New Brinkmann Grill/Smoker with side firebox questions! Help please!

[pcmyers23]

Hey guys,

New to the forums and I could use some help.

First off this is the grill/smoker I got:

http://www.brinkmann.net/products/o...okers_and_grills/details.aspx?item=855-6305-S

I've smoked numerous briskets, ribs, chickens etc but that was all on a charcoal grill where I had the meat in the middle with the 2 side fires going with wood chunks on top. I am experienced with the times and temperatures I need on the meat, just not with a side firebox.

I was curing the smoker tonight and was really surprised at how hot the main chamber got! It jumped up to 300-350 for awhile.

About how much charcoal/wood chunks do I need to use to keep it at 2-250?

On the firebox how wide do I want to keep the side vent?

When adding more charcoal...when do I want to do that and how much?

Do I need to start the new coals in my chimney starter or can I throw them on top of the still lit coals?

I know that was a lot of info and questions so any and all help will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks guys

 

[mr500]

Hey guys,

New to the forums and I could use some help.

First off this is the grill/smoker I got:

http://www.brinkmann.net/products/o...okers_and_grills/details.aspx?item=855-6305-S

I've smoked numerous briskets, ribs, chickens etc but that was all on a charcoal grill where I had the meat in the middle with the 2 side fires going with wood chunks on top. I am experienced with the times and temperatures I need on the meat, just not with a side firebox.

I was curing the smoker tonight and was really surprised at how hot the main chamber got! It jumped up to 300-350 for awhile.

About how much charcoal/wood chunks do I need to use to keep it at 2-250? This can vary from smoker to smoker. I have a chrgriller and I will light up 3/4 of a chimney and as it burns ill load the basket up with about 15-20 cold bricks then toss the hot ones in with the cold ones. IE minion method. I will control air flow across the coals with the damper. Open all the way till around 200 then close it up a lil at a time till I  have what I want. Exhaust damper is 100% open all the time!!

On the firebox how wide do I want to keep the side vent? I open mine full till I hit 200 then start closing it off. Have to let the smoker sit for 15+ minutes for the change to affect it. So wait on it

When adding more charcoal...when do I want to do that and how much? You add coals as needed just as you did in your previous smokes. When the temps start falling below your 225 etc.. toss in some unlit coals. I usually toss in 5 or so depending on my temps

Do I need to start the new coals in my chimney starter or can I throw them on top of the still lit coals? Yes chimney

On a side note, all this is depedant on what kind of basket you have for your coals, as well how sealed up the SFB is from air intake. Intake of air is the main key in staying at the temps you want. More air more heat, less is well less. You can search on the fforum for chargiller mods and you will find many of them. Most with pics etc.. Helps a lot.  I had to use my smoker about 6 times before I finally gave her what she wanted. Every smoker is a lil different. This is all my .02. Might help ya and might not. But I hope it does. IMO 

Mike