Smoker Design: Should You Insulate An Offset Smoker Firebox

If you've ever asked questions about insulating the fire box on an offset smoker this episode of the SmokerBuilder Podcast is for you!
We'll look at it from both sides of the issue and then I will tell you my preference!
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[@williamjoyce7168]

I have a char grill champ off set smoker. I use only a slight firebox modification. Three 9 x 4“ bricks on the bottom. With one of my firebox top racks. Excellent airflow and efficient cooked temperature in the middle of the grill. With a water pan.

[@SmokerBuilder]

Sounds AWESOME brother! 👍

[@deant876]

I just got a 500 gal propane tank, and in the process of gathering the other parts to start making it. I have been going back and forth on whether or not to insulate or not. I'm up in Michigan and the temp is below 50 (down to -25) for more than 6 months. The last smoker I made used a 3/8" thick fire box, and I had a hard time keeping temp (my sensors graph looked like an E.K.G.). That is why I'm considering insulated

[@SmokerBuilder]

It wouldn’t hurt to go ahead and insulate. With temps dropping really cold it would help keep some of that heat in. Thanks so much

[@ronhedin3813]

Thanks Brother love all the info 👊🙌🍻

[@SmokerBuilder]

Thanks buddy! 👍

[@lamarwilliams185]

Thanks for the knowledge!!!!

[@SmokerBuilder]

No problem brother!

[@dk9696]

Thank you. Subbed!

[@jeremyfree2fish586]

All this information is awesome thank you. I'm about to start on a 250 gal here in montana and using the stuff I have laying around the house, I've got an old home made wood stove that I would like to use for firebox its about 5/8 the width of the smoker i think it would be okay but curious your thoughts on it thank you.

[@hankt2792]

Thank you for taking the time for posting these podcasts. Your knowledge and advice is invaluable for a backyard bbq newbie like me. A few months ago I bought a used 120 gallon offset with a 24" x 30" firebox, all 1/4" A36 steel plate uninsulated. Thinking I would need to prevent heat escape from firebox walls, I recently bought 18 fire bricks to place inside bottom of firebox to create a some what semi-insulated environment. But now that I've heard this podcast, did I just waste $80 on fire bricks, or do fire bricks help conserve some heat but still allow for a little dirty smoke for flavor. Could you share your opinion on this set up please. Thank you from so. Cal.

[@alijhill]

Thanks

[@SmokerBuilder]

👍👍👍

[@cdouglas]

I appreciate your content. I'm new to your channel. I'm building a 500 gallon offset. I understand the efficiency wasn't a lot of difference with a 250 but what about a 500? I'll be smoking mostly briskets. Have you had complaints of people not getting a good bark due to the clean cooking of an insulated box? Any guidance is appreciated!

[@wetwindowsguy8396]

Brother help the reverse flow guys out we need love to. I can't get my temperature up😢

[@iyaayas2246]

What do you think about a semi-insulated fire box? Also, could you enamel a smoker instead of paint?

[@SmokerBuilder]

I think that would be a better case instead of fullyinsulated.
As far as the enamel I’m not sure what coding you’re talking about.
If you’re thinking like ceramic, you can totally do that.
Eastwood makes a ceramic paint that’s really great it’s just pretty expensive.

[@BRISKETBOYS_BBQ]

Where the video about "how move havy things in garage " ?

[@SmokerBuilder]

Already published on iTunes and Spotify and will land here Monday

[@BRISKETBOYS_BBQ]

@@SmokerBuilder thanks !