How often do you add charcoal to an ECB?

[bpinmi]

First timer here with an ECB. Did the initial seasoning burn today. Was maintaining a solid 250 when I left. Came back 3 hours later from running errands and all but one small lump had burned to ash and temp was down to 150. Did I not have enough charcoal in the pan or is 3 hours just too long to go without adding any charcoal?

FYI, this was lump charcoal, not briquettes.

Thank you.

 

[GaryHibbert]

Sorry, but I'm afraid I can't help you--my track record with lump charcoal is in the toilet. But someone will be along who can give you some good advice
Gary

 

[flyboys]

Have you done any of the mods to the ECB? As is, they are not very air tight which can cause a quicker burn. Lump is also known for a cleaner, hotter, and faster burn. My experience with lump is also in the toilet, but I have owned an ECB.

 

[bpinmi]

Have you done any of the mods to the ECB? As is, they are not very air tight which can cause a quicker burn. Lump is also known for a cleaner, hotter, and faster burn. My experience with lump is also in the toilet, but I have owned an ECB.

Yes I have done the basic mods. The one thing I did not do was seal off the perimeter of the lid which seems to have a sizable gap for air to flow through, so perhaps that is the cause.

 

[hambone1950]

I had a brinkmann gourmet which is a grade up from the ECB. But even at that , it's not a smoker you can walk away from. To me , every cook was different. You might go 4 hours on a load of charcoal but you might only go 3 or even 2 ....and in truth I never used lump charcoal in those days.
My technique was always to get whatever smoke I could from the Brinkmann and then finish the pork butt or ribs in the oven. Chicken was another story. You could cook chicken on that thing like a dream. That's the best thing they do.
Well , I wish you good luck. Keep us posted.