Brinkmann Square Charcoal Mods

Jo, evening....  Are you starting out with all the charcoal lit ?? or a minion method ??  Closing the drafts to the firebox should almost put out the fire....  maybe there are air leaks keeping the coals hot.....  Dave

I have the same smoker and love it. There is a good amount of air leak through the doors but I have found out its not a big issue. These smokers tend to run hot until you learn more by trial and error.

I use the minion method but barely have to use any charcoal/lump to get this thing going. I learned the best way to start is with 1/2 chimney of unlit charcoal in the wok.... then place about 1/4 of a chimney of lit briquettes in and let it do its thing. I leave my bottom vents closed as the air gap from the door works out perfectly. This method last me about 3-4 hours of cooking time at 225.

As for the water pan, i use it to hold my foil wrapped potatoes then cover them in foil... i like to multi task