How much fuel do you use

BuRied · May 25, 2020

So, this is my first post here, i've been smoking for about 2 years now. I started off on a weber kettle and I just bought a WSM 22".

I was wondering how much charcoal and wood you guys usually go through in a smoke session. I realized i made a mistake today; i am doing a pork shoulder and 2x chickens. I got my fire stoked and ready around 11 and had the shoulder on at noon. In my head i figured i'd cook the pork slow and low for a few hours before adding the chicken -- when i was setting up my fire it was way hotter than I wanted so I put maybe 8 quarts of water in the water pan. Now coming time to add the chicken (about 2 hours ago) and as i've learned its pretty hard to keep the temp above 275. throughout the whole day i've used about a whole bag of kbb and quite a bit of wood.

I was wondering how much fuel everyone else usually goes through and if filling the water pan was a big mistake in regards to fuel consumption. When its all done I will take some pic's and post my final product!

I used a homemade dry rub, kinda just winged it. I used to work as a chef so i'd like to think i got a good taste for whats good... although I put a little to much salt in the rub and ended up nearly depleting my spice stash to level it out. good news with that is i got enough rub for at least 2 more q's...

Look forward to hearing what y'all have to say about water pan usage and fuel consumption.

ssv3 · May 25, 2020

Never kept track but I use a lot of fuel. A lot. Then again I smoke and grill year round. At least 3 to 4 times a week.

Water definitely contributes to more fuel usage and I never saw the benefit so I quit using water altogether. Again not that I'm trying to save money or fuel but for me water doesn't contribute to a better finished product but the opposite. Q comes out more steamed than anything and regardless of the cooker.

Ron_L · May 25, 2020

I go through about 250 pounds of lump for KCBS competitions (12-14 comps) and another 200-250 pounds of briquettes for steak cook offs (20-25 cook offs). That is about 80% of my cooking, so add about 50 pounds of each for personal use.

KB BBQ · May 26, 2020

BuRied said:
I was wondering how much charcoal and wood you guys usually go through in a smoke session.
I was wondering how much fuel everyone else usually goes through and if filling the water pan was a big mistake in regards to fuel consumption.
Look forward to hearing what y'all have to say about water pan usage and fuel consumption.

I normally don't fill the water pan and can get a good 12 hours out of a whole bag of charcoal in 1 session and only use maybe 4 fist sized chunks of wood in my 22" WSM.

mo_expat · May 26, 2020

My experience when I had my 22" matches KB BBQ. Charcoal sales come on Memorial Day, July 4th, and labor day. I don't cook as much as some others and on Labor Day I would make sure I had 250 lb. to get through till memorial Day. I started using water but haven't in the last 10 years. I do Butts at about 250 and chicken above 300. You'll figure out the 22 very quickly.

West River BBQ · May 26, 2020

The amount of fuel is going to vary by the weather conditions and how hot you're cooking. I have found wind to be a mortal enemy, more so than just cold. During my last cook on the WSM I used just under a full bag and it lasted a good 9 to 10 hours at 250 degrees. The ambient temp was in the 40's. I use wood only during the initially stages to add some flavor. I agree that the water pan doesn't add anything but opinions will vary.

I am waiting for someone to say that one lump of coal will last for the time to cook a 12 hour brisket.

How much fuel do you use

BuRied

MemberGot rid of the matchlight.

ssv3

somebody shut me the fark up.

Ron_L

Administrator

KB BBQ

is Blowin Smoke!

mo_expat

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West River BBQ

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