New member

[Real81]

I just purchased my Austin XL Onyx last week. I did my first smoke today. Did 2 slabs of ribs. After about 3 hours of smoke time I noticed alot of ash on my crates right above the sear plate. Is this normal?

 

[Sparky]

Welcome to the club

 

[Mike From R.I.]

A little bit of ash won't hurt you, look at it if you used charcoal, you'd have ash too.

 

[bobissmokin]

Sear plate was open? Closed? Hmmm... Same cooker but have not had ash problem.

 

[primeone]

Welcome to the forum @Real81 How did the ribs come out? What pellets are you using?

 

[Real81]

Sear plate was open? Closed? Hmmm... Same cooker but have not had ash problem.

It was closed. Could it be the brand of pellets? I'm using the pit boss brand.

 

[Real81]

Welcome to the forum @Real81 How did the ribs come out? What pellets are you using?

Ribs came out ok. Still learning this smoker. I'm using the pitboss brand.

 

[Steve In Pa]

Ribs came out ok. Still learning this smoker. I'm using the pitboss brand.

Keep at it
I’m still learning over two years into this

 

[Jimsmokes]

Try cleaning your ash/firepot before each cook. My first or second cook after burn in had ash everywhere. Some pellets have more than others

 

[Real81]

Try cleaning your ash/firepot before each cook. My first or second cook after burn in had ash everywhere. Some pellets have more than others

What brand do you recommend?

 

[Real81]

Keep at it
I’m still learning over two years into this

Are you seeing significant variation in temp from one side to another?

 

[Jimsmokes]

What brand do you recommend?

Whatever you can find the best deal on that burns good to you. Use a smoke tube with flavored pellets and wood chips for smoke flavor

 

[Steve In Pa]

Are you seeing significant variation in temp from one side to another?

I have a vertical model. On that there is a temp variance from level to level. For example, at the bottom by the burn pot, it’s the hottest. The other three levels vary depending on ambient temps and wind.

So I deal with that by using oven thermometers to tell me were the temp is at a certain level and then adjust what I am cooking where as needed.

 

[Cowboy1955]

Sift your pellets through a colander and store in a airtight container
I use bear mountain brand
hopefully this helps you

 

[bobissmokin]

Have used PB pellets more than any other brand with no issues.