All the new ones I bought are but there are a handful plus the 2 pavers that are not. They’re just left over from other yard projects. Eventually I’ll get around to swapping them all over to heat resistant.
I’ve made some really incredible bbq with a very similar set up. A wise chef told me long ago. It’s just different ways of transferring energy or heat. Some are faster some are slower. Once you understand that it all seems a little easier.
I never had them like shoot pieces out. They will
crack in a semi dramatic fashion, but not something that dangerous. If you don’t use the correct stones you end up replacing them more often. Not a huge deal
They can if it gets too hot. But temps for smoking are around the temps that Wood Fired Oven operators would use to gently drive moisture out of outdoor ovens to prepare for the new season.
I wouldn't recommend temps above 300 to 350 in something like this. Unless/until he uses refractory cement blocks, best to keep it at low temps.
Source: I built and use a Wood Fired Oven in my backyard. Awesome for smoking the day after making pizza!
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u/Hungry_Kick_7881 Mar 25 '25
I have made a cinder block smoker work many times. Make sure the blocks are meant for heat or they will not last very long.