Cooker temp stuck at 280

[Rick Soliman]

I did 8 split breasts last weekend and I couldnt get my temp over 280. I did one full chimeny and 1/2 unlit in the cooker. I let the temp hit 300 before placing chicken on but after that it droped to 250-280 for entire cook. All three vents 100% and foil lined pan with no water.

 

[K Kruger]

Rick--

Don't use any unlit. Though I sometimes start cooks as you did (when I need some time) I wait till all are well-lit before cooking. Normally though, I start with 1.5-2 fully lit chimneys. If you just have the one chimney get that lit, dump, and add a 1/2 to a full chimney on top, then wait till all are going good.

 

[michael mc]

When you're gunning for high temps it's easier to throttle down the fire than accelerate it. Try two lit chimney's in sequence, and if need be, close down some vents to lower the temp.