Should you leave the bark on the smoking wood?

[Ron W]

Hi.  Still learning the process but can anyone tell me if it makes a difference if you leave any bark on the smoking wood chunks or should you take the bark off before using?  Thanks!

 

[old sarge]

Two schools of though on this:  1 - bark is bitter and 2 - it makes no difference. I take the bark off when possible and if not, well, I just use it as is. I have not really noticed any difference.  But given a choice, I will use wood with no bark.  Just my preference.

 

[LarryD]

If it's easy to avoid the bark then I do... if it's not then I don't sweat it.  I've yet to notice that it actually matters.

 

[Hank R]

I also take the bark off.

 

[Ron W]

Thank you!

 

[prudentsmoker]

The big Texas BBQ places certainly leave the bark on.

 

[Lonzinomaker]

Most of those are stick burners where the fire is very hot and they move a lot more air through the chamber.  Electrics burn a lot slower and cooler with much less air flow.
However:
If the bark is loose, I pull it off. If bark is tight to the wood, I leave it on.

 

[TX Gent]

I too will go barkless if I can but don't sweat it if some is still on.

Really don't worry about fruit woods at all but always remove mesquite bark as it's very acrid and oily. Other than that the journey is always in the choosing ...