Smoked RibTips with the Lone Star Grillz Fire Management Basket

[@ebrown126]

Finally got my LSG 24x40 and it’s nothing short of amazing. I’ve never tasted bbq awesome. Thank you so much for your videos on seasoning and fire management. Honestly made this so much easier to understand and execute. I can not get over the flavor difference between offset and charcoal. Love your videos! Thanks again.

[@GrumpusOnFire]

ebrown… Welcome to the LSG family! It makes me feel great that my videos came in handy for you. Using an offset is a little more challenging, but the flavor of the food can not be beat! Have fun with your new toy, and let us all know how you are progressing.

[@mongo9584]

Just got mine this week. Cant wait to try it.

[@GrumpusOnFire]

I think you’re gonna like it!

[@harrybarker1408]

good vid....the fire basket makes life easier

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Thanks Matt. I was surprised that this basket made that much of a difference. Thanks for watching.

[@BbqMikeG]

That's a great basket to keep the fire tight and aimed right at the vent into the cooking chamber!

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Mike, this basket is truly a game changer for my cooks. A definate "must have" accessory for the 'ol LSG!

[@TexasStyleCuisine]

Great information on the basket. Pretty rib tips. Been seasoning my pit using the wood basket.Thanks for sharing. Cooking a brisket in mine next week for its maiden voyage.

[@pedrolinares9462]

I followed your advice and I got one myself. It works wonderful, thanks Grumpus.

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Excellent! Thanks for watching, Pedro.

[@normanrhone142]

Proper review Grumps. Just straightforward and simple. Thanks boss.

[@GrumpusOnFire]

I really appreciate it Norman… thanks for watching my stuff!

[@bradtanner7056]

Good job grumpus smart move purchasing that fire basket

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Thanks, Brad. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while! 😁 Thanks for your continued support. 👏

[@HeavyMetalBarBQue]

Hey Grumpus! Great Vid showing their New basket.......makes total sense to me! I'm glad that \m/ design of that basket worked for You. 🔥👍 Metal On! \m/

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Thanks Ken! LOL… you, of all people, have to appreciate their 🤟 design… and it’s Heavy Metal..! As always, thanks for watching.

[@arcturusbbqsausagemaking2435]

Great job ! Great Smoker & smoke box being a retired welder fabricator of 38 years i love to see how things are Fabricated, I just started a bbq channel last month ...... Well done... Just subscribed

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Thank you very much!

[@2AChef-n-BBQ]

Very cool Grumpus, that LSG is awesome 👍🏼🇺🇸🍻

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Thanks Musiclogic... four years and still loving the pit!

[@davidcotney7585]

Grumpus sounds like those dogs are getting anxious. I've got the same deal, 2 German Shepherd s. I have an old country wrangler and I got an Oklahoma Joe basket and it works great. I've done about a dozen cooks with it and I will probably never cook without it. I put a brick on one side to limit the size of the fire if I want to cook at a lower temp. That is definitely the way to go. It makes a big difference. Great video, keep up coming.

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Hey David. That is a great idea sizing the basket down with bricks. Now that I’ve used that basket a few times, I’m hooked. With things being what they are at the moment; if grocery supplies start getting tough… well... them dogs better watch their backs…!😮😮😮 Thanks for watching.

[@Chris-wp3ew]

I have the LSG 20x42 Offset Smoker and for the better part of a year, I struggled with getting a low temp (225) cook... It would smolder unless I built a bigger fire. I bought the new fire management basket and it's a huge improvement. Now it's almost effortless to maintain the temp right where I want it. Highly recommended. Why do you feel the ash pan is a necessity? That's the one option I didn't get.

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Chris… Please check out my response to @ebrown126, elsewhere in the comments, where he asked similar questions. Without the basket, I would guess you are trying to use splits that are too big. Chop them up into smaller pieces so you can have a good flame (less smoke). This will help you keep your fire and temps more manageable. Thank you for watching.

[@Chris-wp3ew]

@@GrumpusOnFire I tried everything, including smaller splits... The new basket seems to do the trick : - )

[@dspille]

Very informative. Great video! I just ordered one to use for my Old Country Brazos.

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Nice… I think you will love it. I use mine on most all my cooks.

[@estevancamargo8107]

Thank you Grumpus, ordered one today! Thanks for sharing your honesty, be safe my friend

[@GrumpusOnFire]

This basket is truly one of the best accessories Lone Star offers. Thanks for watching Estevan!

[@CookingwithKory]

Great looking new basket. Great looking riblets. They are a extension of the bone in pork loin. We take a cut off of it or your pork chops would have longer bones.

