Keeping the ProQ Cold Smoker going

[probbq]

Today I found out that my supplier (Ashwood) changed the grade of Oak dust, we've been buying for distribution with our Cold Smoke Generator (CSG), without informing us.
The bottom line is that this "new" grade of dust, although I can see no major difference in appearance, does not work well at all.
I sincerely apologise to anyone who's had a frustrating experience with this dust and if you email me at info@macsbbq.co.uk, stating the amount of Oak dust purchased (an invoice No. would help), I will send out replacement dust for free... I've got a load from a different supplier, while we work with Ashwood to resolve the current problem.

Please note that all other varieties of dust remain the same, but here's a few pointers to ensure they work as they should...

1. Keep the dust dry.
2. Make sure you clean the CSG after each use.
3. Gently tamp/ press the dust down, with your thumb/ finger, before lighting.
4. make sure the dust is smoldering well, before removing the Tea Light.

I do hope this helps and I would like to thank all of you for your feedback.

Best regards

[tinca]

Arh thought it was the dust, the most simple explination, shame on ashwoods, would it be possible to mixed to two different dusts together to get them to work???gaz
ps my batch is ok

[probbq]

Arh thought it was the dust, the most simple explination, shame on ashwoods, would it be possible to mixed to two different dusts together to get them to work???gaz

I'm sure that would probably work Gaz, I'm doing some more tests today.

[Richierich]

Arh thought it was the dust, the most simple explination, shame on ashwoods, would it be possible to mixed to two different dusts together to get them to work???gaz

I'm sure that would probably work Gaz, I'm doing some more tests today.

You in the house again??

[probbq]

My warehouse is a bit smokey

[tinca]

Arh thought it was the dust, the most simple explination, shame on ashwoods, would it be possible to mixed to two different dusts together to get them to work???gaz

I'm sure that would probably work Gaz, I'm doing some more tests today.

Done 2 smokes over the last couple of days, keep going out to look to see if its finished and its still going and going and going, certainly hit 12hours no problem bit boring really, like things to do added the other dust i had and it hasnt had any negative influence on the burn gaz

[wheels]

Tinca

Is that with the old (OK) dust, or the duff stuff.

I don't quite understand what you're saying?

Is it, that by compressing the newer dust that wouldn't burn for JollyJohn, it works great?

Or, is it that, like me, you are using an older dust and getting long burns, even if you add other things?

Or, that by mixing the old and new, you have solved the problem?

...well, at least solved it for those of us fortunate enough to have some of the old dust!

Phil

[JollyJohn]

I tried again with the supplied stuff tamped down, still kept going out and was a pig to get started. I have also tried a 50/50 mix of the supplied dust with the ABU dust, it burnt steadily to about halfway round, then went out. Looking at the burnt section, you can see bits of the supplied dust that haven't burnt. It's really weird, the dust is dry, logic says it should burn.

The smoked salmon is delicious by the way, will try the sausages in a couple of weeks.

John.

[wheels]

Thanks for clarifying that John.

Phil

[JollyJohn]

Thank you Ian.

The new stuff arrived today, that's bloody good service!

I don't know when I'll be smoking again, but shouldn't be too long, I'll keep you updated.


Cheers, John.

[tinca]

Tinca

Is that with the old (OK) dust, or the duff stuff.

I don't quite understand what you're saying?

Is it, that by compressing the newer dust that wouldn't burn for JollyJohn, it works great?

Or, is it that, like me, you are using an older dust and getting long burns, even if you add other things?

Or, that by mixing the old and new, you have solved the problem?

...well, at least solved it for those of us fortunate enough to have some of the old dust!

Phil

What i did was to combine some cherry with it and also done a burn after with some oak dust which i got from another site , not for the csg but just oak dust, i had tried both before on there own and had trouble with them, i combined them with the oak dust i got for the csg and it worked ok, i fill it up and give it a knock on a hard surface then go over it with my fingers to tamp it down and off we go, i do leave the dust in the airing cupboard over night just to make sure its dry and give the csg a good scrub with a brass wire brush between burns and a good wash and brush after.Gaz

[Billy Rhomboid]

Well I had another go this weekend using beech dust and it was a 100% success. No problems at all and really good smoke imparted to the sausages we were doing, and some experimental cheeses.

Hugely relieved to have got it working - I was really puzzled at first as to why I couldn't get it going.

Slaughtering 4 pigs next week so better order some more dust.

[wheels]

I reckon you lot have jinxed me - I normally have no problems with the CSG but I lit it today and it's gone out. The dust is now in the oven drying out. I guess that it's finally got damp - mind you it has been stood outside in its sack for a year!

Phil

[saucisson]

I keep mine inside, but I don't buy in bulk like you do Phil...

[wheels]

It's up and working again with oven dried dust but I'm finding that the oak on its own burns more quickly - I usually use an oak/beech mix. I'm only getting about 6 hours, as against the 12+ I normally get - maybe I dried it too much!

Keeping it outside is not ideal, but until I get the garden sorted and a bigger shed, I've no option - I have 4 big sacks of various types and sizes of wood!

Unfortunately, work on the house takes precedence over my 'play area in the garden'!

Phil