First Time Smoking BBQ with Charcoal

activ8newbs on 17/08/2022 - 10:38
Last edited 17/08/2022 - 11:17 by 1 other user

Hi all, recently purchased this BBQ from Big W on clearance. Comes with BBQ gas fuel side and BBQ smoker/charcoal fuel side.

It's my first time using charcoal…not familiar with the process but basic research has made me go out and purchase:
- Large coal igniter jug
- Basic BBQ tools/scraper/tongs etc
- Fire starter cubes

However I need some advice on where to get the cheapest charcoal. Is it all the same? I've seen charcoal at Bunnings, local ethnic stores near Merrylands, and so on, but anyone know where the cheapest is, or what price would be good? Also, how much would I need for a dinner with 15 guests.

Also, I believe I need to add some timber for smoked flavour? Where can I get that, how much would it cost, and do you have any recommendations on flavours/smells?

Thanks a tonne OzB!

• 

  jv on 17/08/2022 - 10:41

  -5

  Smoking is a Health Hazard…

  • 

    Xistn on 17/08/2022 - 11:27

    +3

    So is JV, yet here you are…

• 

  Cheaplikethebird on 17/08/2022 - 10:48

  +9

  -Get the blue bag of Heat Beads from Bunnings, burns clean and hot I actually prefer it over lump.
  - Dont buy fire starters, drench a couple bits of paper towel in cooking oil and light it, much cheaper and much more effective.
  - Get the cheapo charcoal chimney from Bunnings. If you start BBQing regularly eventually upgrade to a firebrand starter
  - If you're going to add some wood for smoke make sure to get chunks not chips. The bags from Fornetto they sell at Bunnings are good.

  • 

    activ8newbs on 17/08/2022 - 11:07

    Thankyou. Already have a cheapo chimney $9. Will try heat beads

    https://www.bunnings.com.au/heat-beads-10kg-coconut-shell-ch…

    These?

    • 

      Cheaplikethebird on 17/08/2022 - 11:29

      +1

      That's the one!

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  anawth on 17/08/2022 - 11:08

  Here's my tight-ar$e tip. Forget about chunks/chips. Go find yourself a banksia tree and use their fallen cones. Being in Merrylands, I reckon the park there with the native exhibit will have some.

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  MantistobogganMD on 17/08/2022 - 12:24

  just encase anyone thinks to actually do this, do not do this. this is terrible advice.

  • 

    Cheaplikethebird on 17/08/2022 - 12:45

    What's that?

    • 

      MantistobogganMD on 17/08/2022 - 12:55

      +1

      i was totally wrong, i thought he meant pinecones….

      • 

        Cheaplikethebird on 17/08/2022 - 13:07

        Yeah nah banksia cones are pretty commonly used.

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  Stewardo on 17/08/2022 - 20:39

  All of this questions could be answered at the ethnic store.

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  cheekymonkey on 19/08/2022 - 09:22

  cooking for 15 guests and first time using charcoal?! that's a brave move. start with something simple, like chicken legs or thighs.
  if you get actual charcoal, you don't need wood pieces/chips. it may be a nice touch, but not necessary as the charcoal will (should) have a nice flavour on its own. if you do use any wood chunks you find in the park, make sure it's not green/fresh wood. it won't make it taste good.

  • 

    Belch on 19/08/2022 - 13:36

    If smoking and feeding that many a big pork shoulder would be the safest bet. Smoke at 250f …. wrap at 160-160f internal, ready around 203f but when your temp probe goes in really easy is the final test. Youtube will be your friend.

    You need an instant temp probe at least. At some point look at some form of wireless proble you can leave in whilst cooking.