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Thanks Cory. I wasn’t expecting that basket to make that much of a difference in such a short cook. Good info about the bones. L8R!

[@progers5019]

Well that is the third or fourth vid I've watched showcasing that LSG Fire Basket. My offset is not a LSG (wish it was) but you got me wanting to order one. That was an efficient burn and the rib tips looked delicious. I've had JP's rubs and sauces and they are very good. Stay safe down thare.

[@Texas2.5]

Phil just order the LSG!!! 😉😏😂

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Yeah… what Jonathan said..! 😂😂😂

[@progers5019]

@@Texas2.5 Hahaha. I'd love to order the cabinet model like Greg's over at Ballistic BBQ. Love those vertical slideouts. Yep, that's the answer. LOL

[@progers5019]

@@GrumpusOnFire Yes !! Trying to sell mine now. How about help me get a Texan who loves and appreciates offset cooking pits to buy it. Priced right.

[@GrumpusOnFire]

I'll spread the word Phil. If I remember right, you have the 20x36? I think they called it the "Luling" model?

[@ptpetroc]

Love your videos Grumpus!!! My buddy just got into smoking and told him to checkout your vids on fire management. However, told him not to get jealous over that Lone Star! Wow is that smoker nice!!!!! Nice to see you post another video!

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Well thank you Patrick. Tell your buddy it took several decades for me to get to this point 😉. I appreciate you evangelizing on my behalf, it really helps the channel. 👍 Thanks for the kind words, and thanks for watching.

[@ScullyPop]

What an awesome grill!

[@GrumpusOnFire]

I love it!

[@mklein345]

Thanks for the great video. Just ordered a 24x40 from Lonestar. Can you tell me what the best size wood split is for the fire management basket. I ordered one with the smoker. Also what Chimney are you using? My thanks.

[@FloggingMicah]

You’re the man Uncle Grumpus

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Ha-ha Micah! Maybe not “The Man”… but I try real hard to be one of them… 😀😀😀

[@milehighed52801]

Hey Grumpus! That basket looks to be a real plus. A no brainer if you either have an LSG pit or plan to buy one. It makes an efficient pit even more efficient. Even though you can replace the bottom of the basket, Chris at LSG should come up with a heavy steel option for the base. Just a thought/suggestion. Nice cook on those rib tips. They looked delicious. I'm sure they were a hit with the family. TFS, friend.

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Hey milehighed5280! Agreed… the bottom material seems a little light. I’m sure LSG is trying to keep this thing affordable. Depending on the application, I don’t see the need for a bottom grate at all, as long as it has a flat grate to sit on. If one were to set this basket directly on a round bottom fire box, I can see where a heavy duty option would be nice. The rib tips turned out very nice and were a big hit. As always… thanks for watching.

[@EricsBBQAndMORE]

Such a nice smoker! I look forward to hearing if this helps on wood consumption.

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Hi, Eric. I’ve used this basket on three cooks now. I guess I’m burning about 20-25% less wood than I normally do. That’s a lot on a long brisket cook! One of those cooks was on a very windy day, so I think the draw from the stacks may have affected the wood burned. It will be easier to average at the end of summer. I’ll try to remember to post an update in a few months. I appreciate you watching my stuff.

[@GreenhornBBQbeer]

That is a heavy duty Basket!

[@GrumpusOnFire]

I’m thinking it should last a while… in spite of my abuse! Thanks for watching Todd.

[@tonyputman3398]

Glad to see you back, Grumpus! I was wondering what you had been up to... Excellent video. I'm anxious to get my LSG and Fire Management Basket (FMB) fired up. Unfortunately, the high today in Iowa was only 39 degf... Have a blessed week, sir!

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Whoa Billy… 39F? You don’t need a basket… you need a fire pit! Stay safe my friend.

[@SDSBBQs]

I saw Greg from Balistic BBQ use one of those and I am thinking about picking up one of those baskets to use in one or both of my big smokers... I just wonder if they will fit in the openings... I have to check the dimensions before I order one. Looks like the rib tips turned out pretty good to boot!

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Aye yo, Dash! Give Chris @ LSG a call; I’ll bet he can size one to fit your needs. Those rib tips refused to stay in the background! The family loved them. And… thanks for watching my stuff!

[@doylebbq4329]

Hoping the 20 fits and works good in my Yoder Cheyenne. Just ordered one

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Looking at your pit specs, it should fit. This basket has been one of the best addons I’ve purchased for my smoker. There is a noticeable reduction in the amount of fuel needed during my cooks. I think you are going to love it! Thanks for watching Doyle…

[@doylebbq4329]

@@GrumpusOnFire awesome, I can't wait to try it out.

