First time using the minion method

[mattyoc20]

Got a 10 lbs pork butt in the WSM 18.5 at 4 am this morning.  I am using the minion method for the first time thinking it would help me with coal/heat management.  I filled the ring to the top hoping that it would last the length of the smoke 10-15 hours.  I am going on 6 hours and the coals are all but dead.  I just lit another full chimney to add more coals  Am i missing something to doing something wrong.  I am keeping the temps between 225-240.  Thanks for the help

 

[badmoont2]

Cold weather and windy conditions can up coal consumption dramatically. One thing you can do is put less water in the pan or use a clay flower pot saucer in place of the water. It takes a lot of Btu's to boil all that water

 

[mattyoc20]

No wind and it is a bit chilly