Need help achieving a cleaner fire when using the minion method?

[Dave Russell]

Sorry, yes I did have a pan under my turkey, on the rack just above my basket. I have 3 racks. Thats the only time I have used a pan.

Gotcha. Yeah, I've found that meat on the bottom rack of my wsm right above the pan will get less smoke for sure than stuff on the top grate.

 

[Soapm]

For kicks and grins try some lump. I wonder if the competition briquettes are giving you soot as they light. I use a piece of foil under the turkey and don't have a soot problem.