Master Fire & Smoke for better Barbecue

In this video, I share how I cook with fire in a wood-burning pit. Learning to manipulate fire, to produce the right heat and the perfect smoke, took time and lots of lessons learned. The things I share in this video can help anyone, who may struggle with fire management when cooking with wood.
00:00 - Introduction
01:20 - Tools
03:10 - Humbled by fire
04:07 - Focused on the smoke
05:30 - Size of wood
06:59 - Airflow
07:36 - Taste of smoke
08:47 - Starting the fire
09:25 - Type of Wood
11:15 - Preparing the wood
13:25 - Importance of moisture
15:24 - The biscuit test
17:37 - Achieving Clean smoke
21:44 - The biscuit test - Results
25:26 - Treat smoke like Salt and Pepper
Tuffy Stone dubbed as “The Professor”.
Author of Cool Smoke - The Art of Great Barbecue.
French-trained Chef.
Judge and Co-host of America's show ‘BBQ Pitmasters’.
A 6-time BBQ World Champion
Was inducted into the 2018 BBQ Hall of Fame.
More about Tuffy:
tuffystone.com/pages/about-tuffy
Follow me on Instagram @tuffystone
/ tuffystone
Follow me on Facebook @tuffystonepitmaster
/ tuffystonepitmaster
For more recipes, you can visit my website at:
tuffystone.com/blogs/recipes
Merchandise:
tuffystone.com/collections/ev...
SIGNED COPY OF COOL SMOKE: THE ART OF GREAT BARBECUE:
tuffystone.com/collections/ev...
@yeti
@webergrills
@chairmansreservemeat

[@neilbailey1139]

Such an unbelievable dude. I feel like BBQ is truly blessed to have people like Tuffy, Myron, Malcolm Reed, and others who remain passionate not just about THEIR food but about teaching the next generation. Tuffy Stone has a forever fan in me - just a total class act in every sense

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Thank you so much for the nice comment!

[@seansmith3747]

Sir, this could be the most visually appealing pit I have seen, ever. 😮

[@devinthomas4866]

Playin golf one day, guy I played with said he was former comp BBQ guy. Said the key to great BBQ is this, when your pit is rolling along the fire should look like steam coming off a hot tub. Clear, shimmering exhaust from your pit. He said this, think about you opening your pit and smoke blows in your eye for 2-3 seconds and it burns like hell. Imagine a piece of meat in the pit for 12-15 hours!! Clean clear smoke is the ticket. If you are cookin in a comp find a guy for your team that can run the pit clean, clear and efficient. Our guy is Dave, he is awesome at keeping pit rollin along . Temp correct, smoke correct, door open or closed. Invaluable. Rubs and injections and wrapping are important, not as important as clean smoke in my opinion. Simply my thoughts Devin Thomas Mutts & Butts BBQ, Prosper Texas

[@berniestewart1738]

I’m never going to claim to be a professional chef like you are. I have learned so much from you in this video. I appreciate it, just got into offset smoking.

[@joerecio4408]

One measure of a man's wisdom is his humility! Humble man, brilliant BBQ! Thank you Tuffy!

[@tyrus0872]

Boy, did you pick a nice spot to tell a story. Your pit in the middle of a dirt road surrounded by the woods offering distance in the background and having an ol reliable rusty truck nearby sure helped to set you at ease. All the info was great and I sure liked the pit, it made my day.

[@robert68639]

I've been cooking bbq for 25 years and I'm still learning. This is a great video. Thank you for spreading your knowledge, Tuffy.

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Thank you so much for the nice comment!

[@user-yn4xw5nx3h]

From Japan, thanks for the nuggets! Love the video. Keep them coming.

[@bbqguy4035]

This is a valuable instructional video for all pit guys. At first when i watched tuffy with all his breakdowns with times putting them into spreadsheets i thought this guy is crazy in some kind of weird way it all makes sense now. I have been bbqing for 20 year's and always trying to pickup knowledge along the way. This video has changed the quality of my bbq in a positive way and working closer than ever before with my wood supplier trying to get right size for my pit. We have cut splits in half and shorten them up by 4 inches so far what a difference it has made. Tuffy stone is the true scientist in bbq from his spread sheets, style and poise doesnt get any better.

