Problem with my smoker. Need help!!

[txboy_in_az]

I have a typical pit with the offset fire box, much like the one in Hornian's rib tutorial. I've had it for a few years. I've always made good food on it; brisket, ribs, the whole nine. Lately my food has had a bad smoke flavor. I keep saying it tastes soapy. The flavor of the meat is good but the smoke flavor is not. I tried a different wood place thinking it was the wood; didn't work. I don't know what the problem is. I'll try anything at this point. Any ideas? It's killing me!

 

[Son of a Son]

That sounds almost like you're using green wood. I know you switched places, but man that sounds like exactly what happened to me.

The other thing is, when was the last time you power-washed it. Sometimes too much grease can build up and give you a fairly heavy "grease-smoke" that could be giving you an off flavor.

 

[txboy_in_az]

Been a while. I'll try that. When you said "green wood" is that as obvious as it sounds? As in, the wood is visibly green, or something else? If it is the former, I can tell you that it is certainly not visibly green. Thanks again.

 

[TigerPride]

In reply to:

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[txboy_in_az]

I'm thinking y'all nailed it. Gonna wash it out this weekend. Thanks.

 

[NickDanger]

fwiw, "green" wood rarely has any green color in it. At least not any type of wood you would use in your smoker like oak, mesquite, pecan, etc. The ill effects of green wood are usually limited to a sour taste. Never heard of a soapy taste.

 

[TigerPride]

I can't imagine having green wood in south Texas. It's gotta be sour grease.