ECO Bricks

[rikerz]

Picked up a package of ECO bricks from Tractor Supply yesterday and thought I would try them out to test for heat. I used 1 chimney of Cowboy chunks and added 1 ECO brick after about 15 minutes of lit charcoal, it would not bring up the temp over 200deg so I added another ECO brick in about 30 or so after I added the first one. That brought up the temperature nicely but within 30 more minutes the temp slowly started dropping so I waited about 15 minutes longer to add a 3rd brick and since the first 2 were almost gone that one would not bring the temp back up around 225 -235 as it hovered around the 198 mark. I thought those bricks were suppose to last 2 1/2 times longer than the equivalent wood but I guess not. My air intake damper was 1/2 closed (2-3inch holes in door) I tried closing them to 3/4 but the brick still burnt up pretty quickly. This was just a test as I don't see myself using them for actual smoking. Maybe is was just me (probably was) but has anyone else tried these bricks?

[Richtee]

Hmmm got a link to them?

And dump the Cowboy if ya can. Shit's about the worst there is... UGH!

[rikerz]

Hmmm got a link to them?

And dump the Cowboy if ya can. Shit's about the worst there is... UGH!

As for the Cowboy, I know it stinks. I just bought a bag to try out, I have about 6 bags of RO waiting! Here is a link to the bricks: http://www.tractorsupply.com/redston...k-of-6-1001261
I read on here how alot of folks feels about Cowboy, it does stink but not as bad as Lowe's Stubbs which smokes like a train!! I picked up RO at chinamart but want to save it until I get a better handle on how to control my heat. What do you think about the minion method? I thought I would start with charcoal to start and then go to all wood once I get the temp up, maybe that is where I am mistaken?

[Richtee]

As for the Cowboy, I know it stinks. I just bought a bag to try out, I have about 6 bags of RO waiting! Here is a link to the bricks: http://www.tractorsupply.com/redston...k-of-6-1001261

I would be leery of anything made for heating, man... they don't care what binders, etc they use... it's not a food grade product... I'd think...

[HawgHeaven]

I would be leery of anything made for heating, man... they don't care what binders, etc they use... it's not a food grade product... I'd think...

Yeah, I'd steer away from that... and the Cowboy... just sayin...

[Ryan]

it's not a food grade product... I'd think...

That's what I've been reading from other places to.

[rikerz]

I would be leery of anything made for heating, man... they don't care what binders, etc they use... it's not a food grade product... I'd think...

I thought of that also after I bought them but I have no thought of actually using them to smoke meat with, just wanted to try them to test air flow and temperature. I know that I need to find some good quality wood somewhere. I have the Fruita wood chunks but cant use them to control heat, they are just for flavor.

[Richtee]

I thought of that also after I bought them but I have no thought of actually using them to smoke meat with, just wanted to try them to test air flow and temperature. I know that I need to find some good quality wood somewhere. I have the Fruita wood chunks but cant use them to control heat, they are just for flavor.

Well..remember anything you burn..leaves residue behind as well...

Only food grade in food cookers is my call...

[rikerz]

Well..remember anything you burn..leaves residue behind as well...

Only food grade in food cookers is my call...

Oh, thats right as I never thought of that.. No more ECO bricks. Thanks folks!

[curious aardvark]

it's not so much the food grade. They are made from mixed hardwood waste. This might include tropical hardwoods from wood working firms. Some of that stuff produces quite toxic ash and smoke.

So named woods only in smokers :-)