The RIGHT WAY to manage a fire on an offset smoker | Fire management on the Oklahoma Joes

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 28. 05. 2024
  • How to manage a fire on an offset smoker.
    Get SMOKE TRAILS BBQ BRISKET RUB here: www.amazon.com/Smoke-Trails-B...
    My BBQ Essentials Buying Guide:
    ChefsTemp Thermometer: shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=100320...
    SMOKE TRAILS BBQ BRISKET RUB here: www.amazon.com/Smoke-Trails-B...
    Meater+ Wireless Leave-in temperature probe (Essential for long cooks, temp alerts and temp graphs for nerding out and recording how your cooks went. It’s a game changer for BBQ):
    Meater website: www.jdoqocy.com/click-1001514...
    Get the MEATER on Amazon: amzn.to/3e7Dz7E
    Cheap Instant-Read Temp Probe (If you have no budget and can buy nothing else. It's a good starter and will work for a year or two just fine. Not a replacement for a leave-in probe): amzn.to/37ROmSi
    Marinade Injector (needed to inject brisket, pork, turkey etc. to retain moisture and add flavor): amzn.to/3jFfSVq
    Tongs (click click! I like the silicon ones because they don't mess up the bark as much): amzn.to/2HR80Tq
    Set of Good BBQ Knives: amzn.to/34HQoTk
    Bread Knife (Your workhorse for slicing brisket): amzn.to/3kHSkke
    Cutting board (get a big one with juice channels, trust me): amzn.to/2JesAhj
    Cotton and black nitrile gloves (use them both for heat + liquid protection): amzn.to/31Vly7Y amzn.to/31WPIaO
    Heavy duty rubber gloves (When you get sick of throwing out all your disposable gloves): amzn.to/37RXEOa
    Reynolds Wrap Pitmasters Choice Aluminum Foil (for wrapping): amzn.to/2HMsYDe
    Butcher paper (also for wrapping): amzn.to/2HQUgbl
    Wood chunks (for the Oklahoma Joe’s, Weber Kettle, WSM etc.): amzn.to/35Kc00x
    Wood chips (for electric smokers): amzn.to/2TBG2xL
    Pellets (for pellet grills): amzn.to/3mAnk6i
    Credit to the following for the "V" shape firebox grates idea.
    Heavy Metal BBQ: / @heavymetalbarbque
    Kosmo's Q: / kosmosq1
  • Jak na to + styl

Komentáře • 1,6K

  • @dylanreinboth9577
    @dylanreinboth9577 Před rokem +107

    Jumped off mobile to better type this. I have been smoking in offset and uprights for 5 years now. You have done an amazing job communicating your knowledge and experience. How you simply laid out all the steps; not being too pedantic and tedious or zealous, clear and straigtht forward, and time efficient. Honestly just a fantastic piece of work here. Well done.

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před rokem +3

      Thanks Dylan!

    • @yangshen5540
      @yangshen5540 Před měsícem +1

      @@SmokeTrailsBBQ - I agree with Dylan; a friend of mine just gifted me his used offset, and I had no idea how to really make use of it until I watched this comprehensive guide. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

    • @janetgall4983
      @janetgall4983 Před 27 dny

      1:27 😊​@@SmokeTrailsBBQ

  • @mucctownsound2210
    @mucctownsound2210 Před 3 lety +6

    Fuck yes finally someone who is using real fire to smoke food rather than a fancy outdoor oven

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 3 lety

      Lol I have an electric and pellet smoker as well. I like all of it.

    • @mucctownsound2210
      @mucctownsound2210 Před 3 lety

      @@SmokeTrailsBBQ if folks wanna use an easy bake pellet oven, good for em, I would never use one of those damn things. The art of smoking meat has taken a backseat to conveinience just like everything else has these days

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 3 lety +1

      I'm reading "legends of Texas barbeque" by Robb Walsh right now. He quotes Walter Jetton (one of the grandaddys of bbq) as saying "to bbq you need a pit...this doesn't have to be a hole in the ground, and it definitely shouldn't be one of those backyard creations with a chiminey" a fire built in a cynder block enclosure was perfect in his view. So there was resistance even when metal offset smokers came on the scene and the old school folk didn't like them. We're going through the same thing now with pellet smokers. I'm sure one day we'll have "laser proton smokers" or something and the pellet smokers will say the same thing haha!

    • @mucctownsound2210
      @mucctownsound2210 Před 3 lety

      @@SmokeTrailsBBQ yeah I understand that there is an evolution to things but smoking meat ties hand in hand with taming fire and inventing the wheel. There will always be purists who will tend an actual fire then theres folks who wanna "crock pot"their smoked goodies haha

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 3 lety +1

      @@mucctownsound2210 I'm afraid to ask your opinion on people who sou vide and then smoke their meat lol. I was thinking of getting a sou vide machine

  • @lucasgoncalves05
    @lucasgoncalves05 Před 3 lety +554

    This is by far the best fire management video on CZcams! You actually got down to the details of it, things that the other guys with huge smokers don't talk about! Congrats!

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 3 lety +5

      Thanks Lucas!

