BBQ 101 - How to Build a Fire in your Offset Smoker Firebox and Temperature Management

Want great Texas Style BBQ? It starts with the right heat and great smoke. In this video, I explain and show you an easy way to use Charcoal and Wood Chunks to build a great, long lasting, easy to maintain BBQing fire in your Offset Stick Burner Smoker. I also show you how to properly manage the cooking temperature while avoiding dirty, bad-tasting white smoke and running that clean, thin blue some that barbecue is famous for.
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[@robingriffin6740]

I will most definitely be using this technique I never knew how to do it now I do

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Awesome! I'd love to know how it goes for you. Stay in touch! Thanks!

[@robbleahey9908]

This video has completely changed my somikng abilities Edit: clearly not my spelling.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Hahaha! Fortunately, you don't need to be a spelling bee champ, to be great at smoking. Glad my video helped! Thanks for watching! New video coming tomorrow. It's everything that goes down in a 6-hour cook. Check it out if you get a chance! Thanks!

[@dwyanejetersr6470]

Tony this vid showed me more in 30 minutes than I could imagine, thank you so much, I'm learning how to use my new offset smoker (char-broil) and wow, thank you so much again. This teaching was vital to bringing my grilling up immensely.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Hi Dwyane! I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you! This is why I make these videos. I'm glad it's all good to you and thank you so much for letting me know. Have fun!

[@davidphelan9561]

I've been fighting with temperature management since I bought my smoker. Wish I'd found this video a while ago. Thanks so much!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

You're welcome andI'm really glad my videos are helpful to you! Thank you for watching!

[@jasonpowell7305]

Im a total noob! I got my smoker for christmas,watching these videos has me kind of intimidated

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Ah, don't even sweat it my friend! Just start off with a small fire in the box and watch what it does. The most important thing is just getting familiar with the temperature that is created based on the size of the fire in the box. It gets super easy with practice. Have fun!

[@conroe81]

Thanks really much, is the first video where i have understand how to use this tipe of bbq, clear, without music and simple. Thank you again.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thanks for your comment Conroe! I really appreciate that. I've been working on being better at getting right to the content, without all the goofy theatrics. Thanks again and smoke on!

[@mrpawka]

THIS is the one I needed to See! Quick Crash Course, nothing fancy, just simple. LOVE IT! Thanks!

[@darrylwooten131]

Yes very clear cut

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that feedback. Thanks for watching!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thank you!@@darrylwooten131

[@TruthOverLies713]

Needed this info, been doing it according to the char-grill ppls KZbin and this works way better. Thank ya

[@TheJoneshouse3]

Tony I've had my smoker for quite awhile now and I consider myself to be a novice when it comes to smoking meats but this was truly an eye opener for me. It showed me a few things I've been doing wrong as well as the correct way to smoke meats. Thank you so much for all your content and taking the time to put these videos together. They're really helpful.!!👏🏿👏🏿♨️♨️♨️

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thank you so much!!! I really appreaciate that! Sorry that it took so long to reply. I work a normal day job and the summer and fall are crazy buy for me, so it's hard to keep up some times. I'm glad you found helpful info in my videos and thanks again for letting me know. Smoke on my friend!

[@israelmondragon2664]

Just picked up one for 30 bucks . Same size. Just the video i was looking for. I appreciate it.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Wow! That's a deal! Nicely done. Thank you! I'm glad my video was helpful. Have fun!

[@markdephilippo1404]

Great video I like the way you build the fire away from the cooking chamber very smart. Thanks for sharing.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@sprig6043]

It still mystifies me as to why offset manufacturers still insist on putting temp gauges at the top of cook chamber, why not just put then lower at grate level where they would be more effective! Great up load. I'm in the UK and drove 824miles to collect a Oaklahoma Joe Highland, that was a month ago I still haven't used it, waiting for all my gadgets!!!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

I agree, it's odd. Even still, I do find that gauge useful, especially when I'm doing direct heat grilling over charcoal. When smoking, it's just good to know how far off that gauge is. I like multiple temp points. I love that dedication in getting a good smoker. 824 miles is quite a haul! Nice job! Now, just gotta fire it up! Smoke on and thanks for watching!

