#1 doesn't have combustion of the wood like the bigger models?

[Suzie-Q]

As I look at the other posts in our forum I notice combustion or "the belch" mentioned.  I'm only a newbie, but I don't think I've had this happen (yet).  Am I just lucky (with a no peek method)?  I only use about 2-3 ounces of wood in the little #1.  Does it's lower watt element save it from overheating the wood?  I seem to get best results from chips rather than chunks of wood.  Let's hear from the experts!

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[elkins20]

Hey Suzy, I too have the #1, I have used as much as 6 oz of wood chunks in it for long smokes. I have not experienced any belch but do have an auber and do first a start of 140 degrees temp. at 45 min. then up the temp. to my cooking temp. say 225 or 235 depending on what I am smoking. I think the belch was in the larger smokers but really not sure. As in my #3 do the same thing with the ramp up temp. Since you are using mostly chips I would say you might be lucky that they have not caught on fire. Do you soak the chips prior to placing in the #1? The reason I went with an auber on my #1 was got discussed with it and the huge temp. swings. When I set the temp. at 235 and see high temps. of say 250 + I thought that was a bit much.

[DivotMaker]

You're right, Suzie!  I have never had even a hint of it in my #1.  Before I had the #2, this phenomena was foreign to me, and I didn't really get what everyone was talking about!  Once I got the #2, I saw the difference between a 350w element (at that time, it's now 400w) and a 700w element!  Combustion seems to occur only in the larger units because the element blasts full power while it is heating up, and it's at least double the power in a #1!  No need to ramp, foil, or employ any other "anti-combustion" techniques in the Little Guy!!

[Donmac]

The only times I had combustion in the #1 is when I was using crappy dried out store bought wood.

[AlinMA]

I check the moisture content on all of the chunks that I use in my SI#1 and only use them if the content is 5% or above and have never had combustion. The wattage of the heating element combined with using quality wood eliminates any concerns with combustion.

[va_rider]

I've never had combustion in my #2. But, the only wood I've used is from Steve, or from Fruitawood.

[SconnieQ]

I've had the belch a few times on my #1. Mine has the 400W element. The wood was probably too dry, and not wrapped in foil. I don't ramp up the temp. I wrap the bottom part of the chunk in foil now, and no combustion or belch.

[elkins20]

Hey Kari, I think the #1 all have the 400 watt element at least the newer models. Where my #3 has a 1200 watt element. I do ramp up the temp. on both and never had a problem with the belch. But, do get a lot more ash in the #3 than in my #1. Could be I have been very lucky so far.

[SconnieQ]

Hey Kari, I think the #1 all have the 400 watt element at least the newer models. Where my #3 has a 1200 watt element. I do ramp up the temp. on both and never had a problem with the belch. But, do get a lot more ash in the #3 than in my #1. Could be I have been very lucky so far.

The older #1s have a 350 watt element. Wasn't sure if that's why they got the reputation for no combustion. Most of the time I end up with wood chunks looking like black charcoal. But very occasionally I get a hunk of wood that turns to ash.

[elkins20]

Hey Kari, most of mine are like yours just charred wood. Even on longer smokes very little ash. But, I have the box chip insert that I just leave in the wood box. And am on the fence about getting one for the #3. That could be why I have never seen the belch in my #1.

[SconnieQ]

Bill, I also have the chip insert, but have only used it for chips. I kinda don't think you even need it for chips, since it seems to me that you could just create a foil boat for the chips. Interesting idea leaving the chip insert in for chunks to help with combustion. Might have to give that a try just for fun, but since I've been doing the foil wrap on the chunks, haven't had trouble with combustion.

[SuperDave]

I know this has nothing to do with the smaller size smokers but I've toyed around with different foil & screen combinations and think I've come across what is going to work for me.  I put a piece of foil in the bottom of the box to cover almost all the holes.  I then cover that with the chip screen.  The distance buffer along with the reduced oxygen is working great.  My wood chunks look like the #1 owners now rather than 100% ash. 

[Limey]

I just use the chip screen all the time-never have any issues.