Can't get over 200 degrees

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mrraeder

Newbie
Original poster
May 13, 2013
4
10
Hello all,

I have a char-broil vertical box charcoal smoker, cheap I understand however I have some questions I am hoping someone my be able to help with.

I have cooked two pork butt and two racks of ribs on this smoker however I am having a hard time maintaining a 225 temp.  I noticed when looking at the WSM that the coal pan is perforated to allow air and ash through and the one that I have resembles an over sized water pan, could this be a reason why my fire is dull? In addition, the water pan is pretty low to the coal pan could this also be effecting my temps?

When using this smoker I normally start by lighting a fire in the coal pan, waiting till good and grey then inserting into the smoker.  Since this is not a very insulated smoker would the minion method work better?  

Thanks, and yes I am saving up for a WSM, and am looking for a decent temp management system for it as well, thoughts?

Brandon
 
Hello all,

I have a char-broil vertical box charcoal smoker, cheap I understand however I have some questions I am hoping someone my be able to help with.

I have cooked two pork butt and two racks of ribs on this smoker however I am having a hard time maintaining a 225 temp.  I noticed when looking at the WSM that the coal pan is perforated to allow air and ash through and the one that I have resembles an over sized water pan, could this be a reason why my fire is dull? In addition, the water pan is pretty low to the coal pan could this also be effecting my temps?  If your coal rack does not have a way for air to get to the coals this will indeed cause the problems you have described!  You have a couple of options, drill holes in the pan or build a new coal basket.  For the water pan, it should be at least 4 - 6 inches above the coals.  You might also try using sand in the water pan instead of water.  This gives you a great heat sink that will help to provide good steady temperatures and eliminate fluctuations, especially those you get when the water gets low in the pan.

When using this smoker I normally start by lighting a fire in the coal pan, waiting till good and grey then inserting into the smoker.  Since this is not a very insulated smoker would the minion method work better?  The minion method will work better in your smoker or any charcoal smoker as it lights the coals as you go.  You will spend less time changing out fuel, which will lead to more consistent temperatures and less time required to smoke your meats.

Thanks, and yes I am saving up for a WSM, and am looking for a decent temp management system for it as well, thoughts?  Think about the Digi-Q or Cyber-Q from BBQ GURU.

Brandon
Good luck Brandon,

Bill
 
Thanks for the info, great to know I'm on the right track.
 
Hello all,

I have a char-broil vertical box charcoal smoker, cheap I understand however I have some questions I am hoping someone my be able to help with.

I have cooked two pork butt and two racks of ribs on this smoker however I am having a hard time maintaining a 225 temp.  I noticed when looking at the WSM that the coal pan is perforated to allow air and ash through and the one that I have resembles an over sized water pan, could this be a reason why my fire is dull? In addition, the water pan is pretty low to the coal pan could this also be effecting my temps?

When using this smoker I normally start by lighting a fire in the coal pan, waiting till good and grey then inserting into the smoker.  Since this is not a very insulated smoker would the minion method work better?  

Thanks, and yes I am saving up for a WSM, and am looking for a decent temp management system for it as well, thoughts?

Brandon
Get a second job so you can get your WSM sooner rather than later
biggrin.gif
. I use the Maverick ET-732 temp probe. When you get your WSM go to Home Depot and pick up a package of lamp nipples (where the lamp replacement parts are). Drill a hole in the side of the WSM and insert the shortest nipple in the hole and use this to insert your probes.
 
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