[@jimmiemacd3603]

@@TonyToneBBQ does it mystify you? Mortify you? Stupefy you?

[@TonyToneBBQ]

@@jimmiemacd3603 I believe you meant that for Sprig, but cool. Thanks for commenting!

[@joshcoupe556]

You drove from John o groats in Scotland to near enough lands end for a bbq? Bullshit

[@upurkilt7246]

@@joshcoupe556 412miles there 412 back not that hard to fathom. but i agree most companies deliver for 25 to 45 quid. Alot cheaper then driving that distance especially with the price of fuel at 1.99 for petrol and over the 2.00 for diesel... would have atleast spent 200 quid on fuel alone 🤷🏽 but i wouldn't say its bullshite.

[@76twice]

Excellent detailed explanation on controlling a fire for a smoker. Bravo!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thanks for your comment! I'm glad you enjoyed my video!

[@rwin1]

Thanks for sharing. Makes me feel even better that I bought a pellet smoker :D

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Offsets are a lot to handle, the complete opposite of the set-and-forget pellet rigs. Not for everyone's lifestyle. Pellets are super popular and I understand why. I'm going to have to add one to the arsenal sooner or later. Thanks for watching!

[@luissena200]

My first class on pit smokers and I got a lot of importaant concepts and tips. Thank you very much for the video!!!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

You're welcome Luis! I'm glad my video is helpful to you. Smoke on my friend!

[@IsraeliteMan713]

Literally the best fire management video on youtube.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thanks Nick! I'm super glad you think so!

[@panchitovilla9616]

Literally?

[@Brwnzzz]

Tony, THANK YOU BROTHER! I added too much coal initially, still waiting for it to burn down so my fire will last. Thank you sir.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

You're welcome! I'd like to know how it goes. Please let me know if you get a chance. Thanks for watching!

[@UseToPewProfessionally]

Best video on heat management I’ve seen especially for a chargrill

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Hey! Thank you so much!

[@mikemulheron3410]

About time someone shows how to build a fire in the hot box and maintain the temperature, Thank you so much.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thanks Mike! My pleasure!

[@tonyboneize]

Another tip for you fella. Brush your offset with cook oil of your choice. (Where the coals are). Treat it like a cast iron. I learned the hard way. It works brother. Nice video

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Yes! That's a great tip! I actually spray peanut oil on the firebox of my Grand Champ at the start of a 6+ hour cook and it's created thick glaze on the surface much like a well seasoned cast iron pan. Works great! Thanks for watching!

[@tonyboneize]

@@TonyToneBBQ keep ‘em’ coming brother. We all learn and live. 👍🏻

[@TonyToneBBQ]

@@tonyboneize will do, thanks!

[@TheNUMPSEY]

I just received a smoker grill as a present and I didn’t want to disappoint . This video had me feeling a pro in no time!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

I'm so glad to hear that! Thanks for watching!

[@atown7714]

Big Thanks Too SIR!!! I know there will be trail and error to come. After taking your (class) I feel as if I will be better as to know what to look for and can expect. I Appreciate the time and knowledge you shared with us!!! Best video I have seen!!! YES SIR!!!!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thank you so much! You comment means a lot to me! Good luck with future cooks. Let me know how it goes if you get the chance. Also, check my channel for more tips. Thanks for watching!

[@brandonbrantley9939]

The best video for fire management. You were simple informative and made sense!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thanks Brandon! I appreciate your comment and thank you so much for watching. Smoke on!

[@toddgaines9446]

I'm about to use my first smoker for the very first time. Shotgun Shells and smoked bologna. Thanks for all the great fire control tips. Much appreciated.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Awesome! Sounds like a great first cook! Let me know how it goes. Thanks for watching!

[@ditackett]

Ur a life saver. I have watched so many off side smoker how to videos and INFORMATION OVERLOAD. urs I was able to get the most important easy info and n how to use my very first offset smoker. Thank u so much.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Hi Diane! Thank you so much for your comment! I've been working on keeping my newer videos more direct and to the point. I'm really glad you like it. Thanks for watching!

