Maintenance of Heat Question

[thebig1]

How do you maintain your heat level, start another chimney full of charcoal or simply add a handful at a time?

 

[daveomak]

Click on the link below...    It explains the Minion Method...

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/newsearch?search=minion+method&=Search

 

[dirtsailor2003]

What type of smoker?

 

[thebig1]

I have a New Braunfels horizontal smoker with side box. Doing spatchcock chicken

 

[joe black]

Add a couple of pre-heated wood splits when my temp approaches 25* below target and let it ride to 25* above. Keep a good bed of coals and always pre-heat splits.

It's OK with me to use lump charcoal to establish a good starter bed of coals, but an offset is designed to use wood for cooking. This also gives the premium quality of good smoke flavor.

Good luck and keep on smokin', Joe. :grilling_smilie:

 

[thebig1]

Add a couple of pre-heated wood splits when my temp approaches 25* below target and let it ride to 25* above. Keep a good bed of coals and always pre-heat splits.

It's OK with me to use lump charcoal to establish a good starter bed of coals, but an offset is designed to use wood for cooking. This also gives the premium quality of good smoke flavor.

Good luck and keep on smokin', Joe. :grilling_smilie:

Joe, what if I don't have access to splits, should I use lump instead of bricks?

Chad

 

[joe black]

Lump is better than briqs because lump doesn't have fillers and binders. The lump is all wood. My preference is Royal Oak. I've been using it for a number of years. It's quick lighting, good burning and no offensive orders.

As far as wood is concerned, it is available at Ace Hardware, Academy sports and other big box and hardware stores. There are also a lot of wood sellers on Craig's list. Other sources are orchards, tree trimmers and landscape contractors. Try to find fire wood. You will like it better in the long run.

 

[thebig1]

Thanks Joe, I appreciate the information.

I'll take a look around for wood.

Chad

 

[SmokyMose]

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• SmokyMose
• May 8, 2016

I get this at Home Depot. Not cheap but like you I'm just getting started with an offset myself and am looking for a wood supply. I just did a butt yesterday using brickettes and lump to start the fire and wood from then out. You're not going to keep a "steady" temp like an electric smoker. I was able to keep it between 215 and 265 and it came out great. 7# butt and the bone fell out at around 10 hrs. [emoji]128522[/emoji]

 

[thebig1]

Thanks Mose, I appreciate that. I'll be sure to check that out. I didn't see anything like that at Lowe's. The only thing that I saw there was some lump.

Chad