smoker temp

[reddmeat]

 I have used my new smoker only twice but cant seem to get my smoker up to temp. I have a cheap Brinkman from home depot and smoke leaks out from every angle. I use kingsford coals and pile on the mesquite chunks but cant get above 150 degrees. Also is it too late to cure my smoker? I never cured it before using it the first time

 

[blowfishbbq]

I dont know what the weather is like near you but during the winter month's especially you are going to have to keep adding charcoal and or wood until you reach desired temp then figure out how often you need to refuel and stoke you're fire. Also if this is an offset firebox make sure the fire is positioned so the smoke travels into the body of the smoker providing enough heat.

 

[daveomak]

reddmeat,morning and welcome to the forum....  Sealing the smoker to eliminate air leaks is the first step....  a charcoal basket employing the minion method is step 2.....  Using the search bar looking for ECB mods will help you find what others have done...  (El Cheapo Brinkman ECB)....  http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/newsearch/?search=ecb+mods&type=all   Click on the link ...

Please take a moment and stop into " /Roll Call/   " and introduce yourself and get a proper welcome from our members.... Also, if you would note your location in your profile, it will help in the future when answering questions about smokin'...   elevation, humidity etc....    

We're glad you stopped in and joined our group...    Enjoy the long smokey ride....     Dave

 

[reddmeat]

Thanks DaveOmak. I will try some of these ideas and let you know how they work for me.