Using chunk charcoal or Kingsford

If I understand your post, you are asking about lump charcoal and if you should break the larger pieces down.

I would not break them down, unless they do not fit into your smoker/coal basket.

I have used the Cowboy lump in the past and found that it burned quickly.

I switched to Red Oak a while ago and have been pretty happy with it.  It burns slower and seems to burn hotter than Cowboy or any other type that I have tried.

Typically, I use the minion method when firing up the smoker.

I load the basket with lump and then "scoop" the center out about halfway down where I then place a lit chimney, half full, of roaring hot coals.

This will get the lump burning pretty good, and a loaded basket usually lasts about four to five hours.

Good luck!

Ron Eb said:

I usually use cowboy chunk. Should I break larger pieces down to uniform chunks or should I switch
to kingsford to have uniform pieces? Im using a modified brinkman smoker. Looking to do 2 butts this weekend.

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Here was what I did for my butt smoke. http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/162604/chargriller-outlaw-smokes-pork-butt

Last smoke I did I started out with 2 chimneys of lit kingsford competition briquettes.
Got good heat quick. Then added lit chimneys of lump (royal oak). Worked out really well. Good Luck!!!