Did my first smoked Pork Shoulder/Picnic (Temp control problems with lump Charcoal)

[QuarantinedSteve]

So yeah, 6 pounder. Got up early Saturday, used the rest of the RH lump I got. Learned quickly that haha, maybe lump ain't the greatest for a low temp. Took all the coals out, had to start over, really didn't use a "method" just kept shoveling coals in the thing throughout the day, tried to maintain 225-255 range as best as possible. Used a rub I put on about 1 hour before going on the cooker, after messing around for like 2 hours w temps. Haha, not ideal, but hey I'm on lockdown out here in CA so I guess all I got is time.

Cool thing is it actually turned out decent! No pics as lmao it took until like 8 pm. One thing though, the crust/bark was "OK" at best, but not I feel, a "true bark" never got super hard. Still, sprayed it down w Apple Cider/Apple Cider Vinegar/Bourbon after the first 6 hours.

I messed up a lot along the way. Feel free to critique me. I really want to find a way to low/slow cook on my WSM 18 with lump, not a huge fan of the kingsford taste.

Thanks for reading!

 

[gmc2003]

Going low and slow with lump can be a might tricky. KBB changed their formula a few years back and it produces an off taste that many don't care for. Try Royal Oak or one of their many aliases. Here's a good read to get you started:

Kingsford Briquettes vs. Royal Oak Ridge Briquettes: Burn Temperature, Time, and Ash Comparison

It's that time of year just before Memorial Day when "bulk" charcoal goes on and off sale, with deep discounts, up to 50%. July 4th will be the next opportunity, then Labor Day. After Labor Day you can often find "clearance" sales that are unbelievable as stores empty their summer stock to...

www.smokingmeatforums.com

Chris

 

[phatbac]

I found a few weeks ago that RO briquettes were on sale at wally world for 2/18# bags for $9. so i bought 4 and wish i had bought more. RO briqs are good and taste a lot better than Kingsford. i dont mind Kingsford to start a stick burner but for my grill or WSM RO briq are the way to go. try at wally world in a white and red checkered bag.

Another thing about picnic shoulder...you don't really have to low and slow them because of the fat content. they have plenty of moisture that comes with ti so if you cook it at 275-300 (around where i run my WSM 22) then you will be alright. 6-8 hours of smoke its plenty flavor wise.

Happy Smoking,
phatbac (Aaron)

 

[QuarantinedSteve]

Thanks for the feedback! Good info here. I saw the RO briquettes at HD. Will have to pick them up next time. Like RO. Kind of prefer the flavor of B&B at this point though (although they burn faster).

 

[noboundaries]

B&B sells briquettes, too. Lowes had RO briqs on sale recently for $1.99/15.4 lbs, but I think that's over. I checked earlier this week and they were $3.99/15.4 lbs, which is still a great price for fuel.

Hard to say what's going to happen with the Memorial Weekend sale. HD usually sells their store brand of Embers, which are RO briq "seconds," for $7.99/40 lbs. I usually stock up for the year during that sale.

BTW, trying to go low n slow with lump in a WSM is like trying to drive 15 mph in an F1 race car; can't be done for very long.

 

[QuarantinedSteve]

Thank you! I'm checking out some youtube videos for help as well. Might need to tinker around w snake methods and such. I WILL figure this out.

 

[JWFokker]

Weber briquettes are all natural, no binders. Kingsford has a line of natural briquettes that is cheaper though.

Another option would be to break the lump charcoal into smaller pieces which will naturally restrict airflow.