Disappointed with 1st smoke

[PeterD]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Bill Curry:
Paul,
I am a newbie at this so I had to learn somewhere. My cousin recommended a book from Gary Wiviott entitled "low and Slow" - it works superbly - and the first lesson is free online for you to try.
Give it a go - it was gorgeous for me - and Lessons 2 and 3 were even better!
Hope that helps,
Bill
Lesson 1 Low and Slow </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'd change that process slightly. Use 2 square paper towels sprinkled with cooking oil. They'll burn a lot cleaner than the newspaper and no ash to be whipped around by the rising air currents off the chimney.

 

[dwayne e]

I have the larger WSM and I always start with a full ring of unlit and add 1/3 to 1/2 chimney of lit.

I almost always use Blue K because of price......although I've used lump and Comp K with similar results.

Once the cooker gets to 250 or so, I shut down the bottom vents to 10% or less and it will maintain 250 for a lonnnnnng time.

I use the same method for high heat cooks........only I leave the bottom vents at 100% open (sometimes I have to shut them a bit to keep the cooker around 325-350).

Good luck.....let us know how you're making out.