This is a second post, both similar. The first is here http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/147614/poor-lump-charcoal-performance#post_1046136
New to charcoal smokers, and have gotten the WSM 22 inch. The first three smokes I used charcoal briquettes (using the minion method), along with some pecan smoke wood and it turned out great. Heat lasted for hours. I then read that a lot of people prefer lump charcoal over briquettes, and bought three bags of Ozark Oak. Using the same method, I can't get it to hold temp. It peaks at 225, and then goes way down hill. I struggle to keep it at 200, and that is only with near constant stoking and blowing the coals.
Any advice as to what I may be doing wrong or could do better?
Thanks,
Will--
New to charcoal smokers, and have gotten the WSM 22 inch. The first three smokes I used charcoal briquettes (using the minion method), along with some pecan smoke wood and it turned out great. Heat lasted for hours. I then read that a lot of people prefer lump charcoal over briquettes, and bought three bags of Ozark Oak. Using the same method, I can't get it to hold temp. It peaks at 225, and then goes way down hill. I struggle to keep it at 200, and that is only with near constant stoking and blowing the coals.
Any advice as to what I may be doing wrong or could do better?
Thanks,
Will--
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