[@quicksear6618]

I have the same brand stuff but slightly smaller cooking chamber. And I have to say after I wasted so many hours watching tips and guides over the internet, I finally found the answer. The info u shared is truly amazing, thank you so much!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

I love hearing that! I'm really glad my video was helpful. It's funny, that's kind of a simple thing but it's just tricky to figure out. Once you got it, you're golden. Thanks for watching and have fun!

[@jensharee]

Great break down! You make it sound easy.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Gets easier with every cook. Thanks for watching!

[@refisherdesktop]

If you hang that thermometer clip inverted under your shelf you can (taking the height of your meat into account) get the temp in the chamber right at the top of the meat, which is a good measurement to have.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Hey Robert! I'm sure that would work out well if you need to know what the temp is in that area. Thanks for watching!

[@adamssscott]

Thank you so much. I’m just starting to smoke food in my offset. I’m new, a brilliant video for beginners. Thanks again! 👍👍👍

[@TonyToneBBQ]

You're welcome! I'm really glad you found my video helpful. I'm working on a whole Pig this weekend and should have that video up in a week or two. Please subscribe if you haven't so you don't miss out. There will be lots of good tips that apply to all cooks. Thanks for watching!

[@lifelikelu]

Did my first smoke ever today on this same smoker grill at my friends house. Smoked a whole chicken. However the grill is not sealed and it was tricky keeping the temp high and steady. It actually came out pretty good in the end. I wish I would have watched this video first though because I learned so much from it. Subscribed and looking forward to learning more from this channel.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Hey! Thank you so much! I know it's been a while sine your comment. How have things been going on your offset?

[@djcutlas1976]

Great video 👌🏾 I have the exact same offset smoker. I actually went to home Depot and put two more gauges on it left and right of the middle.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thanks for your comment and I'm glad you liked my video! I was thinking about adding a couple gauges too but my wireless thermometer has been doing a good enough job so never did. Thanks again and smoke on!

[@darrylwhenderson2928]

He very informative I see the problem I was creating by filling the firebox with charcoal and the just throwing my wood on top of it and just letting go.I have the base model CharGriller with firebox,and I’m new at using side box.And it has been a real struggle so this has been very helpful.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Hey Darryl! Thanks for comment! I'm so glad my video was helpful. Be patient with that firebox. A big part of getting good at managing a fire is just paying attention to what's happening and experimenting with small changes. Have fun and smoke on!

[@keecee4071]

Great point about the weather temperature. Wind can also be a factor.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

It sure can! Did a cook yesterday in a strong breeze. Reverse sear steak, pan seared shrimp and grilled peppers. It was a pain dealing with the wind but pulled it off. Everyone was happy! Thanks for your comment! And thanks for watching!

[@Focused-ni9qh]

Thanks for the pro tip on setting additional wood adjacent to fire!!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

You're welcome! I'm glad you liked that tip!

[@robingriffin6740]

Thank you so very much you really taught me something

[@TonyToneBBQ]

You're welcome Robin! I'm glad my video helped! I'm uploading a new video tomorrow. It's everything that goes down during the course of a 6 and 1/2 hour cook. Please check it out if you get a chance. Thanks for watching!

[@reynosaappliance]

super informative great video.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thank you!

[@johnnyblaskowski]

Good info. I have same smoker, and have found fire management is easier with the fire on the left side, put one of the grill grates in for a shelf to warm the wood. 7x2 inches ideal wood size. One for 235f, two for 255 and three about 280f. Add fuel about 30 minutes. Smoke well everyone.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Absolutley! I like to stress that every grill and every environment is different. You gotta do what works best for you. Way to work that grill! Smoke on!

[@JLSchwass]

Just the video I've been looking for! I bought a dual fuel Char-Griller that has the option of attaching the offset smoker. I'll refer to this video often, I imagine.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Congratulations on the new Char-Griller! That dual fuel rig is the best of both worlds, three worlds if you add that firebox. I would highly recommend. Thanks for watching and let me know if there's anything I can do to help!

