First time on charcoal

[mdmucf]

So my Masterbilt propane smoker has started on its last legs, I just bought an 18” Weber smoker from my neighbor in great condition. I am going to be doing my first charcoal smoke tomorrow with about a 6 1/2 pound turkey breast. I am excited and anxious to try the charcoal smoker. I have a chimney starter and Kingsford charcoal. Looking for tips on my first charcoal go-round as opposed to the propane.

 

[buckaholic84]

I also made the switch from propane to charcoal....Masterbuilt to a 22 wsm...i have found charcoal to be easier surprisingly....dont start with too much lit charcoal research the minion method. allow yourself plenty of time to slowly bring up to temp....it takes a long time to bring charcoal back down if you overshoot your temp

i usually start with about 8 lit briquettes in the middle of the unlit. and start closing all my vents to about 1/8" when i get about 50 or so degrees from my target temp....if wind is blowing one direction i usually close the vent on that side....as long as you dont get to temp to fast and dont make any hige adjustments youll be fine....it will usually take 20 min for any adjustment to take affect

 

[mdmucf]

Thanks!

 

[gmc2003]

Buck has you pretty much covered with using a WSM. Once your about 30* from you target temp start closing down the bottom vents. Remember to shut down all vents when the smoke is finished and the meat is taken off the smoker. It's a shame to waste good coals. Always keep the top vent open during the cook.

Chris

 

[mdmucf]

Thanks! Excited to try it out.

 

[SmokinAl]

There is a bit of a learning curve, but your going to love that WSM!
Al

 

[mdmucf]

Definitely. I have the turkey breast on the smoker at about 240 injected with a Cajun butter, olive oil on the skin, a little garlic herb butter between the skin and the breast and some creole seasoning on the outside. Been on since about 11:15 this morning with a few hickory chunks in the charcoal.

 

[gmc2003]

Sounds like a solid plan. Let us know the results(with pics of course).

Chris

 

[mdmucf]

So it came out pretty well for my first time I feel like. Pulled it off when it was at 159-160. Some pieces towards the top and outside were a little drier.

 

[mdmucf]

I should add that i did have to add charcoal and the temperature dipped a little bit before I did that. Otherwise, it was pretty smooth sailing once I was able to get the charcoal lit and going.

 

[Berettaclayshooter]

Do yourself a favor and buy a charcoal chimney (Weber makes a very nice one). They are great to get your charcoal roaring in very little and no more messing with lighter fluid. Another trick is if you have a side burner on your gas grill, take off the grate and put the chimney over it on high. This works even better than using news paper. Also give lump charcoal a try it burns hotter and much cleaner than briquettes which contain actual coal and "other junk".