[@user-gi3xg2lu3o]

Happy is the man who is living by his hobby

[@jamesross350]

So passionate about BBQ. I find myself being the same way...Just listening to you I can hear it. Wont lie I choked up when you mentioned going to the BBQ circuit and competing. One day I want to do this so bad! Love this video so much Tuffy. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@chriscarter7182]

A whole lot of years ago, I used to read a news letter in the Smoke And Fire Enquirer. A guy by the name of Smokey Hale would do regular articles about the various aspects of bbq. He wrote 2 articles about “The Essence of Smoke”. In one of the articles he said “The smoke you see, is the smoke you do not want”, and then he got very long winded and described what that cloud of smoke really is and what’s in it. It really opened my eyes. I’ve never forgotten the basic information in that article and since then I’ve always been very nit-picky about my fire. This video has validated 2 things I have learned over the years. (1), I have made several modifications to my offset over the years and one has been to install a self supplying water pan along the full length of my smoker, (it’s a small smoker, only 30” long), and (2), I get my best cooks when the the weather is crappy and cool/cold. I’m able to burn a slightly bigger and cleaner fire rather than during the heat of summer.

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Smokey Hale's book was another one that really influenced me, when I first started.

[@TdSharp]

I definitely have the same experience with weather. The best cooks I do are overnight

[@droid4369]

Can you elaborate on having bark on the wood please? The way you said it made it sound like bark is not good to have.

[@ghettostreamlabs5724]

It literally took me two years and hundreds if not thousands of dollars of bad tasting meat to learn what Tuffy goes through in 30 minutes. Very well done sir. Offsets are quirky and challenging, but once you know your pit and how to manage the fire, there is nothing better.

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

I am so glad that you enjoyed it!

[@KevinSmith-dq9tz]

Same here. When I first started I over smoked so bad even I was throwing it in the trash. Lol

[@CoachWilliams706]

I greatly appreciate your video, your honesty - Ms Brown. Your passion is evident and your awards and accomplishments speak on your BBQ. Thank you

[@guilhermeterra6804]

Great video! Greetings from Brazil, Tuffy!

[@Spatchcock2]

Watching this now and about 1/3 of the way through. Interesting to hear you talk through the bad smoke phase. I experienced this on my BGE but since moving to offset, I was the exact opposite….working so hard on a clean smoked out of the chimney, I had no smoke flavor. Now that I don’t worry as much and as long as the smoke is flowing nicely, producing much better food balancing the smoke flavor. Thanks for put this video out. Now, back to watching.

[@kirksides7504]

Love the old Bronco!

[@bobbycresap4440]

My friend you are one of the greats. You used to strike fear in our hearts when you would come around and wish every single team good luck. I truly enjoyed spending time with you and your dad back in the day out on the circuit. This is Bobby-Q formerly of Big Green Egg btw,

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Such good times! So nice to hear from you!!

[@johnwatz4955]

Very insightful video, thank you!

[@HalfAcreFarms]

You can tell how great a guy he is . I listened to this whole thing and I believe every word he says. He just seems really genuine and I bet he is just as genuine in real life.. Trust me and just hit SUBSCRIBE .

[@rolandoaleman826]

The passion for the process 💯

[@Buzzdbbq56]

Awesome bud and thank you for taking time in Memphis to take a pic and shoot the breeze with me and my wife your an outstanding dude 💯🍻

[@cherryvalleybbq8225]

Great to see you on KZbin !

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Thank you!

[@stenny1970]

Tuffy Stone - well done video!

