Probably a stupid question....

[jax8902]

But I'm smoking for the second time ever (doing pork this time) and last time I used the self lighting charcoal. . I didn't get any lighter fluid flavor like I read some people got but I decided to go with normal charcoal this time.My question is in my ECB, putting new charcoal in, do I just put it in and the residual heat will light it? 

Thanks in advance

-Steven

 

[chef jimmyj]

If you put unlit charcoal on burning charcoal you will experience a temp drop that will take around 30+ minutes to recover from. This will extend your cook time. The best bet is to use a chimney, if you have one, and add lit charcoal as needed...JJ

 

[indyadmin1974]

The other option would be to use the minion method.

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/a/minion-method-explained-with-tutorial

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/a/minion-method

That's what I use on my WSMs.  It works well but you'll still have to add coals towards the end if its a long cook.  Much easier to control the temp too.

 

[jax8902]

Thanks guys! how often on a normal smoke do you guys have to add fuel?

 

[chef jimmyj]

Hard question to answer. Each type of smoker is different. Some have gotten many hours on one load with a WSM. My NB horizontal offset has a small pan and I get 3 hours before I have to add more. Watch your temps if it starts dropping and opening any fresh air dampers does nothing add more. It is important to be patient, rise and fall of temps with charcoal takes time. If it drops 10* and you add charcoal it can easily shoot up to 275-300*F. Make small changes and wait for a result, the goal is 225 but expect swings from 200 to 250*F...JJ