I always use thermometer for bigger meat chunks. The temp on the top-vent doesnt seem right to me since it gives bigger temps than on the grate, it doesnt matter what the temp is on top-vent since im not cooking there. Its a little strange to me that the thermometers are usually located at the top of the lid, i guess you can just decrease 20-30% of the reading and then you have cooking grate temp.Always trust temp by the meat. Always!
I modded my Weber by putting a thermometer in the lid at grate level-
Which place do you measure the temperature ? I noticed that thermometer inserted trough top vent gives about 60° bigger reading compared to level of cooking grate.
Imo that gives more realistic reading of the temp on grate level. Thats a nice mod!
I use Stubbs briquettes too with almost the exact same setup on my Kettle grill. I haven't done Pork butt yet but am very interested to try it.
Yes you can-
This is how I set it up, here I am using Stubbs briquettes and apple wood pieces 3"long
by 1" thick, set on end in the charcoal. About 15 fully lit briquettes go in the open space
to the left of the foil pan-
I like to cook my butts at temps between 260° and 280°, the last one was a 7.25 pounder that cooked to pulling temp in about 8 1/2 hours.
Ash build up will restrict air flow over time so be sure to sweep the ash out of the kettle about once per hour.
6 or 7 AM, I cook at 300°+ so they get done in a reasonable amount of time. An 8 pound butt gets done in seven hours or so. No more interrupted sleep or overnights for me
I use Stubbs briquettes too with almost the exact same setup on my Kettle grill. I haven't done Pork butt yet but am very interested to try it.
What time do you typically start cooking on the grill for pork butts? I'm wondering if I can start it at say 3 or 4 AM and then get up at 7am or 8am and if the vents would be too clogged by then so that the temp would have crashed?
I'll give that a shot thanks sir!
6 or 7 AM, I cook at 300°+ so they get done in a reasonable amount of time. An 8 pound butt gets done in seven hours or so. No more interrupted sleep or overnights for me.
IMHO the quality of the finished product is better as well, so it's a win-win.