WSM Achieving Low Temps

NS Mike D · 10-30-2011, 06:22 AM

I have the large WSM, and switched to sand in the tray. Since doing so, the cooker runs hotter.

At first I thought it was because I was using Royal Oak lump, but this morning I am running it with Kingsford blue started with the minion method (about 1/3 chimney). I closed the vents all the way down to about 15-20% when it reached 200.

When I put the butt in, I noticed decent sized flames on the coals - wasn't expecting that.

Anyway, with the vents closed down that much it's running at 275. (the lid thermometer is fairly accurate). I was hoping to to see if I could get it to run at 225 today.

BTW, it's 36 outside right now.

I am going to close two vents, but do you think the door could leak that much to stoke the coals?

I have an IQUE 110 on order.

(I"m ok running at 275, just want the option to cook at 200-225 without using water)

El Ropo · 10-30-2011, 08:51 AM

I'd try using few lit coals at the beginning. Maybe 8-10 coals.

There's nothing wrong with letting it rip @ 275, results will be the same (IMO) and you get to sleep more.

NS Mike D · 10-30-2011, 10:38 AM

I figured it out - had to get past the rule about not closing down the top vent. With one vent open 25%, the 2 other closed, and the top vent open 50%, it's been holding 225 for a a while.

10-30-2011, 06:22 AM	#1
NS Mike D Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 08-08-11 Location: Huntington, NY	WSM Achieving Low Temps I have the large WSM, and switched to sand in the tray. Since doing so, the cooker runs hotter. At first I thought it was because I was using Royal Oak lump, but this morning I am running it with Kingsford blue started with the minion method (about 1/3 chimney). I closed the vents all the way down to about 15-20% when it reached 200. When I put the butt in, I noticed decent sized flames on the coals - wasn't expecting that. Anyway, with the vents closed down that much it's running at 275. (the lid thermometer is fairly accurate). I was hoping to to see if I could get it to run at 225 today. BTW, it's 36 outside right now. I am going to close two vents, but do you think the door could leak that much to stoke the coals? I have an IQUE 110 on order. (I"m ok running at 275, just want the option to cook at 200-225 without using water) __________________ Fast Eddy 120 WSM 22 WSM 18 La Caja China #2 Weber 22 Kettle Brinkman Vertical Charcoal (out on loan) Weber Q 200 Weber Summit Series Gasser

10-30-2011, 08:51 AM	#2
El Ropo Quintessential Chatty Farker Join Date: 10-06-10 Location: Austin, TX Name/Nickname : Roger	I'd try using few lit coals at the beginning. Maybe 8-10 coals. There's nothing wrong with letting it rip @ 275, results will be the same (IMO) and you get to sleep more. __________________ 22.5" WSM nicknamed Fuel Hog! Rescued 22.5" OTS. 18.5" OTS. SJS Mini-WSM. Building UDS ver 2.0. HEB briqs (rebranded Royal Oak). Pecan/Hickory/Cherry/Apple/Peach woods. 2016 Fuji Absolute 2.0 LE (for burning off all the great BBQ)

10-30-2011, 10:38 AM	#3
NS Mike D Full Fledged Farker Join Date: 08-08-11 Location: Huntington, NY	I figured it out - had to get past the rule about not closing down the top vent. With one vent open 25%, the 2 other closed, and the top vent open 50%, it's been holding 225 for a a while. __________________ Fast Eddy 120 WSM 22 WSM 18 La Caja China #2 Weber 22 Kettle Brinkman Vertical Charcoal (out on loan) Weber Q 200 Weber Summit Series Gasser

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