[@zipporahsolomon9684]

Thank you so much for the time you took to explain this. This was extremely helpful for me. I appreciate your thorough review.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

You're very welcome! I'm glad my video was helpful. Please subscribe if you haven't. I've got new videos on the way soon. Thanks!

[@eddiemunster143]

Thanks you definitely broke it down alot better than anyone else.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thank you @eddiemunster143 I'm glad you liked my video. I appreciate your comment and thanks for watching!

[@abdulhamid-xz4pz]

Lovely video. Left no stone unturned. 👍👍👍👌👌👌

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thank you so much! I appreciate your comment. Thanks for watching!

[@mightybrighty73]

Thank you very much. I feel very confident going to my smoking session friday, i caint wait. I got wood chips instead of wood chunks lol. I have the exact same model to BTW.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Right on! I hope it goes well! Get some chunks or splits if you get a chance. Just know that you'll have to cut down the splits to appropriate size. Chips will burn off too quickly. I'd like to know how it goes so keep me posted if you get a chance. Thanks!

[@waynesmith8808]

Just attached my offset to my grill yesterday, appreciate the lesson.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Oh yeah Wayne! You're in for some fun now! That offset firebox is a game changer. Congrats! Have fun and thanks for watching!

[@rossdarocy3576]

Just got a smoker and I really enjoyed this video, very informative!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thanks Ross! I'm so glad you like it! Thanks for your comment!

[@C9H0S]

Very good video sir, this a very awesome lesson. 🙂👍🏾🔥💯

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thank you! Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching

[@MichaelJordan-qt9fl]

Awesome video, I learned very much from this. I can’t wait to start my smoking journey. Thanks so much for this!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

That's awesome! I'm so glad my video helps. Please keep me posted on how things go and let me know if you have any questions. Thanks for watching!

[@hellac6]

Good info and techniques! I just bought an Oklahoma Joe Offset, I've watched 3 different videos and your techniques seem to be the most efficient!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Hey Cory! Thank you for your comment. I'm glad you found my video helpful. Congrats on the new Oklahoma Joe's offset! I foresee a lot of good times smoking some awesome barbecue in your future.

[@charlesphearse7620]

Thanks brotha much needed video!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

You're welcome my friend! Thank you!

[@djsugarbear6079]

Awesome 👏🏽 tutorial man! Straight home grown style!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it and thanks for watching!

[@luciusmcravin1377]

Thank You Tony for the video, I never used the smoker on my grill, or a chimney coal stack... learned A Lot....!!!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

You're welcome Lucius! I hope you get to use that side firebox! Opens up a whole new world of delicious BBQ!

[@tommymasters2333]

Tks for all the info. GREAT

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@YuckyRory]

I just got this grill and I can't thank you enough for this video! It really helped me fully understand the pacing and set up of an offset smoker! Also is that a GameBoy text message tone I heard? Genius!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thank you! I'm glad my video helped you! And yes, Super Mario. Lol!

[@stevensteele9198]

Love this!! Thank you for all the wonderful information.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

You're welcome Steven! More coming soon!

[@777Rosicrucian]

Excellent video from a seasoned competition BBQ chef.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thank you Michael! That means a lot to me!

[@dariusmarian7428]

Thank you!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thank for watching Darius! If you like this video, please make sure you're subscribed and check out the video I'll be posting in the next few days. I shot an entire 6 hour cook in one take, so you can see exactly EVERYTHING that goes on during a long cook. I'm going to speed up parts where nothing is happening, and I hung a clock on the front of the smoker so you can tell how much time is passing, but you'll see exactly how much time passes between adding wood, you'll see problems that pop up and goofs that happen, and temperature swings and in the end... you're going to see some incredible meat. Pork rib, Beef Chuck Roast, Beef Dino Ribs and Lamb Shank... You might find this very helpful. I'm also thinking about Live Streaming my cook of a whole pig that I'm doing this weekend. Do you think I should?

