WSM Practice: Fuel

[willkat98]

Was going to throw this in the "whats cooking this weekend" but seperated it for easier searching and for more commentary.

The "weekend" thread got me to chucking the kettle idea, taking out more fatties, and starting the WSM

Lately, I've been going to more of a 50/50 wood to charcoal mix in the WSM, spreading the chunks in with the coals, then adding a half chimney of 50/50 coals and chunks.

I am still amazed at how the WSM maintains a rock steady temp, even with the large wood content. I am nearing the 2 hour mark pegged at 209.

The actual coal "holder" in the WSM is no more than half to 3/4 full.

Gonna add the boob and fatties in a few minutes.

Anyone else try using that much wood? It give a much better smoke ring too

Heres a picture what I'm talking about:

[BBQchef33]

Cant tell in the pic... do you just lay wood on top, or mix it in with the kingsford at different levels?

One of the reservtions i had when first using the WSM was the amount of charcoal and little bit of wood they said to use.. like 6-8 chunks... So after the first time or 2, i started using much more wood. At this point im close to 50 50 if not even more on the wood side. I lay out 6-8 of the largest chunks on the coal grate first, then dump the coals on top to make sure the wood is dispersed throughout. Then put another layer of coals and push the wood throughout the coals at different levels. The ensures you get wood burning throught the entire cooking cycle. The WSM will have no smoke coming out of the top for a while and then all of a sudden some smoke starts coming out as a new piece of wood starts to ignite. This happens throughout the entire burn down.

Also, my starter chimney is about half full.. that gets me up to 220-230 fairly quick. What do u start with?

[willkat98]

right on the money. I also lay out wood first, to prevent coals falling through the grate. Pic doesnt show it, but it is 3 layers, wood, coals wood, then mostly coals and a little wood in the 1/2 chimney.

Great minds think alike.

Anyway, I just had 9 and 1/2 hours of heat with what you saw. No more than half the charcoal ring filled.

For 7 hours, I pegged it at 210 (I like it low as possible) Wrapped the loin, took off the boobs and the wrapped fatties, then opened all the vents. 2.5 hours at 245. Brought the loin up to 192 and pulled it. In the cooler.

Thing is sitting empty at 230 for 1/2 hour.

Wish I had something more to cook :) Hardly any coals, but still 230 . I love this thing.

[BBQchef33]

put in a fattie!!

[racer_81]

put in some spam....

[BigAl]

put in some spam....

:D