How to add charcoal

[smokinbill1638]

I have not had much experience with my WSM 22.5. I have the wsm 22.5 with a cyberq (yes I cheat lol) I have cooked a few ribs (trying to get the rub, sauce, and tenderness like we like) and have cooked a few butts. I've done butts about 8 to 9 lbs and it takes about 16 hours at 225 I've found. So my question is: How do you add charcoal without getting the white billowing smoke? I currently do the minion method and fill the ring to the top and have stopped using water to extend time but still not getting 16 hours out of it. I now prefer the lump charcoal although it burns faster.

 

[SmokinAl]

If you switch to briquettes you can pack the ring tighter & I have gotten 23 hours out of 1 load of KBB mixed with wood chunks.

I use a Guru on mine as well.

Al

 

[smokinbill1638]

I haven't tried the kbb, tried the stubbs and didn't like them. I see that many use kbb. do you use the kbb original or competition?

 

[sauced]

I always light new coals to be added in the chimney starter and when ashed over, they get added to the coals. 

 

[noboundaries]

I can only get about 16-18 hours out of a full load of the current formula of KBB. In the process of switching to Royal Oak briquettes, which are at least 25% denser.

I use the door as a coal chute. Take it off tilt it at about a 45 degree angle, then use the chimney to CAREFULLY add the charcoal. I say carefully because hot coals have a tendency to want to miss the chute if you are not careful.

I add hot most of the time, but even cold do not smoke badly. They warm up differently than they do in the chimney.

 

[browneyesvictim]

I have observed different lump charcoal will tend to smoke more than briquettes. I don't know, but I blame that on the pieces that are partially un-vitrified with not completely burnt pieces of wood in them. Take a close look at your lump. In any case, letting them get completely white in a chimney first if you are going to add coal late in your smoke.

As mentioned, try a GOOD briquette such as KBB or Royal Oak with the minion method. You will go 16 hours easy at 230'. Keep it out of the wind.

 

[smokinbill1638]

Thanks for all the help.  I picked up 6 2pack bags of kbb while on sale.  Looking forward to a long cook.