Smokey Joe Mini WSM, Charcoal and temperature help

[SeanKM]

I built a Smokey Joe Mini WSM a few years ago. I try to use it a few times a year when camping, But I always have issues maintaining a good smoking temperature. Does anyone have any tips or tricks they can share or point me in the right direction? I plan on using it this weekend for a 6lb pork shoulder. Ever time I've tried it, I end up spending the day chasing around 225. either way to hot or the charcoal gets too much ash and gets to low of a temp.
I planned on filling the charcoal grate with charcoal. and smoking wood. then adding about a 1/4 of a chimneys worth of hot coals in the middle. Then adding pot/meat. What might the best settings for the bottom and top vents?

Thanks for any help.

Out side Temperature is expected to be low 60's with very little wind.

[MartinB]

Automatic
Temperature
Controller

Seriously.

Makes cooking so simple, easy, you do it more often
Little more trouble than an oven

Probably not what you were looking for
But its truly a game changer.
Unless you want to constantly attend a cook.....no futzing with vents, or # starting coals, or minion methods, etc.


I got a smoky joe im going to convert over christmas holidays.

[CaseT]

Give this lighting method a try. It works extremely well. I very rarely cook down at 225 anymore. Usually I am up in the 265-285 or even as high as 325-250.

https://tvwbb.com/showthread.php?722...E+LIGHT+METHOD

When I used to use the minion method I'd start with 5-6 lit briquettes.

As for vent settings always have the top vent open and usually two of the lower vents shut completely off once I am up to temp.

I recently did purchase the BBQ-Guru PartyQ. So that changes everything. I have smoked for over 10 years without using it on my Mini-WSM's and 14.5 WSM.

https://tvwbb.com/showthread.php?79108-Party-Q