British BBQ Society Forums

First burn in my UDS last night to season it/test it. Couldn't resist chucking on a few chicken thighs though! What temp should I expect it to level out at and how much coal should I be using (washing machine drum as fire basket). Temp seemed to level out at approx 100c? Not sure if I need more coal or ventilation holes??

212f is quite low, the only thing to do is experiment, try it with more ventilation as without the through-flow of air you won't get a good burn. If that doesn't make a difference increase your fuel load, if that doesn't work change your fuel. What fuel are you using supermarket charcoal or a good quality brand?

Just using £7 lump wood out of b&q

Alastair wrote:Just using £7 lump wood out of b&q

7 kilo bags of charcoal dust...

How much fuel are you using? How many air vents and how open?

Used about 2-3 chimneys worth (1 lit on topographic 2 unlit). Just have 1 22mm vent at bottom of barrel(fully open) and 3 in the lid

Topographic??? Stupid predictive text. " on top of"!!!

Is that the only bottom vent? If not then open the other if so, best get your drill out. Most designs I've seen have 2 or 3 vents but we have other builders on here who can give hands-on advice.

What he said

And ditch the "cheap" fuel, get some good stuff, it's the only way to get consistent temps.

Hi
1- what size are the legs on your firepit? Need to be approx 3ins long.Ash can block air flow.
2- What size are your vent holes? Too start off all 3 should be wide open and only shut down one at a time as the temp builds up, Ud's are easier to get temps up than to bring down.
3- Fuel
4- wind direction. Lever valve into prevailing wind.
5-Air flow through basket, Did you leave the fluted end on the drum?
Cheers
Si