Need more heat

[jeff1028]

I have a Brinkmann vertical smoker (charcoal) and can't seem to keep it hot. As I'm real new to this, can somebody pls give me a quick rundown on the basics.

Thanks
Jeff

 

[walking dude]

first off......is it a ecb?
like this?

 

[jeff1028]

its this one, just did some more reading, gonna maybe try and put some lump charcoal in the bottom as well...?

 

[walking dude]

k
first off......make sure you use the water pan..........
i use royal oak for charchol...........cheap and lasts longer than kingsford......at least in MY werld..........
if it has a top vent.......keep it WIDE open during the entire smoke
you adjust heat with bottom vents if you have em

smoking.........you want to keep a steady temp of 225-250........

if you are doing poultry.....350 ........will crisp up the skin.......chicken doens't need low and slow.........i sugest you sign up for Jeff's 5 day e-mail course........it will REALLY give you basic info.......it can be applied to MANY smoking apps.


there are ALOT of others here will give you much better adivce........my advice is just to get you started

dude

 

[deejaydebi]

I think if I remember right that one had a little tiny coal and wood pan. Someone aound here used a coffee can with holes in it or a cast iron skillet to hold more coals at a time. Hopefully someone that actually has the smoker will show up soon - I'm going by memory.

 

[wavector]

Use Royal Oak lump charcoal if you can find it. I'm not a big fan of Kingsford.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/for...highlight=r2d2

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/for...id=7522&page=2

Jeff's e-course is a must. Mods may be necessary to optimize your fuel efficiency, moisture and smoke flavor.

 

[vlap]

With this model try drilling some 1/4" holes in the bottom of the charcoal pan. this allows a better airflow. It also allows some of the ash to fall out so the coals don't get choked out. The cowboy lump was what I used along with chunks of hickory.
I have the same model you have and with the holes I was able to get it smoking hot and produced good food.