Controlling temps in Florida heat

[sumosmoke]

Today is the first day this year we're hitting the mid-90s. My project is to smoke 21# of boston butt (q-vue and separate thread to follow) and without any charcoal in the pan the internal temp of the smoker was 110 deg. F. I have an ecb and have yet to make mods to it (I know Dude, I know ....) but regardless of the mods, it's a darn hot day!!!!

If mother nature decides to contribute to the heat of the smoker, do the mods really help the smoker retain a low 225-250? I feel like completely smothering out the charcoal and let both the outside heat mix with the inside heat to maintain 225 but know that's a gamble too.

 

[cinnamonkc]

When we get really hot out here 105+, I change the amount of coals I use in the modified Minion method so my line of charcoal only has 4 or 5 charcoal instead of 8.

 

[sumosmoke]

CinKC - thanks for the pic of your minion method. I've searched for video of what the minion method was, on YouTube, but didn't find anything worthwhile.

Ken - I did what you suggested and have been able to maintain the 225 mark. Also helped the smoker is now in the shade of a big tree so the direct sunlight isn't contributing to heating up the smoker.

Gots to get those mods done!!!!

 

[earache_my_eye]

YES YOU DO!......hehehe.....having the ability to cut off the air supply like D88de did...or something along those lines, makes a big difference in temp control.....not that I'm an expert by any means.....but, I can already see the benefits for the ecb.

tbs wishes,
Eric

 

[cinnamonkc]

Mine's a modified Minion. The real Minion is to fill the coal box with unlit coal and pour the burning ones in the center. I find it get's too hot and doesn't burn long enough. I get 4 + hours out of my burn at a consistent 225 to 230.