[@rogera1973]

GRUMPUS!!!! Good to see you again! Pig candy, I love it!

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Thank you Roger!

[@Texas2.5]

Simple, solid, effective tools. That's why I love LoneStar! Nice cook, Grump!

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Thanks for stopping by Jonathan… been missing your antics! You and yours stay safe…

[@Texas2.5]

@@GrumpusOnFire Thanks Grumpus! I am hoping to get back at it this summer. Y'all stay safe too!

[@fourpressmedia2674]

I like my Fire Management Basket in my LSG! The expanded metal bottom rusted really quick after two smokes and re-oiling, but it is easy to replace. Looks like the FMB worked well for you.

[@GrumpusOnFire]

The bottom does look a little light gauge. If I were to replace it, I would probably overkill it with something very heavy. Although, I doubt I would replace it at all… just let the grate it’s sitting on do the job. The sides are what’s important, and they are 3/16” thick! Thanks for watching.

[@fourpressmedia2674]

@@GrumpusOnFire - Agreed. Could also just let the coals & wood sit on the 1/2" grate, too.

[@alzawalich9829]

Grumpus how you kept your racks so clean? Love you videos

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Al… I clean BEFORE the cook, not after… the oils from the last cook help prevent rust from forming on the racks. I just brush the racks after the pit comes to temperature… before the meat goes on.

[@riosecco4142]

Nice cook Grumpus! Don't you just love when something works or (exceeds) as it supposes to.

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Rio... You got that right!

[@MeatyMike]

man, those look good ! gonna need to try these out! that smoker is a tank also never heard of them, nice set up! look forward to watching more videos- cheers

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Thanks for stopping by, Meaty Mike. I love my Lone Star Grillz smoker.

[@MeatyMike]

Grumpus On Fire no problem ! Good stuff

[@jamesrazza2246]

Hi Grumpus, I'm a new subscriber to the channel and like the video editing, explanations and chill-tunes :). If I may, on the topic of fire management, do you think you can do a video capturing the actual temps as they rise and fall managing your fire? My LSG 24x40" shows up in March.2020 and I have yet to see a video showing the detail (for a novice like me) at what temp they 'add' a log', how the pit reacts (does the pit shoot up/down/climb slowly, and repeat. I've read/watched tons of reviews on how the LSG 'hold' temp for many many hours. I would (selfisly) like to see exactly what that means. Meaning, does the pit follow a wave up/down during the entire cook between 215/235 as you add a log, etc. At what temp do you add a log, etc. Anyway, I would really like to see this before I start using my LSG. Thank you, and keep up the great work - your video's are very helpful (and entertaining).

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Hello Razza BBQ! First, thank you for subscribing, I really appreciate it. Second, welcome to the LSG family and congratulations on your purchase of a Lone Star Grillz smoker! Every smoker is going to behave differently due to the amount of metal, volume of air space in the cooker, air flow, etc. All wood burning offsets are going to fluctuate temperatures as the wood burns. You are going to have to run a couple heat cycles through your pit to determine how your smoker is going to react to a new split being tossed in the fire box. After you have seasoned your new smoker, do a couple of ‘dry’ runs to see what to expect out of the fire. I have the 24x40 as well. BUT I added the 24x36 vertical to the end of it. My pit will react totally different than yours. I wish I could tell you to add a split at 230 to get back to a target of 250, but it just doesn’t work that way. I did post a video a couple years ago on fire management ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYHQq2WZlMiGqcU ). Perhaps that will get you started in the right direction. I don’t know if any of this helped or not, but keep the questions coming and I’ll answer what I can. Again… thanks for subscribing.

[@jamesrazza2246]

@@GrumpusOnFire , Thanks! Yes, I've seen this video and the video and your response were also helpful, too. Good reminder / advice about doing a few "test runs". I appreciate the quick response. Happy New Year and keep up the great content.

[@tommywoo1888]

thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@GrumpusOnFire]

You're welcome!

[@ebrown126]

Hey Grumpus, love the videos keep’em coming. Ordered my LSG mid March and waiting what feels like forever. I did order the log rack above, but is there something you feel I should also consider? A must have? Definitely thinking of the ash pan. Thanks again!