    • @brianschneider671
      @brianschneider671 Před 3 lety +5

      I couldn't agree more! I looked for this info a few years ago, really just looking for intuitive ideas. Had a crappy Brinkmann I was fighting and simply settled on it being a poor design and sold it.

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 3 lety +6

      @@brianschneider671 I hear ya. Even with all the tips, tricks and mods it's still a challenge. I just try to enjoy the process

    • @staycation0923
      @staycation0923 Před 3 lety +8

      @@SmokeTrailsBBQ I love your break down of why you do things the way you do. Your teaching method is awesome. I have oklahoma joe highland reverse flow.

    • @jamesstewart1794
      @jamesstewart1794 Před 3 lety +9

      Agreed. The v shape is genius.

  • @harrybaules
    @harrybaules Před 11 měsíci +8

    I learned more about smoking and fire management in this one video than I have in two years of watching other videos. Thank you.

  • @tjgordon2920
    @tjgordon2920 Před 3 lety +23

    By far the best smoker tutorial I’ve seen. I feel like I’ve wasted hours of my life with all the others out there!

  • @ashantedula5696
    @ashantedula5696 Před 3 lety +17

    That make shift grill wire on the back of the firebox is next level.

  • @tdoolen7107
    @tdoolen7107 Před 3 lety +10

    This V-shaped configuration for the firebox made a huge difference! Thank you!

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 3 lety +1

      Awesome it helped me too! What are you smoking up?

    • @HiddenCreekHomestead
      @HiddenCreekHomestead Před 2 lety +1

      The grates that come with the Oklahoma Joe highlander firebox dont fit when turned length-wise to form a V shape. How did you do that? Are they aftermarket grates or did you cut them down?

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 2 lety +1

      @@HiddenCreekHomestead its the grates for the main chamber

    • @HiddenCreekHomestead
      @HiddenCreekHomestead Před 2 lety

      @@SmokeTrailsBBQ Thank you’

  • @husker53j
    @husker53j Před 2 lety +16

    Step 1 cut down a tree and wait 5 years…😂

  • @zxJoe7r
    @zxJoe7r Před 3 lety +11

    Hands down, best video about fire management in a small offset smoker. I've watched so many that talk about choking off oxygen to achieve the right temperatures at the expense of running a clean-burning and efficient fire.

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 3 lety +3

      Yea, even oklahoma joes themselves talk about using the vents. It might have its place for large offsets or if you're only running charcoal in the firebox, but nothing other than wide open has ever produced enough airflow for my fire. It would probably help if the exhaust vents were larger on these models.

  • @moose354
    @moose354 Před 3 lety +8

    I buy a two-pack of Pure & Simple canola oil spray at Costco for my firebox. Spraying a light coat on the firebox at the beginning of each cook:
    1 - seasons the firebox,
    2 - protects the paint and
    3 - prevents rust from forming.
    I buy kiln-dried maple splits from a local firewood seller and cut them in half with my miter saw. I start the wood with a single "tumbleweed" fire starter.
    We had an awesome Costco prime rib for Christmas on the offset smoker.

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 3 lety

      Great tips! I use plain canola oil. Just slather it on.

  • @radtothepowerofsick1
    @radtothepowerofsick1 Před 2 lety +9

    Bro you are a bbq lord the v shape set up works so well I’m really blown away for the first time i have a constant heat for a long time and am using hardly anything to run it 🙌🙌 the best video I’ve ever seen hands down

  • @uhusocip
    @uhusocip Před 3 lety +12

    You play a dangerous game with the crocs and lit charcoal. I dig it

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 3 lety +6

      I like to live on the edge

    • @howsmit5128
      @howsmit5128 Před 3 lety +1

      Hell I thought that was standard

    • @Outcastcolt
      @Outcastcolt Před 3 lety +1

      And the whole time I'm wondering why he has socks on 😒

    • @franbarnaby7638
      @franbarnaby7638 Před 3 lety

      Nothing wakes you up on a 3am brisket than a hot coal between toes

  • @jasonbaker1001
    @jasonbaker1001 Před 3 lety +10

    Okay, so I have been avoiding my offset and using my, pellet smoker, my drum smoker, my egg all because I could never get it right. Watched several videos, tried again, still was missing something. 21 minutes and 16 seconds later. You are my saviour. Seriously I wish I filmed it. We had family and friends over. They thought I was a pitmaster. The best Bark & Brisket I have ever done. Thank You

  • @marcgonzales7356
    @marcgonzales7356 Před 3 lety +72

    I too have an Oklahoma Joe smoker and have had to learn how to manage that difficult firebox. Really liked the V shape idea with the grates, I'm going to have to give that a try. Nice video.👍

    • @TheBuelliganRides
      @TheBuelliganRides Před 2 lety +4

      It makes a night and day difference

    • @robfratu
      @robfratu Před rokem

      Did you use the original grate and cut in and half or buy a second grate?

    • @tabithahanson7274
      @tabithahanson7274 Před rokem

      How did you do the grates that way?
      Are these the grates that came with it? Can you please tell me how you did this arrangement?

    • @tabithahanson7274
      @tabithahanson7274 Před rokem

      ​@@TheBuelliganRidesHow did you do the grates that way?
      Are these the grates that came with it? Can you please tell me how you did this arrangement?

