New to smoking nned some help

[bubba0161]

I got a Char broil Smoker form a neighbor who was moving did some mods i seen on here. So i tried to smoke some chicken quarters I couldnt get the smoker up to temp. I was using some Royal oak lump charcaol along with some kingsford briquettes also had some apple wood chunks.

So i guess my question after reading some articles is people say to use mini logs instead of wood chunks cause they burn hotter is this true? and nxt does anyone know i good place to buy mini logs in the Pittsburgh Area?

Thanks

 

[stevetheteacher]

The selection might not be great, but I buy my mini logs from Home Depot. I use Hickory wood. Hope this helps a little.

 

[jcollins]

your cook chamber on your smoker may be pretty leaky or the fire may not be getting enough air... you may want to post pics of your smoker if thats the case... but with any fire the more air it gets the hotter it burns but the exhaust has to be open wide as well to create a draft.