Lump charcoal in an electric smoker?

low'n'slow

Fire Starter

Original poster

Apr 10, 2007

62

10

Great White North

• Jul 19, 2008

• #1

Been away from the forums for a while, just trying to catch up, and I caught a few references to using lump charcoal in an electric smoker -- something about giving better smoke?

I've got an MES, have never used charcoal. Can someone fill me in on the details? Or point me to a thread that will? (I searched but could only find references to it.)

Thanks!

 

low'n'slow

Fire Starter

Original poster

Thread starter

Apr 10, 2007

62

10

Great White North

• Jul 19, 2008

• #2

I think the second one is what I'm looking for -- thanks! Might have to give it a try, although now I'm not sure whether to use lump or briquettes!

 

low'n'slow

Fire Starter

Original poster

Thread starter

Apr 10, 2007

62

10

Great White North

• Jul 20, 2008

• #3

Exactly! Got myself a bag of lump charcoal today. What's the best way to use it? I've got an MES (which doesn't require preheating) so I'm wondering if it's best to put a piece of the lump charcoal -- unlit -- directly into the burning box along with a chunk or two of wood before starting it up -- and then adding more, as required, through the chip loader?

 

daboys

Smoking Fanatic

OTBS Member

SMF Premier Member

Mar 30, 2008

866

11

Ft. Dodge Ia

• Jul 20, 2008

• #4

I just put a couple pieces of big lump and a couple chunks of wood in a pan and put it on top of the element. Have 2 pans ready and keep replacing untill the meat hits 140*. then I don't use either after that.