  • @GrizzlyTank
    @GrizzlyTank Před 18 hodinami

    I just picked up an Oklahoma Joe Offset Smoker from Lowes earlier today. So far I only made burgers, lol. I gotta wait a couple days for my pork shoulder to thaw before I can really see what this baby can do!
    Thanks for the tips, you really condensed years of experience into a short easily understood video.

  • @jtmarshall
    @jtmarshall Před 2 lety +2

    Dude.... using your electric smoker to "kiln" dry your wood is friggin genius..
    I have one that I bought years ago, I quit smoking cause I hated using it...
    Thanks to you I finally have a use for it again... thanks man!

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 2 lety +1

      The Oklahoma Joe's firebox basket fits in perfectly too. Just load it with wood and pop it in

    • @jtmarshall
      @jtmarshall Před 2 lety

      @@SmokeTrailsBBQ I don't have one of those but thats another great tip!

  • @aaronchacon5749
    @aaronchacon5749 Před 2 lety +7

    By far one of the best and most knowledgeable smoking videos I’ve ever watched

  • @dbjtv5940
    @dbjtv5940 Před 2 lety +5

    So glad I clicked on this video! My girlfriend got me an offset smoker and until just now I hadn’t a clue how to use it!!
    Thank you for the detailed, yet simple lesson - Legend 👍🏼

    • @sprig6043
      @sprig6043 Před 2 lety

      You're a lucky man. I'm saving to get mine lol

  • @jlongoria
    @jlongoria Před 3 lety +14

    Like everyone else says, hands down the best video on fire management for a typical backyard stick burner. I used to have a chargriller stick burner and used to watch other fire management videos of guys saying to keep the temp within 5 or 10 degrees. That was basically impossible for a 12 hour cook on that thing and I figured I just sucked at fire management. I’m glad you kept it real. The tips you gave were spot on. Several of which, I wish I had known back then. Would have saved me a lot of frustration. Lol.

  • @nickwargo9476
    @nickwargo9476 Před 3 lety +1

    I've been smoking for a few years now and because I live in NY I have to rely on youtube for advice. This is the best fire management video I've seen. Thank you for this.

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 3 lety

      Thanks for watching Nick! what are you smoking up next?

    • @nickwargo9476
      @nickwargo9476 Před 3 lety

      @@SmokeTrailsBBQ I startedy season off with chicken to knock the rust off. Then I did a 4lb corned beef which came out pretty good. Next time I smoke I'm doing ribs, just need to weather to cooperate.

  • @jodybrown2275
    @jodybrown2275 Před 3 lety +10

    Watched A LOT of videos trying to figure out fire management on this smoker, this is only video to keep my attention till the end. Great info, thanks!

  • @jklsr55
    @jklsr55 Před 3 lety +3

    I absolutely agree that this is the best fire management video on CZcams. Especially if you are using a cheap, $200 thin walled offset smoker. There are tons of videos for the more expensive units. You can produce an amazing backyard cook with a cheap Char Broil offset smoker but doing so is a way different animal from doing so with a far more expensive, well built smoker. This is pivotal information for those of us with the less expensive models for sure.

  • @Dockwatcher
    @Dockwatcher Před 2 lety +11

    This guy takes fire management to entire new level. I learned so much and I have been smoking with an Oklahoma Joe for years.

  • @countyk9guy
    @countyk9guy Před 3 lety +6

    I wanna say thanks. Ordered my first offset smoker just two weeks ago and I went for some pulled pork to get my feet wet.
    Made some mistakes-bark wasn’t set enough before I foil wrapped. Probably went a little short on the resting time.
    Fire management was very much on point due to this video, though. No white smoke, no big dips or spikes in temp. Splits were uniform and dried on the top of the firebox. Thanks for the content.

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 3 lety +2

      Awesome! Thanks! Yea pork butts take a long time to set up bark because there's so much moisture in them. Like big water balloons

  • @MachineDr.
    @MachineDr. Před 2 lety +13

    Your experience comes through loud and clear.
    I listened to every technical point you raised. I have the exact same grill and will put to practice what you mentioned.
    It was so helpful!
    Thanks for a great video!

  • @xicapone123
    @xicapone123 Před rokem +1

    The basics, delivered perfectly, spoken from experience. Love how humble and non-flashy this video is. Thank you 👌

  • @ELVISRN1
    @ELVISRN1 Před 3 lety +2

    I owe you my right arm.Tried this method with my char griller with the grates in the fire box and took out the ash tray totally and it made the world of difference!!! Now I can get nice higher temps with great clean smoke and the temp in the main food box stays up and does not drop with a good fire in the fire box which rock and rolls nicely.THANKS SO MUCH!!!!! The V format worked soooooo much better

    • @donlavallee9593
      @donlavallee9593 Před 3 lety

      I also have a char griller & just found this video. Did you use the cooking grates that came with the firebox for the V grates ?

  • @briantomey6046
    @briantomey6046 Před 3 lety +6

    Smoke Trails - excellent commentary and guidance. Been using stick burners for 20 years and this is exactly how you do it. Stick burner is the way to go for the best true tasting bbq.

