never got temp up to 225

[dirtman775]

I dont know why but i've gone through an entire bag of kingsford and the temp never went above 200. kept the stack 1/2 open and the vent open when putting new coals in and then went to half when they were evenly burning. Is this normal to go through a whole bag or more when smokin a bird? BTW this is my first smoke. been going since 1:00pm today.

 

[dirtman775]

got a basket, how much charcoal should i be going through. i've refuled using a whole 18 lb bag, i know this but i need to get a digital thermo, i dont think the thermo on the unit is that accurate.

 

[geek with fire]

Also, what kind of smoker and how are you measuring temperatures? If it's a stock temp probe it's probably junk. Get a cheap digital probe and mesure the temp at rack level with the probe poked through a potato or a piece of hard wood.

 

[dirtman775]

chargriller smokin pro, the stock thermo has to be junk i will get a probe tomorrow, do i always cook with the probe in a potato? my basket i about 14x14x4,guess i will get a bigger one.

 

[flash]

Well you could buy an accurate replacement gauge instead and use the digital probe for internal readings readings off the bird.

 

[bbq bubba]

I have a similiar unit, get about 6 hours out of a 8 lb basket of charcoal!

On edit, search Minion method for starting your charcoal!

 

[richoso1]

What Texas-Hunjter said. Need to control the ventilation. Mkae sure your therm is calibrated.

 

[dirtman775]

after doing those things the temp did level off, did i use to much coal? went through 18lbs

 

[flash]

Well I've done a 8 lb pork butt in 7 hours using quite abit less.

 

[daboys]

Smoked for 9 hrs today and went through 1 10# bag RO lump. Lasts longer and burns hotter then Kingsford.

 

[dirtman775]

wellllll the chicken came out a little DONE, dark in color, tasted good just a little dry. not to bad for my first smoke. I think i will use lump coal next time for a longer hotter smoke. Thanx for all the help today and will surely apply the newly learned know how in the future. i would post pics but it says they are to big for the site, will find another way later.

 

[dirtman775]

ttt, to the top