First Burn In New Smoker - Wood Only?

[thekidfromkensington]

I just built my new offset smoker, I've made a baffle for it and im ready to go.

The instructions for the smoker say (and I quote) "before you can use the grill-lok in all its versatility it must be burned in. Use wood from trees for firing up and let this burn in both drums for up to 2 hours. This procedure will enable a coating of carbon black to build up in the inner chamber. Keep the temperature low by shutting the lid and closing off the ventilation flaps"

Does this sound right? And can I use any wood (ie chiminea logs firewood etc) or should I use my nice smoking wood I bought from Paul Golden.

All advice gratefully received!

[keith157]

I've never done that before, none of my kit ever needed it. My opinion therefore may not be correct HOWEVER I would steer clear of softwood pine and the like as there may well be a resinous build up which may taint the food or at least affect the flavour. I'd compromise and use charcoal with a couple of lumps of smoking wood to build up the deposit.

[thekidfromkensington]

That's pretty much what I was thinking and so what I'm going to do.Thanks.