Will filling the smoker require more cooking time?

[burghroots]

I have smoked pork ribs and other things but always just for the 2 of us. I did, for instance, ribs on 225 for 5 hours and potatoes for 2. On Friday we are having the whole family and I will be filling the whole smoker. I have a Masterbuilt 30 inch electric smoker. I will only open it once, 2 hours before we eat, to add brats and potatoes. Do I need to allow more time than usual since there will be a lot more food?

 

[JckDanls 07]

the only reason it will/would take more time is... when you fill the smoker with all that cold mass.. it takes longer for it to get up to and hold cooking temps... so for me... I would plan on an extra hour just to be sure everything turns out ok.... lets wait and see what others have to say ...

 

[burghroots]

I thought that might be the case. Should I preheat to a higher temp to help heat the meat faster and then turn it down when I load it?

 

[chef jimmyj]

 
I thought that might be the case. Should I preheat to a higher temp to help heat the meat faster and then turn it down when I load it?

This will help a little but the door will be open a long time loading it up. You are cooking for guests. Plan on an extra hour or even two. If done early, wrap and rest in a cooler. Better to let meat rest then have hungry folks staring you down!...

...JJ