Now that it's starting to warm up...

[outd00rs]

Wanted to get this out there before the weekend to see what you guys thought.

I started my addiction in the late fall of 07 and now we're into the Spring of '08. This weekend I plan on smoking two Boston Butts I had in the freezer. They're about 8.2 & 8.3 #'s each. All of my previous smokes were done when the outside temp was anywhere from 30 - 45 degrees.

The expected temp in VA this weekend is supposed to be mid 50s to 60.

I've stuck with butts for the most part due to their forgiveness in cooking temp and relative ease. As the outside temp starts to creep up do I need to start throttling back on the amount of charcoal I'm using?

For my previous somokes temps have stayed around the 230 - 250 range with occasional spikes up to the 280s to 290s. If things get much higher than that should I be concerned about the finished product?

I've seen it over and over to watch the meat temp over anything else but I don't want to get too far outside the correct temperatures in fear that I'll mess up the meat. I know that 210 - 250 is what I'm shooting for. At what temps do I start to mess up the low and slow strategy? What types of spikes do you guys normally see on your smokes?

Thanks!

 

[gt2003]

OK, this is low and slow, not, let's worry about every little thing in the world, lol. Seriously though, I think you will do fine. I think everyone has spikes/lows in their smoker temps. My thought is to keep the needle between 200-300 during the smoke. You are shooting for an average of right around 250 degrees.

Now, in my experience, with my smoker (new braunfels Hondo, no mods), once my temp gets a little below 250, I add a handful of "raw" lump charcoal and maybe a small piece of soaked hickory if needed. This way, I might get a little below 250 before everything catches fire and a little above before it all settles down. However, overall I'm right around the 250 degree range. Don't expect to be 100% on the button during your smoke. Shoot for your average temp and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the results.

Good luck and keep us posted on the results. Cya, Greg

 

[capt dan]

You'll be fine. Just throttle back the air intake a little, maybe a bit less charcoal when ya add fuel, but its allgood. I would saty away from the 280-290 stuff if ya can.

Butts are pretty user friendly, so you should be good..

Take notes, summers commin!