[@pengie2414]

Thanks for the information it was awesome, always learning

[@patrickmiller1413]

Firebox management using smaller or proportionately cut pieces of wood. This makes so much more sense. I had so much trouble using to much or pieces of wood(logs) that was hit or miss for me, so I swithed to lump coal and adding chunks of applewood or hickory. This presentation is so good. Ive been using a store bought off-set smoker for the last 14 years and struggled to get the heat right. Sometimes I got it, but more often than not, it was inconsistent. So this makes so much more sense; air flow and smaller pieces of wood. Thanks Tuffy, from and old school friend from Lynchurg. Congratulations on your success and we all appreciate your genuineness. Oh, and nice to see you got another FORD Bronco again after all these years. LOL. I assume that's yours in the background.

[@throwaway692]

That's a sweet rig.

[@muppetbrother]

amazing energy boss man. thank you.

[@rodericamos127]

Wow! Been watching bbq pit master for years I never knew you from Virginia. I'm near the Jefferson and Klugie farm

[@TomPappyHillman]

Great video Tuffy. Love the old Bronco too!

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Thanks Pappy! I appreciate you watching and posting a comment !

[@abnada82nd]

So helpful, thank you.

[@robertslaton2607]

great advice on finding the hot spots

[@CyberSamurai84]

The professor glad i found this channel. Ive been watching u since bbq pit masters when u won on the 19000 dollar brisket experiment. One of my most favorite pitmasters

[@ttteg-tq8ln]

Love your passion, always have!

[@Dee-uz7gy]

What a informative video. Thank you so much.

[@donniefolmar6393]

Right on Tuffy Stone, i'm not mad at you,great vid,thanks for the lesson !

[@Knowconceptjiujitsu]

Love your passion!

[@user-eg5vj1qq6k]

TYSVM, Tuffy! I watched you for years on BBQ Pitmasters (still recording the reruns!), tried to learn from the masters (Aaron, Myron, Johnny, Melissa, Jamie, Ron, etc.), but THIS video explained exactly what I needed to know. Fire management is foremost! I love your passion for trying to be the best. A cooker can have all of the rub receipes, meat techniques/processes, but it all starts with the fire. I appreciate the info!

[@BrightBBQ]

Awesome video, love the high def video quality!

[@RichWyatt1]

Thank you very much I appreciate your generosity of knowledge you've cleared up some things for me

[@user-ho1uj6lp7q]

Thank you, Tuffy for the video! What a fantastic video! Thank you for helping me with being a better pitmaster.

[@pauldeloney296]

Tuffy, you're one of the best to do it!

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

You are very kind.

[@snedalift]

Awesome video!

[@johnmarkpool4097]

You're BBQ Passion fuels our Grilling! Thanks Tuffy for being such a God-given Blessing to us Smoke Mongers! 😅

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

I am so glad. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@txbrn512]

Born n raised in tx, been cooking outside since i was able to walk, been doing it long enough that i remember when the only bbq joints in austin was richard jones pit bbq and bens longbranch bbq was good but my grandfather would drive 30m to a hour to get REAL GOOD bbq from elgin or lockhart...blessed to be a texan i suppose, keep teaching them how to make good food!

[@quegrill]

Tuffy you're the best. Great video 🔥

[@wornslick]

Great video and a beautiful smoker! You mentioned John Willingham, I worked with him at Thomas Hill power plant in 1980. We were both Union Pipefitters , he was a good welder. He built his pits and they remained me of a popcorn machine, the one’s with the glass doors. He was a pistol after work!!

[@wornslick]

He had the nickname “Eveready!

[@VernBigDaddy]

Hey Mr. Tuffy While those splits are making beautiful “mouth feel memories” you should get to work restoring that Bronco in the background. 😊 This video changed the way I run my pits, how I build pits and my fealty to Feldon’s. Thank you sir.

[@soundknight]

South Australian Olive wood is my favourite.

[@camsrigley7369]

Awesome video, thanks

[@mperfekt]

That grill looks incredible! Great video with some great fundamentals.

[@hankt2792]

I can't say enough how much I enjoyed this video. Your sincerity and passion came across warm and welcoming, It almost felt as if you were giving advice only to me. A sincere "THANK YOU" for making this video,

[@aleishat3595]

May you PLEASE PLEASE make a video on cookin Tri-Tip.

