ECB Temp Control

So it's been a few hours, what happened? Basically an ECB, modded or not, is going to do what it wants. If your temps are still low try emptying the water pan.

Hi KMP, I use the ECB and have the same issues and have been playing around with some options. It's winter here in Buffalo (12-18' F) and I usually limit my meat to ribs and chicken due to the ECB low temps.  Lump charcoal is not really an option as it takes up the majority of the small ECB pan. The best way to keep in the 190 - 225 range is use about 1/2" of play sand in the water bowl. You will still need to tend the charcoal every two hours, it's a charcoal hog unless you get it protected from the wind and seal up the air leaks. It's a labor of love. In spring and summer, it's much easier to maintain a good smoking range. with the ECB.

I just pulled the plug with the income tax return from Uncle Sam and purchased the Weber Smokey Mountain 22.5 charcoal smoker. UPS should have it here shortly. The Brinkman did its job to get me into smoking and teach me the basics but it was work keeping the temps up with the small charcoal bowl, air leaks and using 12-16 lbs of kingsford for 4 racks of ribs and a chicken.