Uds pros please help

[papajim]

Should I use a diffuser in my uds when cooking brisket, or any meat for that matter. Where are you BluDawg, Swamp Donkey, JMoney?

Papajim
I'm not perfect... just like to share my $.02 on the internet

[ChileFarmer]

Papa, I use an old pizza pan, it sits on top of my charcoal basket. It does two things for me. It diverts the heat all around the smoker (no hot spots). It also catches all the grease drippings from going into the fire or to the bottom of the smoker. (keeps the smoker cleaner). I think grease in the bottom of the drum could cause a fire? Don't know that for sure. CF

[BluDawg]

I have never used one in mine I Cook Fat cap down. A little grease in the fire IMO is a good thing, It reminds me of the BBQ that I growed up on that was cooked over live coals the flavor is fuller. That is one of the bonuses of a UDS. I have never had a grease fire in the UDS
I pressure wash mine out a few times a year (every 50 -60 cooks) to get what little bit of gunk off the bottom that is there.

[papajim]

Thanks BluDawg!!!! So, no grease fire or hot spots with brisket placed directly over the basket fat cap down. I cook fat down always in my vault, so will do in uds also now. Cooking @ 275-300 until probe tender. No instruments, Old School still lives.

Papajim
I'm not perfect... just like to share my $.02 on the internet

[Boots]

Old school is the best school.

[Swamp Donkeyz BBQ]

Fat cap down is the way to go on a UDS. I use a pizza pan, with holes in it, for a diffuser because I cook a little hotter than some.

[dub']

+1 fat side down
+1 pizza pan

[ThomEmery]

Fat down over a direct fire

[Swamp Donkeyz BBQ]

I forgot to mention, brisket is the only meat I use a diffuser on. On pork butts, I trim the fat cap pretty thin and put the butt on one side of the grate, fat down. I cook my pork a little cooler than I do brisket, and chicken needs the direct heat.

[papajim]

Thanks guys for helping out. I knew the pros would help. Hope to meet some of you in Huntsville (Shotgun Fred cook-off )

papajim
I'm not perfect.... just like to share my $.02 on the internet

[Swamp Donkeyz BBQ]

I will be there. It's one of out hometown cooks.

[RibCommanderBBQ]

I recently started using a pizza stone I purchased at Target for $15. Just put it on top of the fuel basket. Drippings hit the stone, and steam...causing some more flavor to be added to the Q. Not as worried about flare ups anymore.