  • @brokenarrow6491
    @brokenarrow6491 Před rokem +4

    I've been smoking with the Oaklahoma Joe's smoker for a long time.and with great results. But you still gave me a good tip. I refill charcoal right out of the bag and leave lid open till it catches but never even thought about burning it in my charcoal starter stack first. Thanks for that.

  • @FDDLERSGREEN
    @FDDLERSGREEN Před rokem +2

    You are the one to get me going on my journey of smoking meats. Never done this before. Wife bought a big hunk of lamb to smoke on the Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn. Using hickory chips. Shout out from a guy in shorts in 92° FL.

  • @justinr4941
    @justinr4941 Před 2 lety

    This is one of the few guys who seems like he actually knows what he’s talking about. Keep the videos coming!!

  • @TheDrunkenBBQ
    @TheDrunkenBBQ Před 3 lety +8

    Practice makes perfect. It took me some time and many beers to learn this skill but the meat tast so much better.

  • @kekoadavidson581
    @kekoadavidson581 Před 3 lety +3

    Best fire management video. Beats the bbq mad scientist video 10 fold. Thanks guy!!!!!

  • @phillipmcgill546
    @phillipmcgill546 Před 3 lety +1

    As a new bbq enthusiast. That fire setup is by far the greatest idea I have seen yet. Love it. Will try it out.

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 3 lety

      Thanks Phil, have you tried the V set up yet?

    • @phillipmcgill546
      @phillipmcgill546 Před 3 lety

      Dude , the V setup is awesome. I’ve used it this past weekend. Much better temp control and everything.

    • @phillipmcgill546
      @phillipmcgill546 Před 3 lety

      Dude , the V setup is awesome. I’ve used it this past weekend. Much better temp control and everything.

  • @jackgriffith9229
    @jackgriffith9229 Před 2 lety +2

    1) I have an Oklahoma Joe Smoker!
    2) I started to enjoy this post but I got hungry!
    3) I am going to have to pretend that I don’t enjoy it so my wife won’t think I am having fun !
    4) this is going to be Fantastic!!!
    🥓🥚☕️🐓🦌🐖🐖🐖🐖🐖🐖🐖🐖🐖🐓🦌🦃

  • @fsugerb
    @fsugerb Před rokem +4

    Just finished my first brisket after watching your video. Turned out AMAZING!! Thank you for doing such great videos.

  • @MichaelCarrPilot
    @MichaelCarrPilot Před 3 lety +7

    Clear. Quick. No BS video and straight to the point. My kind of video. Very informative.

  • @Joe_Blow_
    @Joe_Blow_ Před 2 lety +4

    Incredible video, your expertise comes across well and you're quite well spoken. Was really looking for a video for vertical smokers as I don't have the space for an offset right now, figured I'd watch it anyway and apply what I can, and I definitely learned a lot. Amazing job man.

  • @smirk_beats
    @smirk_beats Před 3 lety +8

    This is amazing and I really like how you set up your firebox.

  • @kevinc3673
    @kevinc3673 Před 3 lety +11

    I really like that V idea for the fire box. Just bought my OJ Highland this weekend, after seasoning I smoked a pork butt. I had a hard time with fire management, which lead me here. Thanks for the tips!!!

    • @johngreen5837
      @johngreen5837 Před 2 lety

      Is it a reverse flow? How much sealing have you done?

  • @gauth421
    @gauth421 Před 2 lety +16

    Thanks for doing this video. Being a rookie, my first brisket was a disaster! I just kept tossing wood into the box and didn't understand how low and slow was REALLY low and slow. This makes perfect sense! I have the same smoker I got for $20.00 used and I have a lot of new set up to do! You're the best!

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 2 lety +1

      Thanks Matt glad it helped

    • @JohnnyUmphress
      @JohnnyUmphress Před 2 lety +1

      I have been cooking briskets for at least 40 years now. The initial smoke is all the smoke flavor you will get. After that the meat is sealed and will not absorb any more. So I wrap it in heavy foil and continue to cook at 225 degrees for about 12 hours.

    • @unclealzbbq2185
      @unclealzbbq2185 Před 2 lety +2

      @@JohnnyUmphress It takes time to get that smoke ring.. ONE hour per pound at 200 degrees then wrap in butcher paper and then foil.. check my brisket out it speaks for itself.

    • @sypandacat7236
      @sypandacat7236 Před 2 lety +3

      Gotta make bad bbq to make good bbq -bbq jesus

    • @unclealzbbq2185
      @unclealzbbq2185 Před 2 lety +1

      @@sypandacat7236 Truth.. it takes practice..once you got it you got it

  • @denisbrennan5536
    @denisbrennan5536 Před rokem +1

    This video is exactly what I've been looking for. The detail and knowledge this man has given me is priceless. Well done on creating a great channel.

  • @chuckkemzura8770
    @chuckkemzura8770 Před 2 lety +2

    Thanks for the tutorial! Wife bought me the Oklahoma Joe's Highland (with some strong hints) for Father's day, so I'm newer to the smoking world. I do use the V shape in the firebox and it works EXCELLENT! Keep the posts coming!

