Help with Temps

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Redefine86

Newbie
Original poster
Nov 7, 2020
2
1
Hi, I am currently smoking my first 8lb pork butt on a small charcoal smoker. I can’t get the temps up to a desired 225f at the least. Temps keep bouncing between 200 - 210f. Any tips on an efficient way to get the temps up? Thanks for helping this newbie!
 
More information would be helpful. For instance... what are you using to monitor temps, a trusted and accurate probe? What size of charcoal smoker? How much charcoal did you start with lit and unlit? How cold and or windy is it? And where do you have vents set at? I know alot of questions but otherwise its just a guess.

Ryan
 
More information would be helpful. For instance... what are you using to monitor temps, a trusted and accurate probe? What size of charcoal smoker? How much charcoal did you start with lit and unlit? How cold and or windy is it? And where do you have vents set at? I know alot of questions but otherwise its just a guess.

Ryan

No problem, I have a 17” charcoal smoker comparable to the WSM. However there is no vent on the bottom but has space for natural airflow. The one on top I have wide open. I’m using a probe for a reading and it’s actually on par with the built in thermostats. I used about a full chimney of coal for lit, and poured some unlit coal around the chimney. Outside temp is currently 65 with minimal winds but occasional gusts here and there.
 

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I don't have a smoker like that, but I think chopsaw chopsaw has one. Maybe he will see this and be able to give you some advice. Or others. But the extra info is helpful! Good luck!

Ryan
 
I don't have one of those . I have a 14 " WSM .
They have a group dedicated to that smoker ( I think that's a Brinkman )
May help you for next time , but might find something in there for today .

 
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these smokers are controlled by the amount of air that enters the bottom. increase that and the temp should go up. are you certain there is no way to adjust the bottom vent/air intake?
 
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