Method to use for 250F cook for around 4 hours?

[BeardedMan]

Since I’ve gotten my WSM 18.5 I’ve had some trouble keeping temperatures. I’m trying to do a 250F cook for around 3-4 hours and I’m wondering what charcoal setup I should go for. Standard? Minion? Snake? Lump? Briquettes?

Help.

 

[BrianGSDTexoma]

I used that smoker for many many years and mine liked to stay about 250. I put a 12 oz metal coffee can in middle of grate and pour charcoal around that maybe a little over half way full. Than lit enough charcoal in chimney to fill can. When ashed over pour into can than remove can with heat proof gloves. Spread wood chucks over top and close up. I used a clay saucer pot bottom , 14" I think on top of water pan. You have to make sure you start closing vents down when closing in on temp. Once it gets to hot can be hard to bring down. You can also close top vent some if needed. Usualy took me about 1 hour to dial in than good for about 8 hours before need to make adjustment. This just my method but others will chime in what they do.

 

[BeardedMan]

I used that smoker for many many years and mine liked to stay about 250. I put a 12 oz metal coffee can in middle of grate and pour charcoal around that maybe a little over half way full. Than lit enough charcoal in chimney to fill can. When ashed over pour into can than remove can with heat proof gloves. Spread wood chucks over top and close up. I used a clay saucer pot bottom , 14" I think on top of water pan. You have to make sure you start closing vents down when closing in on temp. Once it gets to hot can be hard to bring down. You can also close top vent some if needed. Usualy took me about 1 hour to dial in than good for about 8 hours before need to make adjustment. This just my method but others will chime in what they do.

Thanks Brian! I think maybe my mistake has been not closing down the vents soon enough.