  • @robkrazy3617
    @robkrazy3617 Před 3 lety +23

    Great video! I love my Oklahoma Joe. It takes a lot of patience, trial and error to learn the in’s and out’s on an offset rig. I still use charcoal as my primary heat source and add chunks of wood throughout the cook. It is very labor intensive on long cooks, specifically when dealing with managing ash build up and it limiting your air flow. I have a bucket on the side of my fire box as well, and use one of those little fireplace shovels to scoop out ash underneath the grate. I’m really digging how you used the grates that were already supplied with the unit to make your baffle plate and V shaped rack in the fire box. I am definitely going to try those tricks as well as use some bricks for retaining heat. I remember the first time using this smoker I was cooking baby backs. It was around the 3-4 hour mark when I would typically wrap them, they just didn’t look ready. Long story short the cook took way longer than expected because I was going off the temp gauges on the lid. The next cook I had probes at grate level and was shocked at the difference in temperature. It was easily 75 degrees or more cooler at grate level. Thanks again for the video. Smoke on brother!

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 3 lety

      Thanks Rob. I did the same thing going off the dome thermometer. 50 degrees off for me!

  • @jputnick
    @jputnick Před 3 lety +18

    Absolutely one of the best fire management videos I have ever seen. Thank you!

  • @DisgruntledAdult
    @DisgruntledAdult Před 11 měsíci +1

    The best fire management videos so far. the Mrs complains that I have to babysit a fire for over 10 hours. Im trying to get to the point where I dont need to be there all the time. This video looks like a great first step in getting there.

  • @Dee2Nce
    @Dee2Nce Před 11 měsíci

    Very rarely would I sit through a video this long, but when you really want to learn something and the teacher is good 🤷🏾‍♂️ great vid.

  • @CookingwithMrCooper
    @CookingwithMrCooper Před rokem +2

    This has me excited again! I've had so much trouble with fire management on my first offset smoker that I bought a pellet grill. I love my pellet grill but nothing comes close to a good stick burner. I just bought an Oklahoma Joe Highland and seen this while waiting for it to be delivered. This is by far the best video on fire management Ive seen! Thank you!

  • @kellyschue3103
    @kellyschue3103 Před 3 lety +3

    Great video man I've owned and molded my Oklahoma joe smoker for 5 years now thought I knew my smoker rather well but you've given me some new info I will definitely use

  • @int666h
    @int666h Před 3 lety +5

    One of the best BBQ videos I’ve ever seen, really, really helpful, thank you a lot!

  • @nic3065
    @nic3065 Před rokem +1

    This saved me a ton of charcoal and a ton of time! I was wondering why I was having trouble maintaining temperature and your explanation made it super clear. Thank you so much!

  • @NaturalLivingHomesteader

    This is the best video for fire management I have seen! My husband and I've really been struggling with our new Oklahoma Joe's offset smoker. I feel confident we can make this happen now! Thanks so much! Point

  • @TheMotorcycleBoss
    @TheMotorcycleBoss Před 11 měsíci +5

    This was an exceptional video. I have been using an offset smoker and have just been using charcoal briquettes for my temps. Only recently I learned to use coal & wood and this confirms my suspicions. Highly detailed and very educational while not being boring in the least. Exactly what I needed to watch. Will favorite. Thanks for all your hard work making this video.

  • @jonsword2590
    @jonsword2590 Před 3 lety +4

    I always had a hard time and still learning to maintain a fire. His setup is a turning point of what I was wanting to do but I wasn’t sure about it. Me thinking about is a start to the right direction from his way of doing things. Learned a lot from this.

  • @ELVISRN1
    @ELVISRN1 Před 3 lety +2

    OUTSTANDING VIDEO!! This vid would be the perfect vid to put with every smoker sold on this planet.Thanks for taking the time on this vid!!!!

    • @ELVISRN1
      @ELVISRN1 Před 3 lety +1

      just wondering how tight the Oklahoma Joe smoker seams are /or do they leak smoke? thanks

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 3 lety +2

      @@ELVISRN1 alot of people put high temp gasket on them to get a better seal. I don't really have much of an issue. I think it's one of those "fine tuning" mods

    • @ELVISRN1
      @ELVISRN1 Před 3 lety

      @@SmokeTrailsBBQ thanks,I highly doubt anyone could tell the difference in their finished product if the door leaks smoke lol.

  • @jayking3898
    @jayking3898 Před rokem +1

    Just goes to show, no matter how long you’ve been doing anything, you can always learn something new. Thanks for your video and efforts, I’m going to try your rack set up as well.

  • @IronMunky86
    @IronMunky86 Před 2 lety +12

    I watched your video right before I started my taino Yuma smoker for the first time which is my first smoker in general (I bought it second hand so it was already ready to use). Since my neighbors are all pretty close, I was really worried about the smoke it would produce. Because of your instructions I had thin blue almost invisible smoke throughout the whole process. The pork ribs I made were just fantastic. Thank you for this video! You seem like a great guy. Love from Germany!

    • @tabithahanson7274
      @tabithahanson7274 Před rokem

      How did you do the grates that way?
      Are these the grates that came with it? Can you please tell me how you did this arrangement?

