I've tried a few methods now to achieve long smokes with my WSM 14.5 smoker and the longest I could get it to go without adding more coal was for about 5 hours and that was using the side light method, lit with a propane torch, basket full of briquettes with mesquite chunks mixed in and no water in the pan. It held a solid 235 until it got down to one layer of coal left. Is it impossible to get a longer 9-12 hour smoke on the 14.5" without adding coal? I'm wondering if the small fire ring and small coal capacity compared to a 18 or 22" is what causes this model to have a harder time burning long without being refueled.
My other question is when doing a long smoke on the 14.5 and it's time to add more coal do you add hot coals from the chimney or toss in unlit coals? In my past experiences with the later choice the temp drops as the smoker slowly lights up the unlit coals and a hotter overal temp is never achieved.
My other question is when doing a long smoke on the 14.5 and it's time to add more coal do you add hot coals from the chimney or toss in unlit coals? In my past experiences with the later choice the temp drops as the smoker slowly lights up the unlit coals and a hotter overal temp is never achieved.
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