[@1INSANEK9]

Excellent video.

[@Hunter-il1pt]

Just tryin to learn and be good like you

[@roybaggett8565]

Very informative

[@smokeydablunts7313]

Much love Tuffy! Youve been an inspiration over the years. I apprecaite it!!!

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Thank you so much!

[@ScrapeLineHunters]

What a great video!

[@kevinwill8542]

great video

[@joedaddy8044]

Great advice!! I agree with everything you say and trust me I had to learn the hard way too haha great video, thank you

[@BbqMikeG]

I felt your elation about barbecue as you were sharing some great knowledge. Thank you Tuffy!

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nrolled2888]

Thank you very much for this! I learned very much.

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

I am so glad you enjoyed it!

[@atsalyahuisrael]

That's a beautiful smoker

[@GEO-GEORGE65]

GREAT VIDEO, I wish i had learned this years ago. Great detailed instructions,

[@johnmarkpool4097]

Thanks Tuffy for caring enough to teach us back yard boys how to get better! I've always loved watching you on Pitt Masters, etc. BBQ Blessings My Grilling Friend! From Mississippi with the BBQ Blues touch! 😂😅

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Thank you so much for watching and posting the nice comment!

[@cjhayes7666]

Great video Tuffy keep up the great work

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Thank you so much!

[@CoolJay77]

Highly insightful video. I like the mention, John Willingham, smoke is dirt.

[@mcdonaldfarms7076]

Thanks for posting this Tuffy. I've been using a Big Green Egg the last 15 years and decided to get a stick burner this week. At one point, I had a backyard brinkman offset, but that's a different animal than the smoker I just got. I had no idea of the difference is smoke and how to manage the fire. Thanks again

[@bicivelo]

Holy cow. This video inspired me so muck to make better bbq! Thank you!!😮😊😊😊

[@danielploy9143]

Well done & well said MR Tuffy.

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Thank you so much!

[@danielploy9143]

@@TuffyStonePitmaster your the man, I’m / we’re your fan (s).

[@JohnCanales]

All things refined in life are defined by nuance.

[@papascruffy]

Love that smoker!

[@doncline3386]

might be the best video i have watched

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

I am so glad that you like it!

[@ericgarofalo7886]

Tuffy what a great video! Love your passion. Got a Franklin pit two years ago and really have been operating the same way you showed in this video. Everything you shared is spot on. It's great to see this and just reaffirm what I've been doing and also picked up some info from this. Can never have enough info. Thank you for this and your passion Eric

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Thank you!!

[@InVerum]

Really enjoyed your presence on the shows I've seen you on, thanks your sharing your knowledge on KZbin! Live in a tiny LA apartment, won't own a pit for years I imagine, but definitely going to store this info away for a rainy day.

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Thank you so much for the taking the time to post such nice comment!

[@chaunceyhunter1948]

Good video.

[@bobsterndlschauer5923]

Great Vid Tuffy , Thanks for sharing your knowledge/experience - many greetings from Austria by a great fan of you

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Thank you so much! I am glad that you liked it.

[@charlesmoore5840]

Thank you I just got myself a big off set cooker and I just subscribed to your channel going to learn as much as I can so I can cook for our church outings that smoker looks great

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Thank you so much and have fun cooking on your new pit!

[@livergsp]

This is the best video ever for anyone that wants to do it right!!! Great explanation Incredible insight Just plain common sense Thank you for sharing!!!

[@brucehuff5566]

A well done video. Thanks for great information and you have a very nice pit. Stay safe

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Thank you so much!

[@BBQ_Beto]

Awesome info! I’m getting my new offset getting delivered next month. I might need to pick up a wood splitter.

[@kizmaass]

This is great content thanks 👍🏾

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

I am so glad you like it!