  • @jmtyndall
    @jmtyndall Před 3 lety +4

    I've gotten pretty good with my OK Joe using other fire management videos, but I'm really interested in the V shape. Hoping to try it out soon. Thanks for the awesome video

  • @maprado0508
    @maprado0508 Před rokem +1

    The best videos I’ve seen in fire management. I’ve been smoking for about 4 years now off and on. I’ve searched far and wide when I first started, for that one video to aid me in managing a fire. I gathered bits and pieces from various other videos to culminate what he has created here in one videos. He did an excellent job at pointing out all of the trial and errors and remedies to those errors. I have personally ran into everything he mentioned and had to figure out how to remedy them on my own. I highly suggest this video and concur with all of his methods.

  • @philobeddoe5214
    @philobeddoe5214 Před 3 lety +2

    A lot of great info here. Love the V shape idea in the firebox and the makeshift drying grate about the firebox. Very cool.

  • @archiesbar3836
    @archiesbar3836 Před 2 lety +12

    Excellent video! I have just finished assembling my first Oklahoma Joe and am in the process of curing it before my first cook, so I thought I’d check out a few videos. Your video has now taught me the right way to cook on it from the very start. I’m even more excited now that I have the confidence how to use it properly. Thanks mate, from Melbourne Australia!

  • @g.choppa4448
    @g.choppa4448 Před 3 lety +6

    50° temp range, wiggle room makes alot more sense, and takes the stress off the pitmaster , of worrying aboit exact temps 😊. Thanks for that tip.

  • @elfboy198911
    @elfboy198911 Před rokem

    Thank you for putting up a fire management video that really explains it properly. I was having a lot of trouble with my Oklahoma Joe, keeping temp and not having the fire go out. After watching your video I no longer have any problems with any of it. Really broke it down and made it understandable. Thank you for putting this up

  • @barryrichards4567
    @barryrichards4567 Před rokem +1

    I've been so frustrated with the trial and error process for the last Year or more! I normally never let anything defeat me, but my offset smoker nearly did!😂 Thank you for this amazingly detailed video!

  • @elsanto8879
    @elsanto8879 Před 3 lety +17

    My man! You dropped it like I’ve never heard before! Outstanding video!

  • @billymcdaniel4855
    @billymcdaniel4855 Před 2 lety +3

    Awesome video, this one is going to be my #1 preset in my saved videos for smoking. I have a Oklahoma Joe Longhorn which I'm going to convert the gas side to be a smoke chamber as well! Im in South Florida where we have alot of humidity and moisture so the part about putting the splits in the electric smoker is a great idea for me as well.Thanks for the video brother.

  • @damo4589
    @damo4589 Před rokem +1

    Thankyou so much for this. Had a vertical charcoal smoker before my offset. Didn't even know that you had to burn wood in them. Had been using a lot of heatbeads and charcoal. 1/2 way through a lamb shoulder atm. Got my hardwood splits done as well and have them heating up on the outside ready. Working a treat . Thanks from Australia

  • @johnmorgan2444
    @johnmorgan2444 Před 3 lety +2

    This video is a life saver! Started “smoking” with chips on a charcoal grill and just bought my first offset smoker yesterday. Using every technique for my first cook on it today! Thanks and happy smoking

  • @g-keys7078
    @g-keys7078 Před 3 lety +5

    Best fire management video on CZcams and I’ve watched them all! This is almost exactly what I do. Only main difference is that I add a piece of lump in along with each split to help keep the coal bed going. Most of the impurities in the lump were burned off already in the charcoal creation process, so I find that burning black lump in the firebox in small quantities doesn’t affect the flavour of the food.

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 3 lety +3

      Great idea! I do something similar when I only have wood chunks and don't have splits. I have an old milk carton. Half full of lump, half with chunks. I add it every 2 hours or so.

    • @justingriffith2991
      @justingriffith2991 Před 2 lety

      @@SmokeTrailsBBQ h÷

  • @stevesharber634
    @stevesharber634 Před 3 lety +9

    Best offset smoker fire management video I’ve seen and I’ve seen em all

  • @jombeemeanstroke6426
    @jombeemeanstroke6426 Před 2 lety

    This explained a lot of the problems I've had when trying to use my side smoker, especially on long cooks. Thanks very much!

  • @michaelhemmingsen4430
    @michaelhemmingsen4430 Před rokem +1

    My smoker arrived at the local outlet and I pick it up this Saturday. Thanks for the enhancing the excitement and excellent startup instructions. GF got me the same smoker for my birthday this year and am looking forward to making the most of it. I’ll be looking for your other videos and recipes- thanks again!

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před rokem

      Have fun man!

    • @michaelhemmingsen4430
      @michaelhemmingsen4430 Před rokem

      It’s been great fun - and while I have had most of the mistakes you mentioned take place, thanks to this excellent briefing I was able to keep the cooking on target and no food was wasted or ruined. Baby back ribs have become a favorite because of the shorter cook times, but a couple of smaller brisket cooks produced the familiar mesquite flavors I wanted to achieve, due to my ‘roots’ from the Texas hill country near Austin. Now if I could only figure out how Krauses’ makes that sausage! Thanks buddy! The GF is so glad she got us that Smokin’ Joe’s combo and we found a local wood supplier who brings a great variety of woods from Texas, New Mexico, Arizona for smokers and pizza ovens owners here in Phoenix. If you’re ever down south, you’ll have a place at our table!

