Minion Method question


 
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PJMcDermott

New member
Hey guys. Going to do my first butt tomorrow on my 18.5 wsm and am a little confused about the correct way to do the minion method in order to cook low and slow. One section of this site says to fill the fuel chamber, light some briquettes in the chimney starter and then pour them on top of the unlit briquettes in the fuel chamber and spread out the coals. Another section of this site says to start some briquettes in the chimney starter, pour the hot coals in the fuel chamber, spread them out and then pour unlit briquettes on top of that.

Which way is correct - hot coals on top of unlit, or unlit on top of hot coals? Thanks for your help.

Also, any other tips you may have would be greatly appreciated.
 
I go a full ring of unlit followed by schmokewood than a quarter chimney of lit, more lit if higher temps are needed from the get-go.

Tim
 
I fill with unlit and then make a little divot in the middle and add some lit coals. I never spread lit coals around. There is no right or wrong answer to this question, its whatever you feel comfortable with. Remember don't think too much and have fun, its only BBQ!!!! You can salvage the good parts and the dog needs to eat too if you screw up too bad!!! :D
 
Mr solak is right on the money as always. There is no " correct" way to set up for minion method. Normally I use the tin can method , but last time I cooked on my WSM , I very laboriously built my unlit pile out of briquettes , lump charcoal and used briqs. When I was all done I realized that I forgot the can.....so I just dug a small depression in the middle and dumped my lit briqs on that. ...and my cook went perfectly.
I think the best advice I've gotten is to not start with too much lit when you're going minion. Just maybe 12-15 or so to begin ....that way you don't get a roaring fire when you're trying to go low n slow. Good luck.
 
I agree with John. I like a small divot and to keep the lit coals primarily in a pile. I think of it as the core in my little nuclear reactor.
 
I use the tin can method as well. place can in center, pour unlit coals around, then take some lit coals dump into can, then slide can out using tongs, and done!
 
Like this.

IMG_0814_zps34ced7f2.jpg


Then start ten to 15 coals in your chimney.

IMG_0813_zps3604381e.jpg


Then dump in can and remove the can with tongs.


IMG_0815_zps9e50cb6c.jpg


Game on and ready to smoke.
 
Last edited:
Wow. Thanks for all the help guys. I ended up pouring the hot coals on top of the unlit ones. It has been at 230 for the last 6 hours. I am amazed how easy it is to hold temp.
 
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