So I have a 18.5" WSM and I'm sure that everyone else has the same problem, just looking for suggestions. On cooks I pack the charcoal ring full of charcoal and right around 7 or 8 hours the temperature starts going down because the fire is clogged with ash. My question is what do others do I've kicked the legs and also stirred the coals gently to get the ash to fall through the grate. But when I do this I see the ash drift up onto the food giving it a little ash on the meat which I'm trying not to get.
Charcoal sufficating in WSM 18.5"
- Thread starter M Cerepak
- Start date
Rick Body
TVWBB Pro
I had the same problem of ash rising up and getting on my food. One time it was so bad, I had to "rinse" the butts off with apple juice spray.
After posting on here and reading, the best ideas I got was when you gently stir the ash, or tap the legs as Tony said, close off the top vent first so the vacuum effect doesn't cause the ash to rise. Then when you're done, open the vent again
After posting on here and reading, the best ideas I got was when you gently stir the ash, or tap the legs as Tony said, close off the top vent first so the vacuum effect doesn't cause the ash to rise. Then when you're done, open the vent again
timothy
TVWBB 1-Star Olympian
To me, side handles are a must in situations like this. I just lift the whole mid-section off ( Hot Squat ) and do whatever I need without worry of ash.
Rick is right, closing the top vent does shut down the draw, and some fuel is more prone to fly-away ash than others. I don't do water, so sloshing around anything hot and scald y is not a problem for me but if you do use it, proceed with caution.
OBTW, Welcome to the forum!
Tim
Rick is right, closing the top vent does shut down the draw, and some fuel is more prone to fly-away ash than others. I don't do water, so sloshing around anything hot and scald y is not a problem for me but if you do use it, proceed with caution.
OBTW, Welcome to the forum!
Tim
Chad Bman
TVWBB All-Star
I agree completely with Tim. After I remove the mid-section, the charcoal looks like this.
I have the charcoal grate wire tied to the charcoal ring. Notice the bolts on the charcoal ring? I take a deep breath and shake the ring back-n-forth a few times and it looks like this.
From there, I'm good to go if I need to keep things warm, do some direct grilling, add lit charcoal for higher heat, or dump unlit on either side for a continued "Minion style" cook.