[@taylorrussell2812]

Great video, just got my offset so lots to learn.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Hey Taylor! Congrats on the new offset and welcome to a world of amazing smoked deliciousness. Learning how to run an offset stick burner can be a little tough at first, but it's so worth the practice. I'm glad you found my video helpful. Please subscribe to my channel and check out the rest of my videos. I've got more on the way too. Thanks for watching and I really appreciate the comment!

[@rileyfriesen715]

Thanks for this video I just got a grill like this and have never used one before this was a big help

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Hey Riley! Thanks for watching and thanks for your comment! I'm glad you found my video helpful. I just posted another on Mods that actually work they gives more tips of good temp management that you might want to check out. There's so much awesome barbequing you can do with an offset, once you get good at fire management. Have fun and smoke on!

[@TheBond4574]

Love the video! I use basically the same process except I use wood chunks instead of splits and I have carpenters square I use to prop open the fire chamber lid at different heights to keep the temps and fire regulated.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Hey Cornelius! Nice use of a carpenters square! Sounds like you've got a process down and that's awesome. I like chunks too, I just make myself from logs because it saves cash. It's good to have a varity of options. Thank you for your comment and thanks for watching!

[@stevesyncox9893]

I just built my second offset, 50 gallon propane tank& 12”pipe. First one was two old bbqs, too much air contamination. Thanks for the info.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Damn! That sounds nice! Good job! I bet it works great!

[@ronaldjones8134]

Best video I have ever seen for fire management in a smoker. I am a "newbie" to offset smoking even though I have been doing backyard BBQing for 20 years on and off. I have the OKJ Highland. I did the seasoning yesterday and will do my first cook in a few days.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Hey Ronald! Thank you! I appreciate your comment. It's awesome that you're branching out and that Highland is a great rig for it. Let me know how it goes! Thanks for watching and have fun!

[@tamesheiabyrd6093]

Just bought my first offset smoker grill thanks for your channel

[@TonyToneBBQ]

I'm glad to hear that! I know it's been awhile since your comment. How have things been going with your offset?

[@Edu-Rodriguez]

Amazing video. Thanks!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it and thanks for watching!

[@cindy_says]

Very helpful. Thank you! ESP the standby firewood

[@TonyToneBBQ]

You're welcome Cindy! That standby stick is my favorite trick. Thanks for watching and I really appreciate your comment!

[@TheSlipknot79]

I've been smoking a couple years now and some cooks are easy and some a pain in the ass! Then you talked about ambient temp & weather and it hit me .... thx man great video. Lol

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Hey Adam! A lot of people overlook the weather and the effect it has. Wind is my nemesis! Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching!

[@davidwalls8208]

Attempting my first big cook today ... great information and I hope for good results with my fire.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Awesome! Let me know how it went! Thanks for watching!

[@tywilson314]

Thanks for the video.. helped me out alot 💯

[@TonyToneBBQ]

I'm glad to hear that! Thanks for watching!

[@michaelhill2223]

Great Job loved Video

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thanks Michael! I appreciate the comment! I just shot a new video and I'm working on getting it uploaded before the weekend. It covers everything that actually goes into a 6 hour cook. I'm also considering Live Streaming the cooking of a whole pig this weekend. Not sure how I'd do that but I'm thinking about it. Stay tuned and thanks for watching!

[@craiglo1181]

Cheers for the video 👍 Just started using the offset smoker for smoking my meats and this was very helpful

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Awesome! Glad to hear that! Thanks for watching!

[@renevillalva6150]

This is an awesome video brother I appreciate how thorough you were in your explanation

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thank you my friend! I'm glad you liked it and I appreciate the comment!

[@chickaferguson]

Mate this was a great informative video. I'm considering buying a Texas triple BBQ that has an offset smoker along with charcoal and gas grills. You've demystified smoking for me a little I think. The tip about heating your next piece of wood is a great tip. Thanks.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Awesome! I'm glad to hear that. I've got a lot of videos on my channel, I tend to focus on fire management and how to use the tools. Make sure you subscribed, I've got new videos coming soon. Working on a whole pig this weekend. Thanks for watching!

[@dscote78]

Very thorough video. Thank you!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

I'm glad you liked it! Thanks for your comment!

