Need help EBC won't go over 225

[hawtsauc3]

I have an EBC which I added a real thermometer to but I can't get it over 225. Could this be due to too much food on there, too much water, or something else?

 

[crankybuzzard]

Water may not be hot yet, too much food can cause a slow rise in temp if the food is cold.

Did you preheat? If so, what was the temp before you added the food?

 

[hawtsauc3]

I had warmer water but there's like 7lbs of chicken between the two racks. I've only gotten it above 225 when I add fresh charcoal and chops but that's temporary. Is it just too much food or do I need to use different charcoal or chunks of wood? It was preheated to 225 before I threw it on

 

[crankybuzzard]

Sorry, I got distracted yesterday with my cooking.  How did it turnout?

 

[hawtsauc3]

No worries. It turned out pretty good. Still wish I could have had it a tad over 225 just to crisp it but dang was it good eats

image.jpeg

• hawtsauc3
• Feb 1, 2016

 

[hawtsauc3]

I should add too it was around 35 yesterday on MN which is warm for this time of the year but I'm thinking that combined with too much unlit charcoal (didn't do the minion method yet) might be the problem

 

[crankybuzzard]

I should add too it was around 35 yesterday on MN which is warm for this time of the year but I'm thinking that combined with too much unlit charcoal (didn't do the minion method yet) might be the problem

I'm glad it worked out for you!

You might try filling the water pan with sand and then covering it with foil, that helps some with heat retention and will get over 212 degrees.  Water boils around 212 so your water pan doesn't exceed that.