Do you need to use more chips than chunks

[TorontoPete]

I have to burn through 4 or 5 pds of chips before I get some chunks.  Do you need to add more chips by weight than chunks... I gather you should use foil... But not like a pack... Right?  So it's open.. Like a boat in the smoke box. Should I soak half to get smoke later.  Doing a 12 pds brisket.  It's my first large one... And don't want to mess it up.  Any help is appreciated.

 

[SuperDave]

Pete, all of my smokes involve a combination of chips and chunks.  Consider buying some chunks and mixing your weight between the two.  Do you have a chip screen?  If you are insistent about all chips, you shouldn't need more by weight but be extra careful to prevent combustion. 

 

[TorontoPete]

Ya.  Got a chip screen.  Then I guess there is no need for foil at the bottom... Or is that more a personal choice.  I bought some chunk.  So maybe mixing is a good approach.  Thanks.  Didn't think of that... Seems obvious.

 

[NDKoze]

The thing with chips is that they will start smoking earlier than the chunks and at a lower temp. So, a combination of the two is not a bad idea.

I use my chips exclusively for low temperature smokes like Jerky and Snack Sticks. Using chunks for these type of smokes and the chunks will not have enough heat to keep them going after the element starts cycling on and off.