Smoking at altitude

[Beigledog]

I moved from NY to CO last spring. I’ve been smoking with my Smokey Mountain for about four years. With the exception of one time when I tried to smoke with -10 degree wind chills for the Super Bowl, I never had any trouble getting my smoker up to temp in New York.

...then I moved to a Colorado. Literally every time I’ve smoked since I’ve been here, I’ve had problems getting the internal temp high enough. I have always used Kingsford Charcoal, but my buddy told me to try using limp charcoal instead. I’m trying lump today, but I can’t get my smoker to crack the 220 degree mark.

Anybody ever run into this problem? Any suggestion on how to get my temps higher?

 

[Beigledog]

FYI, our house in Colorado is at ~6,300 feet.

 

[gmc2003]

Sorry I have no experience at higher altitude smoking, but have you tried using more lit coals during the initial start up? The only thing I know(or think I know) is that it will take longer to cook the food. At least I bumped this thread so maybe someone with more experience can see it. Maybe @disco, he's in the Canadian Rockies I believe.

Chris

 

[busmania]

Interesting. I’ve never had that problem. Try using/lighting a little more lump or charcoal and open the vents more?

 

[daveomak]

6,300 elev. is low in oxygen... You may have to try something similar to a BBQ guru controller to supply more oxygen...
https://bbqguru.com/ProductInfo/Gur...erm=+bbq +controllers&utm_content=TV Ad Group