LavaLock Total Control BBQ Charcoal Basket Smoker Pit (fire Box Basket) 12 x 10 x 6 Laser Cut

The factory charcoal basket had completely rotted away within 2 years on my smoker. I ordered this one and I am extremely impressed by the thick guage of steel used and solid welded construction. I have been able to increase my cook times from 6-8 hours to 12+ hours now before needing to add more charcoal. I seasoned mine before use and it is holding up great.

I have battled temperature control and fire management for years. Just never really got it right. So I decided to invest in a high quality fire basket. And man am I glad I did. This thing is made from thick steel and welded very well. I know many are really good at fire management. Then there are those that are not so good and end up turning to a pellet smoker for ease of use. I decided to try the basket. First thing I did was I sprayed the whole thing with canola oil, then I put it on my propane grill and cranked up the heat to burn the oil into the metal of the basket. I did this to cure the basket and hopefully eliminate or post-pone premature rust. Essentially I seasoned the basket before use. Like you would a cast iron skillet or a off-set smoker.Filled up with one chimney full of unlit hardwood lump charcoal. Put 3 logs of hard oak on top. Filled up the chimney and lit that one up real good before dumping it on top of the whole thing. Kept a steady 250-275 for 3-4 hours before I had to add more wood. This thing really helps to control the fire. Made it much easier to manage. It's not perfect mind you, I still had to adjust the firebox vent accordingly. Just made it easier with less frequency of adjustment to airflow. Seemed to more efficiently utilize the fuel . I highly recommend it.

This fire basket is built very well, stainless steel, heavy gauge and should last a long time. It did fit the fire box on the Char Griller Competition Pro 8125. It is a bit small but remember you're smoking so you don't need a huge fire.

This is a great coal basket. Not flimsy like those bolt together jobbers. Should last for many years with the heavy duty construction. It has made fire management a breeze.

I've used it 3x and I love it so far. Nice, heavy quality. Seems well made. Little pricey, but works as advertised. If it lasts, it'll be worth it. You can also use it just to keep your briquettes from scattering around (and aerated) when cooking anything on direct heat/on a smaller scale.