Royal Oak charcoal

[MI smoke]

Royal Oak charcoal -100% hardwood lump it says that its hickory and oak (mostly). Can I use that instead of hickory sticks ( or do I need to use both?).
I found a supplier in s.e. Michigan for hickory wood but they said it is not seasoned. (Does anybody know of any suppliers in area?)
When I was talking to the supplier I ask her if it was seasoned, and she that it was not seasoned, and if I was using it for smoking that I would not want it seasoned? :?
I ordered a gator yesterday, I would like to have a wood source arranged buy the time it gets here (3 months).
Should I buy the hickory let it set, is 3 months long enough?
I beggining to wonder if I should have stuck with my pellet burner :lol:

[Woodman]

Ask them how old the hickory is. If it is already three months old, then it'll work by the time you get your cooker. Oh, the charcoal will work with some hickory. You will not get any smoke flavor from charcoal alone. Woody

ps. What size did you buy?

[Big Mike]

I use Royal Oak Lump myself. The lump by itself does give a nice flavor, but not enough as far as I am concerned. Since it is a mixture of Hickory, Oak and Maple the result is fairly mild. I like the Hickory flavor so I add Hickory wood chunks as well.

As far as seasoning wood, I am definately not very knowledgeable, but I would assume it would need to sit at least 6 months if not a year. I am sure others will be able to give you a more accurate answer on this.


Mike

[serialgriller]

any wood you use to smoke with should be seasoned for at least six months.

what gator did you order?? i have a bandit that i absolutely love. in fact, we're actually looking to go bigger here pretty soon.

[RuiNT BBQ]

I've used hickory that is only seasoned about 3 monthes. As long as you keep a good eye on the fire it should be ok. You may want to pre-burn it in a fire pit and then add to your firebox as needed as hot coals.
As Woodman said, get some now and let it start seasoning up. If it's split it will season a little quicker than solid logs.

[MI smoke]

I bought the party edition :)
I wanted to get a bigger one - mama said NO! (we have twins in the oven!)
Next spring I'll be bbq'n and changing diapers! :lol:

[jshively]

I bought the party edition :)
I wanted to get a bigger one - mama said NO! (we have twins in the oven!)
Next spring I'll be bbq'n and changing diapers! :lol:

Know the feeling. I started wearing diapers when I bbq. Less bathroom breaks.

[freefaller]

[quote=jshively]


Know the feeling. I started wearing diapers when I bbq. Less bathroom breaks.

Something I just didn't need ta know. :shock:

[nuknfutz]

Now I've only read stories, but why do I think that could be the fashion rage at QFest III :shock:

[Grumpy Gator]

Now I've only read stories, but why do I think that could be the fashion rage at QFest III :shock:

Dang %$@(*#^Y@ :shock:

Wish you didn't say that. Now I gotta get that visual outta my head. Can just see the whole QFest group with diapers... ewwwwwww

Maybe Bill's neighbors to the east might be interested... :lol: :lol: :lol:

[TexLaw]

If that supplier is good, then you'd do well to go ahead and get some and let it season. It sounds like you'll have to do that, anyhow. The charcoal just won't give you the flavor and aroma you are looking for.

Have fun with it!


TL

[Paul Taylor]

Hey MI Smoke, I am with Woodman on this one. I would go ahead, order a bunch of Hickory right now before your new pit gets in so that way, it will be ready to go. I have some pecan wood in my yard that I am fixing to go gather & cut up because it has been there for 6 months too & is ready to go. BTW enjoy ya"ll's new little Prodigies.

Paul Taylor

[Smokin']

I bought the party edition :)
I wanted to get a bigger one - mama said NO! (we have twins in the oven!)
Next spring I'll be bbq'n and changing diapers! :lol:

Know the feeling. I started wearing diapers when I bbq. Less bathroom breaks.

But that's a good look for you, not everyone can pull that off!!!

[david brace]

Hey MI Smoke, I am with Woodman on this one. I would go ahead, order a bunch of Hickory right now before your new pit gets in so that way, it will be ready to go.
I agree..get the wood ordered and pile it so some air can get to it. Don't do what I did once and put it in a closed container. All I got was a good crop of spiders and some soggy nut wood. Up here we got tons of apple and maple trees, so I am supplied with that stuff rather well. :D

DB

[serialgriller]

hey db - just noticed you reached 1000 on your post count and have entered the rarified atmosphere of the bbq gods. congratulations :!: :!:

[david brace]

Thank you, SG...gosh I barely had a chance to look around here...so far it looks clean, somewhat orderly...don't see too many vending machines...no campaign posters that they forgot to remove...and they slipped me this key that I'm guessing is for the executive washroom...more later...

DB

[david brace]

I really meant to post on Royal Oak...I have not seen it around my area, but I also have not been looking for it. I've been using Kingsford as a base for both my smokers. I find that they're even burning when I put on the wood. I mostly use applewood, oak, maple, and for fish I been using juniper. But the pecan shells idea is a good one I gotta try soon as the weather breaks for real...altho last few days in the 50's ,some people out with t-shirts and shorts.

DB

[Woodman]

I always get a bunch of "shooters" (flying sparks) coming outta Royal Oak. Anyone else?

[Greaser]

I always get a bunch of "shooters" (flying sparks) coming outta Royal Oak. Anyone else?

I use B&B, and the same thing happens to me.

[RuiNT BBQ]

Every type of lump I have tried I get them also. The Big Green Egg brand seems to have the least amount of sparks. Cowboy seems to have the most. The Royal Oak is somewhere in between.

[Jersey BBQ]

"SHOOTERS".. is what happens to me too with Royal Oak. I love it though, just can't find it around here. Always have to pick it up when I am out in the Lancaster Pa. area....

[nuknfutz]

Jersey-- Most of the Wally worlds I've been in in North Jersey all carry Royal Oak, even now. Maybe give them a look? Did you ever try Wicked Good? I got a few bags recently and have been burning that with great results, far as I can tell

[TexLaw]

Those shooters are just part of using lump. You have watch out for that stuff!


TL

[droller]

Would someone please post pictures of hickory, oak, apple, etc. "chunks" they have bought and let me know the size. What is the ideal size for smoking? And, everyone, what are you willing to pay per pound for hickory and red oak, seasoned 9 months, f.o.b. Bel Air, Maryland?

[TexLaw]

droller, I don't have any pictures handy, but chunks usually run about the size of a man's fist and down to about half that size.

I can't help you much on that pricing, though.


TL

[Smokin']

You want shooters, try using Humphrey's Lump, which is available in PA, it's like going to fireworks display...not bad lump though.