OWC Wine Boxes and Open Wood Grilling

WINE TALK
1

I have recently purchased an argentine grill, designed for burning logs to cook. As you might imagine, an occupational hazard of my work is an abundance of suprlus wood boxes, lids, inserts, etc.

I dont want to cook with these scraps per se, as I have fruitwood and good aged oak, but Im wondering what the consensus is on using them as kindling. Wine boxes burn hot and quick, and make great kindling for an ambient fire…what about for a cooking fire…any advice?

I assume many are pine, which is NOT a good cooking wood.

thanks

2

After puttig a nail through my finger while moving a wood box in my cellar last night I am tempted to burn the damned things as well

3

Why don’t you try it out and let me know? I ingest enough Splenda to kill a horse. Some OWCs might put my brain tumor over the edge.

4

Generally wine boxes are soft woods ie pine, they’re probably better for the fire pit than cooking. However, if you’re only using a bit for kindling to start the fire and it’s not in a ceramic grill, you’re probably fine.

5

Use your cellphone a bunch. Then you don’t need to bother with burning OWCs. That brain tumor will blossom.

6

I use them for kindling too. They splinter well, they burn fast, and they get the charcoal and heavier wood going. I don’t know what most of them are, but I assume some kind of pine type stuff, so I just use them for kindling. Same with old pieces of moldings, etc. Although lately the tree out front has been dropping so many branches, I have twigs for years and really don’t need any more kindling.

BTW Marc - there are people who actually save them for some reason and those good folks may be willing to pay you something for them.

7

Yes – I remember there was a guy in Southern California who needed old wood cases, and empty bottles with well-preserved labels.

8

Been grilling Argentinian-style every weekend–rain, sleet, or snow–for over two decades. That being stated, the kindling, save $hit that’s treated with chemicals, can be anything used to fuel an intense heat off-the-bat to fully engage and ignite the larger cuts of wood. Whenever you’ve got a nice wind-storm, grab all of the twigs and smaller branches that fall around the neighborhood. The kindling is actually more challenging to maintain a steady supply of than the larger cuts.

If you need any tips with regard to other stuff, just ask. I think I’ve got somewhat of a handle on this type of grilling, but as with wine–we’re still always students.

Best,

Kenney

9

thanks for all the tips! I assure you all Im not burning petrus wood, but Im glad to hear no dire warnings about owc as kindling causing any problems!

I made my first 'que last night, tested a bunch of different meats…not earth shattering, but a good start, and I look forward to learning more!

thanks

10

This is what I was going to say. Soft wood generates too much soot to be good for cooking, but a small amount to get a hardwood fire started should be fine.

11

Marc, I use them for firewood starters in our outdoor fireplace. But I’ve always thought they might have some type of chemical on them, as they burn and flare so fast. Not sure if that makes sense given that wine is shipped in them, but stranger things have happened. Anyone with knowledge know if OWC’s are treated at all.

12

Yes, but I do not know what with.

You see a stamp on export pallets and wood cases.

It may be for termites??

13

I too use them in my fireplace.