First off I would like to thank every one here on this thread. I am a certifiable Newbie in the realm of smoking meats. I can grill properly with a propane grill or regular charcoal but this is something else completely. I will share my thoughts and impressions, like everyone else, on this smoker.
I wanted to initially get the smoker that came combo with a propane grill, but they are not cheap items and after paying taxes, well you know. So this was priced within budget from
Amazon. A pity they lowered the price after I bought it but whatever. I did my research on sites like this and purchased the FDA class High Temp Silicon (Sil Bond), additional 3 inch thermometer, and Lavalock self adhesive gasket 15 ft at the same time on
Amazon. Like in previous posts I applied the gaskets to the doors to prevent leakage, the silicon on all potential gaps and folds, and drilled a hole slightly smaller than the thermometer clearance to have a tighter threading (applied the silicon to back of thermometer as well). I want to put wheels but that's a project for another day. Now for the seasoning.
Seasoning:
I initially applied a Minion method but I don't think I did it correctly. I soaked the wood as so many sites/YouTube vids say, and included a water pan at the very bottom. I put wood on top and within layers of the surrounding coal. About 6 pieces the size of baseballs and smaller. I experienced temperatures as high as 380 before it started to cool. I adjusted the Firebox vents and smokestack vent but it was very slow to lower. For example: 1140 AM it was 380 degrees F. 208 PM it was 283 degrees. So you can see it's a wild ride. I'm trying to get to 250 for a 12 hour brisket recipe (Franklins BBQ). That was an epic fail.
I found the reply above (Thank you, Rootsman) that clarified what I was doing wrong with Minion method. Circle of coals with doughnut center of nothing. Light 12 coals. Once they are all grey, put it in middle of firebox in the center of coal doughnut. Wait 10 minutes and close box with all vents open. Put wood on the coals and let the smoking begin. Let it get to 250 or desired temp. Here's what I think regulated the temp: Put a water pan on lowest rack flush to right side (Firebox side). I had mine at the very bottom and it really failed to lower temp to where I needed. Now I am ready for Easter.
First Mission:
I will update as the week goes by.