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Buckle up, ebrown… here it comes…😉! I remember that wait, longest 12 weeks of my life! But it’ll be worth it once your new toy is parked at your place. When I ordered my smoker, I tried to think of what accessories would give me the most bang for my buck (I added a lot!). I’ve had my pit 23 months now. My top three, must have, accessories (for me) are as follows. #1) Ash pan👍👍👍. Without the ash pan, you will have to shovel underneath the grate to clean out the fire box, or remove the grate to get to things easier. Either option requires bending over and/or lifting something heavy. I slide the ash pan out about 90%, let it hang in the box, and clean it out with a straight edge shovel, with minimal bending over required. I never take the pan all the way out. Also, you are adding another ¼” of steel to protect the bottom of the fire box. #2) Stainless steel table top👍👍. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHLSgqFshNqras0 , nuff said. #3) Fire Management Basket👍. You watched the video, right? These are only my suggestions related to what works for me. A few other things to consider… Probe ports. I forgot to order probe ports with my smoker. I ended up drilling and tapping myself. Cost me over $150 (parts and tools), I think LSG charges around $25. Their ash rake and poker are nicely made. I use them every cook. Now is the time to add extra gauges if you want them. (goes back to drilling and tapping). My #1 suggestion is: Buy what you can’t change/alter upfront, other stuff can always be added later. I hope this helps a little bit. Thanks for watching! 👏👏👏

[@ebrown126]

Grumpus On Fire thank you so much for the reply. I watched that video of you putting on the stainless steel table top about 3x already. Been thinking I didn’t need it. But you know what, you’re right. I’m going to get that added tomorrow. No shot I’m gonna be able to put that on another day. Already ordered the ash pan, probe ports and that fire management basket. Between you and JP BBQ, that’s good enough for me. This is my first stick burner, so I’m a little nervous. Been using a charcoal cabinet smoker for 10 years, but it’s starting to rust. So it’s definitely time for an upgrade. Love the videos. Please keep them rolling. Would love to see how you clean and maintain your pit. Thanks again!

[@tjinla9850]

ebrown, I've had my LSG 20x36 for three months now. Yes it's a very long wait. Got all the goodies to go with it. Ordered the fire management basket when I saw it on JP's video. In fact I don't think he had even tried it yet. Ordered the next day. It looked a little small when it came in but I've got to admit it's perfect. After several cooks now it appears to save on splits about 30%. More importantly though it's easier than ever to maintain a clean burn. I set the half splits on angle vertically and the small splits stay lite easier without the need for much "poking" the fire. And true the splits set on the staging area on either side are safe from stray coal setting them ablaze. My opinion, the fire basket should be standard equipment like the caster wheels and griddle plate. I'm 68 YO and I've cooked more BBQ in two months than I have in total my first 67 years. Nothing more satisfying than cooking a perfect brisket or multiple racks of ribs. This fire basket makes the job so easy.

[@gregmccoy8616]

Yeah buddy!!!

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Thanks for watching Greg 👍

[@MarkyBigSmoke]

Firstly Grumpus, good to see you again; secondly, great video on the fire management basket - seems to work really well. Third - whats not to like about cookin rib tips on a Lonestar offset!? Cheers and stay safe!

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Thanks, Marky. Don’t you just love it when something new ‘exceeds’ your expectations? Holy cow what a nice basket! The rib tips were supposed to be a side item, but did they ever turn out nice. It’s good hearing from you… keep smok’in my friend…

[@michaelmason1085]

Great video as always Grumpus! I have a question. I’ve been wanting an offset smoker for awhile now and because of your videos I’m definitely going with Lone Star. So my question is I’m deciding on adding the side cabinet or not. From what I’ve seen is the cabinet in most of your cooks about 225 and the horizontal is about 250-275 is that right? Also I saw your video before where you cooked chicken in the vertical only with charcoal under it. Maybe ribs hanging like a barrel smoker with that new basket under it would be nice and another reason to add the vertical to the smoker. Thanks a lot and keep making the great videos!

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Hi Michael. Your observations are correct. The temperature spread depends on the tuning plates and the size of the fire. Now… please pardon me while I get on my soapbox… 😮 What makes our decisions so hard when purchasing a quality smoker, such as the Lone Star Grillz, is… these things are going to last a l-o-n-g time. They are not going to burn or rust out to the point where we get a ‘do over’ on the choices we made in the beginning, any time soon. Although intimidating, a nice problem to have. You have to look beyond next week’s cook, and imagine what you will want to be doing with your pit years from now. I’ve been cooking outdoors for quite some time. If you’ve been watching, I’m always trying different methods and ways to exploit my smoker in, maybe, non-conventional ways. This was the method to my decisions when buying my pit. At first glance, my smoker is way overkill. But… I don’t feel like I need any more cooking devices. Kettle grills, WSMs, UDS, Pit Barrels, SDSs, etc, etc, etc… they all take up a lot of room! So, to get to your question… in hindsight, I would likely buy the same options all over again. After all… have you ever seen a PBC with ¼” steel sides? 😉 Thanks for watching.