[@rockkhound943]

I have been smoking meats for 20 years. And I'm getting ready to switch over to an offset.. This video is very informative, and I've also watched Franklin barbecue. He's extremely knowledgeable as well. I'm feeling good about it and I think I'm going to build my own out of a 250 to 500 gal propane tank. Also would ypu perty please sell me that bronco ?? 3 of my family members have 1st gen's like that an i want a project as that one would be lol. Thanks man later

[@trentwatts4913]

I have 2 professional build cookers and one of Jamie’s will be my next one I’m hoping . Love to get a J3 . Appreciate the video , enjoyed it.

[@Thelizzardman]

Thank you

[@paulcoffey7219]

Tuffy, thanks for this great video. I wish I could have found something like this 12 years ago. Every beginner needs to watch this video and learn to use smaller wood.

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Thank you for commenting!

[@alexmoreno8333]

Excellent advise for a newbie with a reverse flow. I’m definitely applying some of your suggestions and will report back. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge. You gained a subscriber. 👍🏽

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tracydavid4411]

Hey Tuffy, I like your old Bronco in the background!

[@user-jy9mm2gy8p]

Thanks so much 26:43

[@kjackson888]

Hi James, I love your content. I would really like to see you do a video on customising beef tallow 👍

[@mscocomomo880]

The best explanation thank you fully inderstand..I'm officially ready thank you

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Thank you so much! I am so glad that you liked it!

[@scottburton4236]

Great advice Tuffy. I struggle once in a while with clean smoke on my Kamado. These are nice tips. Thanks for sharing

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching!

[@BillHartCooks.]

Nice! I use pecan, because that is what I have. But I use twigs and branches, also because it it what I have. I inadvertently stumbled on the same thing as you. small wood that burns and does not smolder makes better barbecue/Smoked meat. I also cheat and pull my meat at the wrap stage and put it into an electric roaster oven for the finish and the rest. easier to control the heat. and after the first half of the cook most meat will stop absorbing flavor and anything extra will just make your bark bitter. At least that is my experience. Very good information. And I will have to try the biscuit test.

[@15-rounds8]

Thanks a whole bunch tuffy for the lesson. I build my second off set pit an i was struggling with fire management. My first build was a 55gal barrel which worked rite of the bat great. But this 120gal side build was given me hell to sustain a hot and clean fire now I know it is the size of my wood.

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Thank you for watching!

[@gofigure6562]

I love the passion he has and others like Malcolm. These are the OGs and the true masters and teachers. I like how he also keeps it simple and emphasizes air flow, air flow, air flow. So many videos out there that are way too complex and overkill when the main focus really is a clean burn because of air flow. I'm going to be buying his book too

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Thank you so much!

[@derricksmiley5632]

​@@TuffyStonePitmasterhow u like your electric splitter, thinking about getting one and is it harbor freight brand sold

[@lesgrant7861]

You're right it's so easy. It was so easy I was doing it before I watched my first Tuffy video. I hope to try your barbecue one day. The key with an offset is oxygen and oxygen running a fire that's clean with a lot of oxygen. Water pans and spraying meat in offsets is mandatory to me. Never use unseasoned green wood. I own 4 offsets 1 reverse flow & 7 uds and I make my best meats on a UDS.

[@roberthoffman7156]

I just bought my first offset on sale $169 I'm hooked only did one cook wasn't bad did so much wrong. I'll practice on this one for a year and upgrade alot of fun

[@nyrep1]

Great video. everything you said was my experience exactly when I got my Offset . Smaller splits, the kindling cracker, and moving my offset farther away from my privacy fence to increase air flow made me fall in love with smoking. I almost sold my pit and bought a pellet grill I was so frustrated. I sure wish this video existed back then. This video should be everyone who is new to offsets first watch.

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Thank you for the nice words! Keep on Smoking!

[@macEboy]

Thanks Mr. Stone I really appreciate you taking the time to help some of us many learning the off-set cooking princibles. More more if you'd be so kind! New Sub'er as of today!

[@TuffyStonePitmaster]

Thank you for subscribing! We will keeping working on more.

[@1230mkelly]

​@@TuffyStonePitmasterWhat's the name/maker of that rig set up?