Heat vs smoke in a vertical wood smoker.

[David Halcomb]

I overdid some ribs (smoke) recently in my vertical wood smoker and it's got me thinking. I got lazy and loaded up the firebox over established coals and closed the airflow down substantially thinking I could relax for a while. The heat was there for hours but the smoke was way too much in the ribs.
Anyway, I'm thinking a blend of charcoal and wood to control the smoke. I love wood but it is maintenance intensive for sure.

Here's a picture of my smoker.

 

[JWFokker]

Tough to burn an all wood fire that small without constant tending. I've encountered similar problems. You could probably run that thing like a WSM or drum and use the minion method.