First Smoke This Weekend...gotta minute?

[hinkbot]

got a WSM a few weeks ago a good price, and decided i need to use it before winter fully hits.  decided to go with a boston butt and brisket, hopefully both around 7lbs.  the temp looks to be in the mid 30's this weekend, and have some questions...

-how much charcoal can i expect to go through saturday, more than 1 bag?

-how long should the smoke go for? (both 1 hour per 1.5 lbs)?

-i think i'm going to go with the minion method?  any issues what that in colder tempature?

-how much charcoal should i start in the chimney, 20, more?

-should i use hot tap water or heat the water up on the stove?

-how long does it take for the smoker to heat up on average, trying to figure out what time i need to start everything up.

thanks for the help!

 

[adiochiro3]

got a WSM a few weeks ago a good price, and decided i need to use it before winter fully hits.  decided to go with a boston butt and brisket, hopefully both around 7lbs.  the temp looks to be in the mid 30's this weekend, and have some questions...

-how much charcoal can i expect to go through saturday, more than 1 bag?  Probably not, but I would have a second bag on hand -- just in case.

-how long should the smoke go for? (both 1 hour per 1.5 lbs)?  'Til it's done.   I'm not being a smart aleck; cook it to temp, not time.  I've had briskets done in 9 hours and others go 14+.

-i think i'm going to go with the minion method?  any issues what that in colder temperature?  Should be fine.

-how much charcoal should i start in the chimney, 20, more?  20-25 should be OK.

-should i use hot tap water or heat the water up on the stove?  I use hot tap water, but that water can have a higher lead count than cold tap water.

-how long does it take for the smoker to heat up on average, trying to figure out what time i need to start everything up.  30 min. to get temps stable should be adequate.

thanks for the help!

Good luck!

 

[so ms smoker]

  Keep in mind that cook times AVERAGE 1.5 hours per pound for butts and brisket. Remember to go by internal temp rather than time though.  7 pounds should be about 10-11 hours. A 7 pound butt with a 7 pound brisket is still 7 pounds, not 14. Good luck and take pics. We are all about the Q-view!  Mike

 

[SmokinAl]

To be safe I usually estimate 2 hours per pound & that would include the rest period. If it gets done early it will stay hot wrapped in foil & towels in a dry cooler for 6+ hours.