Clean Burn ?

[bbqbrisket]

I've been using a version of the "Minion Method" in my offset; mainly because I dont' want to get up in the middle of the night.
I've got a new and different one now and while the temp gets up pretty quick, it can take up to 2 hours to get a clean burn.
My method has been to use a square charcoal basket with 4 sticks vertically in each corner. I also put a larger chunck close to the bottom on one side on the outside of the basket for later smoke as it burns down. I start with a charcoal chimmeny starter. When hot it goes on top of the basket.

Is there a way to reduce the time to achieve the "clean burn"

appreciate the input.

 

[mike243]

I haven't seen the need to wait til I see TBS ,moisture is what the white vapor is imo and the wetter the wood the more you will have,some folks lay their wood on top of the firebox to drive out moisture and burn at a better rate,also no chemicals used here to lite fires,torch or a electric loop heater works well for me

 

[bbqbrisket]

The wood is really pretty dry. Been curing for 2 years plus.
But, I have heard that cold wood has to heat up. But if so, how long does that take?

 

[Berettaclayshooter]

toss in your charcoal and let the smoker come up to temp, while this is happening have a few pieces of wood laying on the fire box to warm/ dry it out. I personally like the western mini splits because they are nice and dry and bug free. I keep it in the shed to stay dry. I built a wood shed for firewood, but nothing I have in there is a year old yet and when in the smoker doesn't want to burn clean. white smoke for a long time = bitter tasting smoke on your food.