Expert: John Langenfelder - 5/7/2008

Question
I just purchased a silver smoker bbq with the side fire box. I tried to smoke a 2 lb roast. 3 hrs at 240 degrees
to see how it works. I also soaked the misquote chips over night. I had no clue on how many wood chips to add, when I was done, the meet tasted like an old barn just burned down
I probably added about a quarter bag. oops! how much would am I suppose to use.
  Thanks
      Ron

Answer
Ron,

First remark, never use mesquite wood chips or any other type.  you'll get a product that tastes like an old barn...  oops... I see you found that out...

Never use wood chips, use wood chunks.  All wood chips do are burn up and give acrid smoke. Even when you soak them the water evaporates and chips burn up.  Chunks burn slower and give a more pleasant smoke odor.  But you don't need a lot.  Meat can only absorb so much before you overdo it.  Since, I would assume, you are using charcoal, 1 - 2 chunks would be fine for a small piece of meat 2-4 lbs. You only need it for 1/2 the cooking time.  Also, mesquite is a very harsh wood to use.  Only use a small amount of mesquite, if any.  Yes, it is a popular wood in Texas (they have plenty of it) but for the cooker you have don't use more than 1 piece.  It is a good idea to mix up your wood, a piece of mesquite and hickory or oak or apple is good.  For what you did, a handful of chips would have been plenty.  You did over do it, especially as it was mesquite chips.