Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
I've hung onto the fact that lump charcoal burns hotter than briquettes. But, as you said, consistency and reliability is built into the briquette shape. I'm completely good with that. Historically, I'd light my charcoal back then, without a chimney start. I'm talking propane minimal torch...
I've been doing that for ~14 years. RO has just plummeted over the last couple of years and my recent cleaning of my thermometer and a briquettes brought the temps back up. I then tried the RO charcoal, and it was horrible. My WSM historically had 2 vents open on the bottom, top one fully...
I always look for available charcoal. It's either quite the drive away, it's crazy expensive, or there is none. Home Depot doesn't have this. Remember, I'm in Canada.
I used to get excellent results from the same product. It's become horrible since. I also don't like spending $45 for a bag of charcoal. Briquettes are always available.
Well, got the WSM working fine again (dirty probe). Did some ribs today.
Mesquite, membrane on, 3-2-1 method, some rub into the wrap.
These are absolutely excellent.
Update: It was the patina on the thermoprobe. I cleaned it off back when I started this thread, and she's performing now, climbing at 238 30 minutes in.
Much success. Cheers
Make sure that you have access to the proper Barrie ON units, not the big box stores' version. The latter is thinner stainless. Mine sits out for the full year, uncovered, in Canadian weather. -25°C to 40°C.