[@allenrussell232]

Best video I’ve seen on fire management

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thanks Allen! Much appreciated!

[@rickoverkott9490]

Thanks great tips. I just got my first off set I'm looking forward to smoking.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

You're welcome Rick! Thanks for watching and thanks for your comment!

[@charlesrivera425]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 very informative

[@TonyToneBBQ]

You're welcome Charles! Thanks for watching!

[@raydartt]

Great video. This is the stuff you need to know but don't see too many videos about it. Can't wait for the weekend to do my ribs. Thanks

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Aaah, ribs... One of my favorites! Thanks for your comment and I'm glad you find my videos helpful. Smoke on my friend!

[@johnkirk3279]

Small fire and well managed, goes a long way..

[@TonyToneBBQ]

That's right! Thanks for watching!

[@reondeon1272]

Great video definitely earned a like and subscriber! Definitely worth the watch and is nice and insightful!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thanks! I really appreciate that!

[@jasoncormier7832]

I've been BBQ FOREVER. This smoker separates the boys from the men of grilling. This video really helped me out in controlling the fire. I need to get more equipment to make this process a lot easier. Other than lack of equipment everything was really fun to do. Thanks again for all the info. ❤

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thanks Jason! Yes sir, offset smokers are a world of difference. Can't be beat if you're good at using them, in my humble opinion. I'm glad my videos are helpful to you! Thanks for watching!

[@cliftonscott4677]

Great video I have had the same smoker about two years just learned things about it I didn't know from your video

[@TonyToneBBQ]

That's awesome! I'm glad my video was helpful to you. Thanks for your comment!

[@jefflundquist5771]

Thank you for the great fire management info. I'm missing that longer fire grate for the pull out tray. All I have are the two smaller grates.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

You're welcome Jeff! Check the description of the video. There's a link to where you can find a cast iron grate like the one I have in mine. Not sure if that's what you're looking for but you definitely need to have something to keep the wood off the bottom and let it get some air. Thanks for watching!

[@waynehunter9133]

Fantastic video. That really was informative. Thank you.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

You're welcome Wayne! Thanks for watching!

[@chinozuniga2139]

Awesome video i have the same smoker and i have been looking for a better way to control the temperature thank you 🙏🏼

[@albertcalcaterra8508]

Thanks for the video, I have the same grill...this was very informative

[@TonyToneBBQ]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching and I'm glad it was helpful.

[@dreadnought80]

Thank you Tony tone I’m going to try this method on some ribs tomorrow

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Awesome! You're welcome and thanks for watching!

[@russellniebolt1493]

2 thumbs up Tony! There's lots of other maintain-firebox-temp videos, but this one covered it very completely, I totally understand what to do now when that temp gets up high to 400+.....just let it burn down. And also to open the main chamber lid if temp gets a little above what it should be. Thanks sir.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

You're very welcome Russell! I'm glad my video helped. I appreciate your comment thanks for watching!

[@jonathanpaulspencer8525]

It was really clear, well explained, thank you!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thank you, Jonathan!

[@darrylwhenderson2928]

Again thanks for the response I’ll head to Amazon and start my search.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Sounds great! Good luck!

[@jossefjossikajit4169]

PERFECT EXPLANATION ABSOLUTLY PERFECT TEACHING ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ GREETINGS FROM MAASTRICHT THE NEDERLANDS

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thank you so much my friend from the other side of the giant pond!

[@pnelllott7300]

This was awesome for being two year old, thanks for this, just learning how to use an off set and the tips was very good.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thank you very much! Have fun on your journey!

[@jonathancatron9377]

Dang. I’m really impressed. You are typing, spelling and articulating your thoughts so well to be 2 years old. Keep up the work little buddy!

[@milesthompson1776]

Thank very much for this

[@TonyToneBBQ]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@TheDarkpassenger30]

Great video brother, I learned a lot.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thanks Kerry! I'm glad it helped and thanks a lot for your comment!

