Newbie wood question

[H3]

I'm going to use apple for my first smoke and I'm doing ribs. Is it better to use 1 chunk that weighs 3.5 or split it in 2? I plan to aluminum boat the wood. Thanks.

 

[BedouinBob]

Shouldn't make any difference H3. BTW, go to the introduction section and intro yourself. Welcome to the site!

 

[H3]

Thanks Bob

 

[NDKoze]

I usually split mine into 1.5-2.0 ounce chunks so that I can spread them evenly in the smoke box, but I am not sure that is necessary or not. It is just something I have always done.

I think for a long smoke like a Boston Butt or Brisket, leaving the chunk whole would be good. But for shorter smokes like ribs, poultry, etc., I think splitting the wood would be a good idea.

 

[Corman]

I just did a set of ribs using 3 oz of apple in my #3. I split it in half and it worked great. The piece I grabbed wouldn't fit in the smoke box without splitting it up. Both pieces were in a foil boat and the 5 1/2 hour smoke burned both completely up.

 

[SuperDave]

As I've stated on other posts, I try to start from sawdust and go up to a big chunk.  I want the lasting power of a big chunk without having to wait for something large to start smoldering. In a perfect world, my smaller pieces are about spent by the time the big piece(s) start rolling smoke. 

 

[H3]

The ribs turned out to be the best ribs I've ever had. The bark was perfect and crispy and the meat was moist and falling off the bone. Unbelievable !!!  The smoker is the best money I have spent in a long time. Thank you guys for all the info. I couldn't have done it without this message board.

 

[jcboxlot]

A+ great.  You probably don't even remember what the smoker cost!  After a meal or two it goes by the way side. 

 

 

[Longhornamus]

The ribs turned out to be the best ribs I've ever had. The bark was perfect and crispy and the meat was moist and falling off the bone. Unbelievable !!!  The smoker is the best money I have spent in a long time. Thank you guys for all the info. I couldn't have done it without this message board.

You have to post photos of the deliciousness or it did not happen!!!

 

[DivotMaker]

Good to hear of your rib success, Howard!  When you get the chance, put your first name and town in your signature line - I read your intro post, but this will help everybody be jealous of your Panama City weather!