Minion method question

[delarosa74868]

I got the newsletter about the minion method last week.  Im kinda confused on how it works.  Jeff says that you put lump in the cooker then a chimney of lit lump on top.  That will hold a steady temp for 8-12 hours?

 

[meateater]

Basically it's an upsidedown burn to simplify it. You start with a base of unlit coal / lump your choice. Then apply a amount of hot coal / lump on top, depending on your smoker it can last longer. A UDS can go up to 18-20 hours or more depending on the conditions.

 

[delarosa74868]

So probably wouldn't work on a side firebox then huh?

 

[les3176]

So probably wouldn't work on a side firebox then huh?

I use 2 unlit chimneys and one lit chimney in my sidefire box. It dosen't last as long but it still works.

 I do have a long homeade charcoal basket that fits in my firebox.

 

[virginiasmokesignal]

I agree with Les, I use about 2 1/2 chimneys, ( I guesstimate by pouring it out of the bag), into the charcoal basket which is a great little mod for a side fire box.  I then add one well lit chimney right on top of it and I leave the door on the charcoal side box up about 5 minutes then close it down good and tight, depending on cooking temp it can last a long time but it's not too hard to add charcoal when needed, be sure you are using a good lump type of charcoal, not briquettes.

Your SMF Friend,

Barry 

 

[SmokinAl]

I use up to 3 chimneys of unlit, with only about 8 lit briquettes on top in my WSM. It goes easily for 10-12 hours holding steady temps.

 

[ccpropilot]

Al---what type of coals are you using? Kingsford? Also--anyone know much about the difference between kingsford competition briquettes and the regular briquettes? Competition briquettes burn much longer or what?

 

[SmokinAl]

I use the regular Kingsford blue bag. The competition briquettes burn hotter, but don't last as long.