Getting the correct size of chunks

[bewdigger]

I have had my #1 for over a year and after some questionable results with big box wood chunks, I ordered my smokinlicious wood. I got the double filet size as recommended here and by smokinlicious. Also constantly recommended here is to use 2.5 ounces or less for many meats.

Well the smallest chunks weigh 3 ounces. What method do you guys use to resize the chunks? I am asking what tool, and what size do you try to end up with? I am sure you probably don't want a 1/2 ounce chunk, that's getting close to a chip isn't it?

I feel like this is a stupid question, but I want to do this right for a change!  Thanks!

 

[swthorpe]

I typically go with 4 oz of wood on a short smoke like chicken or ribs, and 6 oz of wood on longer smokes like brisket or pulled pork.  So I don't usually have to split the wood chunks.  But when I do, I use a wood chisel and hammer and try to split the chunk in half.    But for most smokes, the whole chunk works fine. 

You might want to try a whole chunk (maybe a 4oz) and see if you like the smoke on your meat.  If so, don't worry about splitting.

 

[Jimeo]

I just use a chisel and hammer and break down the largest chunks.  I would imagine many people use a hatchet...

 

[old sarge]

I use a hatchet.  Chisel and hammer are probably more precise. Just go with the grain.

 

[JustChillin]

Ditto on the hammer and chisel. It works fine for me.

 

[SconnieQ]

Hammer and chisel work best for me. Dull chisel splits better than a sharp chisel. I would probably take off a few fingers with a hatchet. Some of the chunks from smokinlicious are just a touch too big to fit in the smoke box to get the lid down all the way. So I'm often splitting them into a variety of sizes. The size of the chunks depends on what I'm smoking. If it's a long smoke like brisket or butt, I try to keep the chunks larger. If it's a shorter smoke like chicken, I'll split the chunks so they are around 1-2 ounces. For ribs, maybe about 2 ounces or so per chunk. For fish or something where you might consider chips, I will split thin shards (rather than using those dry ole chips you can buy). I often like to use a combination of larger and smaller chunks in a single smoke. So, I just choose a combination of chunk sizes, measured by total weight, that is appropriate for what I'm smoking. I might split a few chunks down, then pick and choose and put the unused splits back in the box for later use.

The total amount of wood is personal taste. I like things on the smoky side. So 6-7 ounces for butt or brisket, 5-6 ounces for ribs, 3-4 ounces for chicken. Those are good for me. They might be on the high side for some. It also depends on the species of wood. Hickory and mesquite will be stronger, maple, pecan and fruit woods will be milder. You might find you want to start with a little less, then add more wood as you see fit. The smoking guide in the first post of the link below has pretty good recommendations for where to start.

http://smokinitforums.com/index.php?topic=2151.0

 

[Meatball]

Hammer and wedge or chisel works well

 

[Limey]

I use an axe and a hammer-place the axe on the wood and hit the back of the axe with the hammer. Works well and all your digits are a foot away from danger!

 

[kylelindsey]

And are you weighing the chunks to find out how many ounces they are?  Or are you just guessing as to the weight of each chunk?

 

[SuperDave]

And are you weighing the chunks to find out how many ounces they are?  Or are you just guessing as to the weight of each chunk?

$20 and Amazon gets you a great digital scale which is a must for these smokers.