manitoubass2 Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 The key to good results is temperature control. With an open fire it's almost impossible. I'm not saying it can't be done but it would require constant attention. Ive done your typical shorelunches which was easy enough. Ive done new york strips pretty easy as well. Id like to cook some pork shoulder etc not over an open fire but just the coals Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Ironmaker Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 (edited) I don't smoke much meat but my BBQ did come with a smoke box and it works fine. I wish it was a bit bigger though. I just add more wet chips in a pie plate covered with foil and a few slits. I can do a good size shoulder or butt. To do anything larger a dedicated smoker would be best. M2B2, I have built a few open fire pits for friends as I have a bricklaying background. Dad was a bricky and I've been mixing mortar since Kinder Garden. Do you intend on building a chimney for the pit? If so it can get tricky if the mantle is at the wrong angle sometimes. Of course everyone besides me has one that I built. I figure I can get too much meat on it and then would have to invite everyone over to share it! Actually the Italian in me insists on cooking for more than a dozen guests an I love having those get togethers with the 2 sheets of plywood put together and piled with 6 courses of food on it and several jugs of wine. Dean Martin and Al Martino on the record player in the background of course. I guess it would be an IPod now. I love those summer feasts. The old days are the things we do today that we will talk about tomorrow. Edited February 1, 2015 by Old Ironmaker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manitoubass2 Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 Im not sure yet OI. I haven't drawn up and plans but it will be made with rock, not brick. I've built many fire pits for others but never with the intent of it being cooked on. I know brick would be easier to level, but I like the look of rock slab much better. I know I can get it level, I once did a 200ft retaining wall and had great results, just takes more work and creativity. Maybe ill start looking online for some picture ideas. Not today though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salmonidstalker Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 I only bbq from spring to fall and cook inside all winter long as i like the art of cooking in all forms. It gives me something to look forward to all winter and too much meat definitely isn't healthy. But the only way to go is charcoal in my opinion. I'll never go back to gas or propane; so lame. Manitou - I made a fire pit using rounded landscape brick from Home Depot. Cost was under $100 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manitoubass2 Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 VXP, I already have the rock so im sticking to that. Its blast rock so its pretty easy to work with. Also, isnt brick fairly porious? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Lk Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 If you plan on grilling meat over a fire it you have to watch what type of wood you use.Imo,softwoods wouldn't be very good. The trouble with this part of NWO is the shortage of hardwood type trees,maybe that's not the case in Fort Frances area. I've grilled over birch coals & the result wasn't too bad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manitoubass2 Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 If you plan on grilling meat over a fire it you have to watch what type of wood you use.Imo,softwoods wouldn't be very good. The trouble with this part of NWO is the shortage of hardwood type trees,maybe that's not the case in Fort Frances area. I've grilled over birch coals & the result wasn't too bad. Ah very good point ive totally overlooked. What are the best woods to use? Ive always just used whatever, just like camping. Silly i never thought of that as a variable Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Ironmaker Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 You can build a great BBQ pit that will last many lifetimes out of stone/rock as long as the base and sides are made of firebrick and the proper motar. Stone is added to the exterior to make it look nice. If you have the hearth and mantle, also referred to as the bosh of 100% stone the heat will spall the stone, crack it and with the constant cycle of rain/snow then heat then moisture and reheat constantly it will eventually crumble. It can be done without firebrick but and may last a few years but I guarantee it won't last as long as you would hope it to. I can go into a long explanation of the science but don't need to unless you want me to. There are many sites out there that may help. Don't forget if it's on the Internet it has to be true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manitoubass2 Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 Hahaha. Nope shoot me all your advice. Id much rather build it proper the first go Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manitoubass2 Posted February 1, 2015 Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 Wait till tomorrow though. Enjoy the pre game Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sour_Squirrel Posted February 1, 2015 Author Report Share Posted February 1, 2015 Got a nice smoke ring on my ribs..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Ironmaker Posted February 2, 2015 Report Share Posted February 2, 2015 M2B2, I will need to talk to you about the BBQ pit. We just got hammered by a lake effect storm and are buried here. No one is going anywhere around here tomorrow, 10 foot drifts on Lakeshore Rd. PM me in the AM and we will talk about doing it right. JD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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