Stumps Baby XL Help

[smoken2]

Ok, so got my new Baby XL. Did initial burn which went fine. First cook had trouble getting above 275. Ok, so maybe I rushed things and I didn't let it pre heat and get up to full temp before I loaded it. Second cook got up to 275, vents open 100%. Falling to 200. :roll: What am I doing wrong? Obviously an air flow problem. Seems like charcoal is getting packed in the chute. ??? Do I need to empty chute after each cook? I wouldn't think so .....

Thanks

 

[morningwoodbbq]

Are you using a temp controller?

 

[smoken2]

No, Not yet. I just ordered one. I figured I could do it dial it in manually. I have a BGE and a PBC and don't have a problem.
I figured vents wide open that thing should be screaming!!

 

[jnrf1]

It takes a while to get up to temperature if you’re not using a controller.

 

[BBQ Freak]

are you using charcoal briquettes or lump ?

 

[smoken2]

Briquettes

 

[BBQ Freak]

Not sure what brand you are using but when I had my Stump's it liked a hotter burning charcoal and did not like Kingsford blue bag and also do not pack the charcoal in the chute and let it fall naturally . It is best to let the smoker come up to temp before adding food and i always kept my exhaust half open and then adjust the ball valve but when doing so do it in 1/4 turns and let it settle in in and it will takes awhile to make the next adjustment .

 

[smoken2]

Not sure what brand you are using but when I had my Stump's it liked a hotter burning charcoal and did not like Kingsford blue bag and also do not pack the charcoal in the chute and let it fall naturally . It is best to let the smoker come up to temp before adding food and i always kept my exhaust half open and then adjust the ball valve but when doing so do it in 1/4 turns and let it settle in in and it will takes awhile to make the next adjustment .

Funny you say that. I am using the Kinsford Blue Bag. I'll shop for something else. Not sure how 'not to' pack the chute. I just pour the bag in. Maybe don't fill it? I wanted to have enough fuel for the whole cook. Thanks for the info !!

 

[bluetang]

Once lit, I leave the charcoal chute door open, as well as the ash box door, the smokestack closed. I leave it like that until it’s clearly burning good, it ain’t fast. Then I open the smokestack, close the chute, and partially close the ash box door, valve wide open. When it approaches my target temperature, I shut the ash door, set the valve handle to around 7:00 for a 250 degree cook. No controller. I use lump.

 

[smoken2]

Once lit, I leave the charcoal chute door open, as well as the ash box door, the smokestack closed. I leave it like that until it’s clearly burning good, it ain’t fast. Then I open the smokestack, close the chute, and partially close the ash box door, valve wide open. When it approaches my target temperature, I shut the ash door, set the valve handle to around 7:00 for a 250 degree cook. No controller. I use lump.

Maybe I’ll try lump. Making sure it’s not too big. Thank you !

 

[BBQ Freak]

I would try some B&B briquets or something similar first and just pouring them in is fine and a little bit better charcoal is what I would try first and my Stump smoker took about 45 minutes to come up to temp .

 

[BBQ Freak]

Maybe I’ll try lump. Making sure it’s not too big. Thank you !

I also agree lump burns hotter but watch for big chunks and you might have to break some down in size so it does not bridge in the chute .

 

[smoken2]

Will do. Thanks ��������

 

[SMOKE FREAK]

I figured I could do it dial it in manually.

Atta boy!
That's the way it's supposed to be done.

 

[slackdogbbq]

Lump, lump, lump. Preferably Royal Oak IMO imparts best flavor of the many I have tried. I know you will love your BabyXL. Cooking machine!

 

[smoken2]

Lump, lump, lump. Preferably Royal Oak IMO imparts best flavor of the many I have tried. I know you will love your BabyXL. Cooking machine!

Thanks Slackdog. I'll get er figured out!