket keeps the charcoal chunks or briquets neatly gathered together and aids in using the Minion Method. If you are only burning splits for fuel, a basket is not needed and would likely get in the way of adding a new log to the fire. You can also have a sturdy grate for splits, and if you want to use charcoal instead, just place your basket on top of the grate.
I hope this helps.

 

[inkjunkie]

Hello inkjunkie,
Baskets are used in fireboxes when using charcoal for fuel. The basket keeps the charcoal chunks or briquets neatly gathered together and aids in using the Minion Method. If you are only burning splits for fuel, a basket is not needed and would likely get in the way of adding a new log to the fire. You can also have a sturdy grate for splits, and if you want to use charcoal instead, just place your basket on top of the grate.
I hope this helps.

It did indeed...Thank You Sir...

 

[mdeutmeyer]

I actually put in a grate and welded a basket to sit on top. This gives me an option for wood or charcoal. Have only smoked twice since finishing my build, both with charcoal.

image.jpg

• mdeutmeyer
• May 5, 2015

image.jpg

• mdeutmeyer
• May 5, 2015

 

[tykenn28]

Glad I saw this thread. I was wondering the same thing as we approach our FB assembly. Great information as always.