[@michaelmason1085]

Grumpus On Fire thanks for the reply. I actually already put a order in for the 24”x48”. With your reply I’m still thinking about it I have some time. Just thinking it over if I wanna spend an extra 1000 lol. Love your videos keep them coming

[@ebrown126]

Grumpus, what tool do you think is best for over sized splits? Just got a couple of loads of white oak and cherry wood. Some are 2ft and some are more thick. Curious to know if you have a good tip getting them all similar size?

[@GrumpusOnFire]

ebrown… I use the Kindling Cracker (link below). It is limited to 6” diameter logs. I wish I had gotten (still might) the bigger model, it can take up to 9” logs. If you are dealing with 24” diameter chunks, I would just rent a hydraulic splitter for the day and get after it! Just my 2 cents. 😉 www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200647343_200647343

[@GrumpusOnFire]

If you are asking about reducing the length... I use a reciprocating saw with a pruning blade.

[@JC-qk8dh]

Just curious, does your pit hold water in the bottom of the cooking chamber? If so, is it better/easier to use the water pan instead? Thanks.

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Yes… my smoker is designed to hold water for cooking. I don’t have a convenient way to drain/dispose of the cooking water (that pit can hold a lot!). It is easiest for me to just use a disposable pan when I need it. Thanks for watching JC!

[@JC-qk8dh]

I enjoy your videos. I bought a 20” x 42” almost 2 months ago. Haven’t received it yet. The only one I’ve seen out there who puts water in the chamber is Ry. I wasn’t sure if people didn’t put water in the chamber because it didn’t work well. I added the brass ball valve drain. So hopefully that will make it easier to drain. Thanks for your response and keep up the good work.

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Awesome, JC! Welcome to the LSG family. You should be getting “the call” in a few weeks. I also had the drain/ball valve added when I ordered my pit. If I had an area where I could open the valve and just let the water drain on the ground, I would be using water most of the time. As it is right now… I would have to drain into a bucket and haul the water somewhere to dump it. I don’t want to pour that greasy water down the sink drain… and let’s face it, multiple five gallons buckets of water gets heavy real fast! I gotta pace myself… I’m old!!! 😂

[@NorthTexasBBQAddicts]

Nicely done!!! 🔥🔥👌

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Thank you, Kenneth, and thanks for the sub!

[@teddyrivas1082]

How much is it for that Lone Star Grill, was watching you grilling those rib tips, and I'm expressed , they came out like Candy looking good! Would like to know where I can get me one of those grills, like what I've, seen. Lone Star looks like they got a winner, winner, grilling is what's for dinner! Oh YEAH!

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Hi Teddy. The rib tips turned out exceptionally well. This smoker is such a joy to cook on. I have links to most the products and equipment I use in the video description (“Show More”). Here is Lone Star Grillz link… lonestargrillz.com/

[@siregg75]

You don’t wash your 🥩 meat before seasoning 🧂 it ???🤔

[@GrumpusOnFire]

For the most part, no. Sometimes I’ll rinse poultry, but usually not. The internet is loaded with articles addressing this topic. Here’s just one of them… www.chowhound.com/food-news/113229/should-you-rinse-meat-before-cooking-it/ . My suggestion is... you do what you feel most comfortable with.

[@sinister6116]

Amazing video it was really good :o)

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Thanks for the visit and glad you enjoyed it.

[@freddy1989100]

Can you tell me what this bowl is called in the beginning where the coal and wood are put in?

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Oklahoma Joe's 9848125R04 Half-Time Charcoal Starter amzn.to/2VwK4L9

[@freddy1989100]

@@GrumpusOnFire many thanks i mean the Fire Managment Basket is a good Idea )

[@harrybarker1408]

nice shirt too!!!!!

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Haha Thanks... it ain't easy being me!

[@Gdwmartin]

Here we might call them pork short ribs...I've seen beef ones (they cost a fortune here) but that's the first pork ones I've seen

[@GrumpusOnFire]

These are the trimmings you get when the spare ribs are cut into “St Louis” style. I made the decision to cook them while I was doing the video (hadn’t planned on cooking anything that day). Turns out, they were a big hit! Who knew…? Thanks for watching, Grant.

[@RandallDelling]

Tongs? Tong? Tonga? Gloves? Watching you mess with that knife was painful. Great video though. The fire basket is well worth the money just like the smoker is well worth the money and the wait for them to manufacture it after you pay for it. I love mine.

[@GrumpusOnFire]

Thanks for tuning in, Randall. Sometimes ya just use what you have handy! I love that fire basket.

[@MrShortdog459]

How tall is the basket?

[@GrumpusOnFire]

7" tall.