Oklahoma Joe (Modded) need better temp control

[jakefolio]

Hey everyone, I've been reading the forums for about a year now, but decided to finally join today.

I have an Oklahoma Joe with:

1. a convection plate

2. exhaust extended down to grate

3. gasket seal around firebox lid and cooking area lid

4. charcoal basket

I have been cooking with a mix of lump coal and briquettes, I like the briquettes because they seem to burn longer.

I have used a mix of wood chunks to full logs, usually pecan wood (Texas).

When I reach my temps, I feel like I'm having to toss in more briquettes almost every hour. Is that excessive?

One thing I didn't do was use any sealant around the firebox or exhaust pipe, maybe leaking?

Just looking for some advice from other Oklahoma Joe owners as to what I could/should do or if a lot of briquettes is normal for this smoker.

 

[themule69]

It takes fuel to make heat. You can build a basket to hold the charcoal and that will give you a longer burn time. You need to find every air leak and seal it. You don't have your location on your profile which would help to know what the outside temp is in your area.

I see this is your first post. When you get a chance will you drop by roll call so everyone can give you a proper SMF welcome?

Happy smoken.

David

 

[jakefolio]

I'm in Dallas, TX, so most of winter isn't "terribly cold". Currently temps are in the 40's.

Thanks for the advice, I'll stop by the roll call forum.

 

[jburn244]

Need a little more detail as to how you are starting your fire, how much charcoal are you using, are you doing any sort of minion method (dumping lit charcoal on top of unlit), etc...the more detail the better! 

As far as stick burners go adding fuel every hour is pretty normal. But if you are using briquettes you should probably be getting more than an hour out of a batch. Unless you are using large enough chunks its just burning through the charcoal quicker.