Brinkmann Square Charcoal Mods

[jomadav]

I swapped out my coal bowl for the grilling wok - works well. I replaced my water in the pan with sand, covered by tinfoil - works well I think. Problem : my temp. wanted to stay really high - 285 or so. I tried closing lower vents, removing coals, and opening door more often. Any suggestions on how to get this thing to level out? I like the smoker and am keeping it. I need some pointers.

 

[daveomak]

Jo, evening....  Are you starting out with all the charcoal lit ?? or a minion method ??  Closing the drafts to the firebox should almost put out the fire....  maybe there are air leaks keeping the coals hot.....  Dave

 

[jomadav]

Dave, I am using the minion method with Royal Oak lump. I think I am using too much coal, next time I will use 1/2 as much and see what happens. The smoker is new and the air leaks I have are around the door edges. I plan to fix that with Big Green Egg felt seal. Before I put in the Grilling Wok for the coal pan, my problem was oppitite - Temps were on the low side. I am concerned abot the water pan issue. My understanding was the sand was supposed to raise the temp a "little" bit and level out the spikes. It seems like I need to do something else or reverse something I did.

 

[john doe iii]

I have the same smoker and love it. There is a good amount of air leak through the doors but I have found out its not a big issue. These smokers tend to run hot until you learn more by trial and error.

I use the minion method but barely have to use any charcoal/lump to get this thing going. I learned the best way to start is with 1/2 chimney of unlit charcoal in the wok.... then place about 1/4 of a chimney of lit briquettes in and let it do its thing. I leave my bottom vents closed as the air gap from the door works out perfectly. This method last me about 3-4 hours of cooking time at 225.

As for the water pan, i use it to hold my foil wrapped potatoes then cover them in foil... i like to multi task

 

[jomadav]

I think I am using too much coal. I will try it your way next. I am going to pull out a pork butt tonight and do it Sunday. Have you tried one yet? I have a good rub already.