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Subject: Orange County, NC Beekeepers

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  • From: Randall Austin <ra41717 AT gmail.com>
  • To: Orange County Bees <ocba AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [ocba] looking for guidance on nice smoker
  • Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2012 17:57:45 -0500

I've got the slightly larger model (4X10) with the heat shield on the back, as well as the smaller one. As Lewis says, getting it lit properly is the key. Also make sure you dump out the ashes before using it. Ashes underneath the grate will prevent proper air flow. Once you get the fire going by following Lewis' instructions, give it an up-and-down shake every now and then to fluff the tinder. Once you get the hang of all that, and if all goes well, you should be able to burn up all the fuel in your smoker regardless of what model it is.

My smoker has a Bee Temperament Sensor that automatically puts the fire out right before my bees get really testy. I don't know how the sensor works or where it is located on the smoker, but try to get one that doesn't have this feature.

Randall

On 11/26/2012 3:07 PM, Lewis Cauble wrote:
2126497946.12312.1353960448752.JavaMail.vpopmail AT mail.hivebody.com" type="cite">

I have this model from Dadant and it has been sturdy and dependable.  I like that it is made in America.

 

Before you give up on your smoker...The grate in the bottom of most smokers has 3 feet to hold it off of the bottom.  Double check that one of the feet is not blocking the air supply coming from the bellows. 

 

When lighting a smoker start small.  The goal is to have a good hot fire below and plenty of fuel above.  Start with half a hand full of dry pine straw.  Light it and stuff it in the smoker while pumping the bellows.  When you get a good flame jumping out the top (this will happen fast), put another hand full of straw in. Pump the bellows.  Pump until the flame jumps out again and put another hand full in.  Large amounts of thick white smoke should be pouring out.  Now that you have a good hot fire in the bottom, jam as much pine straw in there as you can while frequently pumping the bellows.  Jam it, cram it, stuff it in. You should have gobs of cool white smoke coming out the top when pumping the bellows. Don't close the top of the smoker until you have gobs of thick white smoke pouring out the top while pumping the bellows and the smoker is tightly stuffed full of pine straw.


On November 26, 2012 at 11:15 AM Jennifer Hall <jenshobbyfarm AT gmail.com> wrote:

Good morning all,
Could I get some guidance on the best smoker ?  I have the economy smoker, and it is true to it's name.
I seldom use a smoker but when I do, I would like it to stay lit long enough that i don't squish my girls.
Thank You,
Jennifer Hall
 

 


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