New UDS using/burning too much charcoal too fast -help

[corndawg]

Just finished my new UDS. It has a webber lid mod, two 3/4" ball valves on 24" risers, one 1" ball valve on a 18" riser. Charcoal basket is a 12x12, 6" high sides on 3 1/2 bolts for clearance. I made ribs yesterday and thought that it burned through a lot of charcoal, but didn't pay enough attention to how much I put in the basket. Today, I filled the basket with about 12 lbs and lit a half chimney of charcoal & dumped it on top. Temp was solid at 250 with just one 3/4 bal valve open. 6 hrs later temps started to drop, opened other ball valves. At 8 hrs temp dropped below 200. Took off brisket and looked at the basket. All the charcoal was gone, except for a hand full still burning. I have read that most can get 12-14 hrs of cook time on 12 lbs of charcoal. Any answers to what may be happening?

 

[jrod62]

Try only 10 lit coals on top instead of half a chimney full. See if that helps. might take a little longer to get up to temp.

 

[smokin john]

It seems like your burn time was ok. You must factor in temperature, weather condition and kind of fuel used. Your basket size must be considered. A larger bakset @ 16 to 18 inches in diameter and 9 inches in height would allow for more fuel and provide a longer burn time. You did not give the clearance from the bottom of the smoker to the bottom of the basket. Ash build up could reduce air flow and cause a loss of temp, however since your charcoal was pretty much consumed I don't think that was a factor. On long burns you must stoke (stir) the coals to remove ash and increase burn time and temperature. All being said, in my opinion you need to increase the size of your fire basket if you want a longer burn time.

 

[corndawg]

Thanks. It was windy and a little on the cold side. I was anxious to use my new toy. Maybe I will wait till weather is a little better and do another test burn.