  • @matthewwarren7879
    @matthewwarren7879 Před 2 lety +2

    In my short experience using splits that size my first few cooks I really struggled because the small splits I've used shot my temps up to 300-350. I started using a charcoal basket. And adjusted the firebox side door to keep temps down so far the primary combustion from kiln dried smoldering has turned out great. My last cook never got over 290. Which is awesome compared to my first 3 cooks.

  • @generalkaosthedestroyer3452

    Great video, thank you for putting the time into it that you did. Frustrating that you didn’t get as much love from viewers as one would have thought for this caliber of content. Highly informative, useful, and to the point.

    • @robertw9679
      @robertw9679 Před rokem

      1.1 million views,14 k likes Is not too shabby!

  • @Bemtelevisionaustin
    @Bemtelevisionaustin Před 2 lety

    Thank you so very much for taking the time in sharing your thoughtful ideas and concepts. It's amazing how the grate parts fit in the firebox and make a baffle plate without us having to buy more parts. Thank you so very much for the entire video. If you're ever in Spicewood, I'll buy you a nice cold beer!

  • @j.stresstl182
    @j.stresstl182 Před 3 lety +3

    Just threw a brisket on my highland now. Watching this as I maintain temp

  • @garymansfield259
    @garymansfield259 Před 3 lety +3

    I’ve been Cooking on BBQ,s for years, but ventured into off set smoker type recently, I have the same type in this video and these techniques will definitely help!

  • @lucky13farms99
    @lucky13farms99 Před 2 lety

    Excellent setup, and your explanation is wonderful. Looks like you got this figured out. Used to grill a lot with charcoal but switched to gas 20 years back. Got to learn how to use a proper smoker now because we just slaughtered out our first small pig. Got her resting in the fridge right now. Gonna cook her in a week or so. Thanks for all the details.

  • @edkerr6940
    @edkerr6940 Před 3 lety +1

    I rarely comment on these videos, but I have to agree that this is the very best fire management video I have ever seen. It helped me understand how to use the offset smoker the way it was intended to be used. I tried my first full size brisket and I have to say it was great. The temp stayed exactly where I wanted it. I even added a second dial gauge (one in the dome and one at grate level) and I was able to adjust my wood input better. After starting the smoker with charcoal and letting it burn for about 1 1/2 hrs, I never added another piece of coal, just wood and Had a clear smoke for the whole cook. Thanks again for the great video and I am checking out your others, too. Congrats on the little tyke.

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 3 lety

      Thanks Ed. Did you find it better to go off the grate level or dome temperature? How big was the difference between the two?

    • @edkerr6940
      @edkerr6940 Před 2 lety +1

      @@SmokeTrailsBBQ Sorry it took so long to reply but I used the grate level to regulate the wood usage in the fire box. I made a little video for my personal collection. I have told everyone I could think would use this info for a better, more reliable cook. I have to say that my best critic(my wife) absolutely loved the final product(as did everyone who was lucky enough to be invited for the feast). We saved some of the point(vacuum sealed) and pulled it out last weekend and it was just as good as the first time around. I had a few small pieces left over and made a few burgers the next night and I chopped the briskit pieces and mixed them into the ground beef. It made the best burgers we ever ate! Thanks again for the original video of how to regulate the fir box. It made me a much better smoker cooker.

    • @edkerr6940
      @edkerr6940 Před 2 lety

      The temp difference was as much as 10 degrees. and the only time I opened the cook chamber was to spray the meat with my liquid. The temp stayed very constant through out the entire cook.

  • @matttyler390
    @matttyler390 Před 3 lety +3

    This is the video I've been waiting for! Great video thankyou . As a novice BBQ guy I've been trying to master the technique but it is challenging, but I learned alot from this video and now my ribs will be the best on the block

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 3 lety

      Thanks Matt! What are you planning to smoke this spring/summer?

  • @nickwestwood3057
    @nickwestwood3057 Před 3 lety +3

    Love the tips on this!! I have the same BBQ and have been making all the mistakes!! looking forward to trying all the suggestions and doing proper BBQ meats. Thanks for sharing much appreciated

  • @Yessy94603
    @Yessy94603 Před 2 lety

    All these tips have saved me plenty of stress from fires going out, how to vent, and how to build the fire. Now I control the fire with a separate thermometer, keep doors open, and keep a steady fire ~50 degrees with amount of sticks or charcoal I put in 🔥

  • @martijnbuunk
    @martijnbuunk Před 3 lety +2

    Hey there, thanks for the video man!
    I'm from Holland and so glad to finally see and hear how to operate and maintain the temperature in my offset smoker.. If been doing it wrong for several times but now I'm going to set it up just as you did.. Thanks again 👍

  • @kevinhampton7215
    @kevinhampton7215 Před 3 lety +7

    You the man. I know nothing about smoking , I feel I just went to college . Thank you

  • @taylorallen8933
    @taylorallen8933 Před 3 lety +4

    You saved me as i am smoking a brisket. Thank you

  • @drumskank
    @drumskank Před 3 lety +1

    This is more of a scientific approach to old school barbecuing. Love it.

