Opinions please, lit coals on top or in the can


 
John Neuser

John Neuser

TVWBB Fan
I most always use the minion method of lighting the charcoal in my 22". Depending on what I'm smoking sometimes I really fill the ring and sometimes I don't. Sometimes I put a metal can in the middle of the unlit for the hots and sometimes I just dump them on the middle of the unlit. Any thoughts on which method might be better? Both seem to work but I'm looking for the optimal starting formula. I only smoke 5 - 6 times a year but would still like to improve my game. Thank you.
 
I always use the can and I put the can along the edge of Charcoal Ring. But I know that a bunch here either spread them on top or dig a hole.

My main reason for the can is that I can spread out my wood chunks and and it feels like I have more control over when and how hard the smoke hits.





BD
 
I've personally never seen the point of the can. To me you are taking up space you could use for more charcoal. I fill up the ring and then dig a little crater by taking out the 12 to 18 or so I'm going to light. I just put the lit back in that crater. You still get pretty much the same effect and you still have control over when your wood chunks light.
 
Just curious, Dustin, what space am I taking up? I pour the hot coals into the can and then pull the can out.





BD
 
I don't know, Bill, I'm probably picturing some ridiculously huge can, and I probably wouldn't use that many lit coals. I'm sure it works fine. I was trying to think of advantages. I know Harry Soo uses the can approach. I kind of wonder if it has other benefits. I think my approach is just a lazier version of yours.
 
I use the “tin can” Minion Method simply because it is so consistent. I know EXACTLY what to expect.

Keep on smokin’,
Dale53:wsm:
 
The first minion project I tried I used a piece of tapered ductwork, baby chimney maybe ten coals, then poured it in the wide end of the duct and lifted the thing out. It worked well enough but, it ended up feeling like it was more stuff to keep track of.
 
Do you suggest a Hormel Chili can or a Wolf Brand Chili can? Del Monte Fruit Salad? Folgers? Maybe I'll give it a shot next time. I probably need to be more thoughtful about where I place my chunks. My guess is that it probably doesn't matter all that much, but I think both these methods beat spreading them out over the top. That's just bonkers!! (Apologies in advance to those who spread the coals.)
 
I do have a habit of spreading-out my 8-10 coals, lol. I don't recall if I read that somewhere, or adopted it on my own. But I also occasionally dump the lit at top center as a single group. I have not yet used a can; maybe I will give it a try. But I have also had few occasions when--hours into the burn--the temp would suddenly spike. I don't think I logged this activity in order to know a possible remedy, nor do I think it has occurred often.
 
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