DDave, no disrepect on how you run
your drum, we all beat a different drum. I only respectfully advice on how I apply my technique for members to choose for an option. Mine runs 250 like clockwork with a waterpan. If a member wishe's to choose your method so be it. I offer a option for newbies, that's all.
Kingsford,R.O. Lump...Ford Chevy Dodge.
Meateater,
No disrespect taken and none meant on my part either.
I know we've been back and forth on this before. Believe me, if your drum with the door and the water pan runs the way you like it and cooks meat the way you like it, then it doesn't get any better than that.
I certainly would not try and make the case that YOU should change.
I'm just saying that a UDS with a door and a less than perfect seal will tend to run hotter AND the use of a water pan will mask that and will also make it use more fuel. I'm not saying it's the wrong way to run a drum, I'm just saying that that's to be expected if one is operated that way.
Having said that, I have been experimenting with a diffuser plate on mine in different situations with results that meet my objectives. It also uses more fuel but at times I am willing to make the trade off.
And I probably do some things on mine that would not fit the "normal" drum operation as defined by some forums. For instance, when I do chicken, I put the ash pan inside the drum, put crumpled up paper towels on the ash pan, load the basket with two chimneys full of Kingsford Comp, set the basket on the ash pan and light the paper towels. The whole thing is like one big
charcoal chimney. After 20 minutes or so or when the white smoke clears, I'll put the grate and the lid on and go get the chicken. When I put the chicken on the grate, the temp is 400°+. After the lid is on for awhile the temp drops to 375° to 350° and that's the temp I like to cook chicken at so it works for me. I can also light my drum the "normal" way
and run it at 250° with no diffuser for a 16 hour brisket smoke. It just depends on what I feel like cooking.
Lots of ways to operate the versatile UDS for sure. The only "right" way to do it is whatever way works for you.
Dave