Cook
Babbling Farker
I would worry less about the temps going up with the door closed, and pay attention on proper airflow through the pit. MANY quality pits are made with the door being the only air intake...so no worries there. Crack the door & learn the pit.
Yes, you need to be buying wood by the cord. Talk to several 'wood guys' in your area and let them know you'll be using wood throughout the year...use that to get a better deal. Find a good wood supplier who will work with you on price & try to stick with him.
I would absolutely start that pit with a good bed of charcoal...but I don't think I would use much, if any, throughout the cook. The only time I find it handy is "if" you somehow lose your coal bed...a lit chimney can be of help. Once you find a wood supplier, your costs will decrease greatly.
Yes, you need to be buying wood by the cord. Talk to several 'wood guys' in your area and let them know you'll be using wood throughout the year...use that to get a better deal. Find a good wood supplier who will work with you on price & try to stick with him.
I would absolutely start that pit with a good bed of charcoal...but I don't think I would use much, if any, throughout the cook. The only time I find it handy is "if" you somehow lose your coal bed...a lit chimney can be of help. Once you find a wood supplier, your costs will decrease greatly.