for this 6 hr cook. http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/...ction=view¤t=aimeefoodjuly172007007.jpg roughly 4 lbs. of charcoal bricks and a bag of mesquite chunks (ozark wood brand @ wally world). but i did a few mods & the pit ran good that day-it was already hot outside. it was the least fuel i have used & a relatively short cook @ 6 hrs. for a 8-10 lb brisket for 10-12 hrs expect to use 15lbs of charcoal briquettes & a bag of chunks w/out mods. (just my opinion & experience)