Charcoal Ring Question

frankie482 · Oct 11, 2012

I am going to use my Mini WSM for the first time tomorrow.

I do not have a charcoal ring and was wondering if it is necessary to cook baby back ribs? (4-5 hrs @ 225-250)

I have a 18.5 WSM and that got me thinking. I always use the charcoal ring but never gave any thought to what it actually does.

So - why is it needed and what does it do?

MisterChrister · Oct 11, 2012

It allows for consistent airflow for even burning and better temp control. That said, you don't HAVE to use one, but they sure make things run alot more smoothly......

frankie482 · Oct 11, 2012

I have some extra charcoal baskets that came with an old Performer that I had.

Do you think if I take out the middle section of each one and push them together that would hold enough charcoal?

Bob13 · Oct 11, 2012

My 2 cents:

The charcoal basket I made (expanded steel) for my mini "Smoker Joe" is 3" tall and slightly smaller in diameter than the SJ charcoal grate. I believe the idea of the charcoal/ring is to keep the charcoal tighter/more compact. My first smoke in the Smoker Joe was 2 racks of spares. It took maybe 2 1/2 hours, and temps were steady at 250. As far as whether or not a charcoal ring is necessary, I think there are enough threads written by folks who do NOT use them to say that you'd be fine without it. I'm glad I have mine, but I think I'd be ok if I didn't have it, either.

frankie482 said:
I have some extra charcoal baskets that came with an old Performer that I had.

Do you think if I take out the middle section of each one and push them together that would hold enough charcoal?

As someone with an old Stainless Steel Performer that does NOT have the old-style charcoal baskets, I hate to see them get put under the knife. But I'm sure that would work, if they're not too tall. If they are the old-style baskets, any interest in passing them on to a fellow brethren :wink:?

frankie482 · Oct 11, 2012

Bob13 said:
My 2 cents:

The charcoal basket I made (expanded steel) for my mini "Smoker Joe" is 3" tall and slightly smaller in diameter than the SJ charcoal grate. I believe the idea of the charcoal/ring is to keep the charcoal tighter/more compact. My first smoke in the Smoker Joe was 2 racks of spares. It took maybe 2 1/2 hours, and temps were steady at 250. As far as whether or not a charcoal ring is necessary, I think there are enough threads written by folks who do NOT use them to say that you'd be fine without it. I'm glad I have mine, but I think I'd be ok if I didn't have it, either.

As someone with an old Stainless Steel Performer that does NOT have the old-style charcoal baskets, I hate to see them get put under the knife. But I'm sure that would work, if they're not too tall. If they are the old-style baskets, any interest in passing them on to a fellow brethren :wink:?

They are the new style baskets. No knife necessary though; they come apart and go back together easily.

Bob13 · Oct 11, 2012

frankie482 said:
They are the new style baskets. No knife necessary though; they come apart and go back together easily.

Go for it! There is a thread in here somewhere with pron of someone doing something similar with the new-style baskets (couldn't find the thread on a very quick search).

rg02 · Oct 11, 2012

I have cooked several racks of St. Louis spares in my smokey joe silver mini and have not had to use a charcoal ring or add any charcoal for up to 6 hours.....

If you can fab one of course it wouldn't hurt though but IMO its not needed.

Cayman1 · Oct 12, 2012

First smoke on my mini was without one and went fine. I now have a ring I made from a 10"x3" bottomless stainless cake pan.

aawa · Oct 12, 2012

I have done about 12 cooks on my mini all without a charcoal ring. I have had it as low as 215-225 for 8+ hrs and as high as 325-350 for 5-6hrs. Even without a charcoal basket they are very easy to keep holding temps as well as very efficient with fuel.

Crux · Oct 12, 2012

I modified the new style baskets to fit. Works slick.

Charcoal Ring Question

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