[@robinbramlett110]

Great video and explanation. I have an OKJ Highland that I purchased last year and I bought a baffle plate and a charcoal basket for it from BBQ Smoker Mods. The charcoal basket is great for fire management and I do the same thing as you when starting my fire except I no longer use paper in the chimney or at times I may not use a chimney at all since I have a torch similar to yours. I also use lump charcoal instead of briquettes and warm my wood splits on the top split warmer instead of inside of the firebox. The baffle plate’s selling point was to keep temps more even on both sides but that is usually not the case. I still get a temp variance of 25 or more degrees per side at grate level (I have the same ThermoPro remote thermometer you have) but the top lip of the plate that covers the hole between the chamber and the firebox helps with keeping the fire from jumping into the main cooking chamber. Again, great video. It’s really nice to see big box store offsets being used in these videos as they are much more financially attainable to the masses vs the Yoders and custom guys….although I most definitely plan to get a Lone Star Grillz 24x36 pipe smoker or cabinet offset one of these days.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Hey Robin! Thank you so much for your comment and thank you for watching my videos. I really appreciate everything you had to say. Sounds like you've got a lot of great experience. Like you, I have plans to get something more substantial, but it's really not necessary, more indulgent than anything for the type of cooking I'm normally doing. That's just the thing, most people really don't need a big expensive rig. Smokers like you are Oklahoma Joe's are fantastic and something that a lot more people can afford. Thanks again! I really appreciate you!

[@robinbramlett110]

@@TonyToneBBQ No problem and you’re right. A big, expensive smoker is most definitely not needed. I don’t see my food tasting any better on one. It doesn’t stop me from wanting one though. 😀

[@TonyToneBBQ]

@@robinbramlett110 oh I understand! LOL!

[@jefflundquist5771]

While getting a fire started, I like to imagine what early American bbq pits and devices must have been like. I have a similar model CharGriller offset smoker purchased at my local grocery store. It looks almost identical to the one in the video. I have hotrodded it quite a bit which really helped: sealed up several accessory holes, added sealing tape to both lids, and made my own baffle plates for inside the cooking box. I will use the advice from TonyTone during my next cooking session for sure.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

@@jefflundquist5771 that connection to old school camp fire BBQ is one of the things I love about offset smokers and cooking with real wood. Thanks for watching!

[@jamaicanlovrboy]

very informative......today was my first time smoking, and your video helped

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Awesome! I'm so glad to hear that! Thanks for watching!

[@MIDWESTBBQ1]

Nice!!!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Thank you!

[@SkunkMonkey991]

I was going to legs and thighs on my Weber but now I'm going to dust off the old Brinkman offset and use her for the first time in a longtime. My weber kettle is as good at smoking as the offset but I miss the offset. I also have a huge trailer smoker which I can do whole hogs on. Should be fun. Great video BTW for people learning. I enjoyed it.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Hey Walter! I appreciate your comment! Dusting off that offset sounds great but a whole hog on that trailer sounds AMAZING! Either way, I hope you have a great time. Thanks for watching!

[@kingsolomon3175]

Very helpful. I just started side box smoking and can see I’ve been doing it wrong. I’ve been building big fires and using the vents to set temp so I can walk away for awhile but ugh the white smoke.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

That's it my friend, gotta let it breath! Most of my videos have some fire management techniques and tips in them so maybe check out a few more when you have time. Thank you so much for watching and I really appreciate your comment. Smoke on!

[@truefamilymantruefamilyman1392]

Enjoyed your video… it’s straight forward I learned a lot.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

I really glad to hear that! Thanks for watching!

[@joe62845]

Oh that's what those clips are for. I just let the probe sit on the grate. Cool!

[@TonyToneBBQ]

Yes! Probably get better temp ratings with the probe off the grate. Thanks for watching!

[@another_wai8388]

Pick up a used OK Joe 3-1 Combo. Thank you for this great video on firebox fire mgmt.

[@TonyToneBBQ]

My pleasure! I'm glad you're finding it helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@mielagabier6409]

Awesome video I am from South Africa and have a similar smoker . J hve this smoker for years never used it for smoking. Thank you gonna use mine today

[@TonyToneBBQ]

That's awesome! Please let me know how it goes! Thanks for watching and have fun!