sdb25 |
02-22-2010 04:27 PM |
Quote:
Originally Posted by MariettaSmoker
(Post 1191709)
I'm actually burning briquettes. So it would better to use lump? Is lump more or less expensive? And of I get lump can you recommend one for me? Never used it before and don't know the INS and outs of it.
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Instead of switching to lump, I suggest you stick with the briquets. You have some experience with the drum and you need to keep building on that. How many smokes have you done, 4 or 5? There is a learning curve on these things, and you need to figure out how to control the heat. Briquets are probably the most forgiving when you are learning since they do run fairly consistently.
As for temps, go back and see what happened. Typical things like opening the drum will absolutely make the temp spike. Pretty basic; if your temp is going up it means you are getting more oxygen to your fuel. Banging the drum will knock the ash off and your temps will go up, but first you usually see them drop as the ash builds up. If your temp is going down, that's a good time to bang the drum and open up the intake A LITTLE. Again, usually takes 30 minutes until your see where the drum is headed. Lots of adjustments in rapid succession will drive your temps all over the place.
My usual routine is to get my drum temp settled out early. Then, I'll check the thermometer every hour or so. If it dips, I'll bang the drum and check in 15 minutes. If it starts to run hot, I'll close down the intake by 1/4 and check again in 15 minutes. If the temps are fine, I'll leave it alone. Last smoke was pretty typical. Banged the drum a couple times... adjusted the intake a couple times... And smoked for 11.5 hours. Opened it to put the meat on, then again to take it off. Definitely worth it to get some temp sensors that don't require you to open the lid. Get one for the drum and one for the meat.
Good luck!
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