keeping temp question

[realtorterry]

Ok guys, I have a very small horizontal smoker that was hard to keep above 200. So I did a couple mods. I lowered the chimney into the smoking chamber & raised the grate in the firebox a little. Now I can't get it below 300? This is my third attempt & I'm just baffled? I have the lid slightly open but that didn't help & I don't want to waste my smoke? Any advise?

 

[jirodriguez]

Couple of things to try. First make sure your therms are still properly calibrated - check them in a pot of boiling water. Adjust intake air vents way down before you start the fire - easier to open them a little and slowly bring temps up then it is to try and reign in an out of controll fire. If you cant find a good setting for your vents you can also cut back on how much fire you start with. If you are using a minion method used less unlit and way less lit charcoal to start.

Since you are running hot I would suggest plan a weekend of smoking chicken and try the adjustments one at a time so you can see where you get the most bang for your buck. At the very least you should have some good crispy skin chicken for dinner.

 

[realtorterry]

Thanks J.

I have the vents almost completly closed? The temps are finally falling to 250, but its been 2 hours? Anyway I still put the ribs on. Qview to come of course. I didn't think of chicken? That sounds good too!!

 

[chefrob]

in a couple of months you will be able to "cold" smoke at 250 deg!

 

[jirodriguez]

I would start with a much smaller fire then.