  • @bigtrouble5043
    @bigtrouble5043 Před 3 lety

    By far this is the best Fire Management video ever made. Now to master the heat transfer throughout my smoker using the firebox door. Thanks Smoke Trails BBQ

  • @Unknown-rh9nl
    @Unknown-rh9nl Před 3 lety +14

    I went through like a whole big bag of charcoal and bags of wood chips in one smoke but now I know I need real wood logs

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 3 lety +6

      Yea that was a big lesson for me. I felt like I was just constantly shoveling coal

    • @nelsonmiles1472
      @nelsonmiles1472 Před 3 lety +1

      I did the same thing I guess it must be a learning step

    • @g.choppa4448
      @g.choppa4448 Před 3 lety +1

      LOL, 😆 me too, it was more like working on a locamotive, than cooking. Have been using a Weber kettle for years, always produced good bbq, even thru trial an error. 😁 . Now adding a Oklahona Joe offset smoker and these tips should make the process more efficient, tastier, and enjoyable cooking.

    • @Icutmetal
      @Icutmetal Před 2 lety

      Who uses word chips in a smoker like this? 🤷‍♂️

    • @Unknown-rh9nl
      @Unknown-rh9nl Před 2 lety +1

      @@Icutmetal it was all I had at the time and didn’t know where to find real logs

  • @tubewatcher5012
    @tubewatcher5012 Před 2 lety +6

    My goodness, did I bite off more than I can chew? I knew this was a serious time investment, but right now I am thanking God for men like Smoke Trails BBQ to lead this blind, deaf & dumb fella to something even remotely eatable.

    • @davidhunt4129
      @davidhunt4129 Před 2 lety +2

      Get prepared to get a lawn chair and set alarms every 30 minutes to wake you up from those naps

  • @chelwells9
    @chelwells9 Před 3 lety +1

    I stumbled across this video when looking up how to smoke Texas Style Brisket and this video is BY FAR one of the VERY BEST instructional videos that I’ve watched on anything! Honestly, it’s intimidating where to start to learn how to smoke/bbq meats and realistically prepping and managing your smoker is the foundation. This guy breaks it down for you in a way that makes it so easy to understand the mechanics and reasons behind things. He also made me laugh a few times through the video which helps me remember things better. All in all, super duper impressed with this video and feel much more confident in my smoking game 👈🏻👉🏻

  • @mikead88
    @mikead88 Před 3 lety +5

    I appreciate the content been having trouble controlling temp on my okj I think this will help

  • @tinfoilmafia7209
    @tinfoilmafia7209 Před 3 lety +3

    Great information. I really like the brick idea. Thank you.

  • @TheSixStringGuy
    @TheSixStringGuy Před rokem

    My dads place was broken into about 3 months ago...they stole everything but the Oklahoma joe on the porch....I cleaned it up, did a empty cook and now I'm cooking chicken thighs with hickory wood chips....this thing is amazing. Been using the V shape for the fire box. Couldn't be happier

  • @CoD_Maj3st1k
    @CoD_Maj3st1k Před 3 lety +1

    I've been smoking bbq for a few years now, and I am always learning.
    I got the old country bbq pit pecos offset. Quality wood provider is a must!!!
    This is by far the most in depth, and quality information how to video I have seen over the years in fire management. You nailed it, and gave me new ideas to try. I have made a few mods to my offset, and the mirror/v shape grate is a great idea. I use a horizontal grate that came with the offset along with a custom welded firebox basket. I use mini logs, and briquettes (only to get a good coal bed going)
    Thanks for making this video. I really enjoyed it.

    • @SmokeTrailsBBQ
      @SmokeTrailsBBQ  Před 3 lety +1

      Thanks man!

    • @sevans2
      @sevans2 Před 3 lety

      I have an Old Country offset too. I have the standard offset, but I want that combo smoker.

  • @specialkbyx
    @specialkbyx Před 2 lety +3

    Yesssss brother! Been searching for this video for so long. This is perfect. Thanks so much for your effort and expertise. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

  • @heavymetalzombie4754
    @heavymetalzombie4754 Před 3 lety +6

    DUDE.....you're like a smoker guru. 👳‍♂️ Thanx a lot.

  • @kennetlundqvist6279
    @kennetlundqvist6279 Před rokem

    I am a complete novis and have resently bought an offset smaker. I can not remember how many youtube clips I have watched.
    Yours is by far the best I have seen. You explain in a verk logical way how to operate the smoker 👍

  • @darryllawler2777
    @darryllawler2777 Před rokem

    I am smoking two pork butts (7.5lbs each) right now and they’re progressing amazingly. I watched many videos in preparation, but this one is the most helpful, most practical and most accessible to the average noob out of all of them.
    THANK YOU!! I’ve definitely progressed from beginner to apprentice thanks to your help.
    Best wishes in all you do.

  • @HazzardThom
    @HazzardThom Před 2 lety +3

    Came here expecting a funny video about how to drink beer and kill time while watching a smoker, surprise learning!

  • @SteveArseno
    @SteveArseno Před 3 lety +3

    Finally, a good tutorial!! Thank you!