Garret Komjathy
TVWBB Fan
Looking for suggestions on an easier way to replenish hot coals into a fired up WSM. I have been dumping them right from the chimney starter and most of them don't make it into the charcoal chamber. Suggestions?
My problem hasn't been getting the new fuel in there, it's been NOT stirring up the ASH. Argh, what a pain. I know it's harmless but I hate putting new fuel in and the ash cloud forming inside the smoker. at least if it were easier to take the whole smoker off the "pit" you let the ash disipate before placing the smoker back on. (that was the technique I used with my Brinkman)
I was thinking of putting handles on the sides of the main canister but realized the pretty Weber cover might not stretch over the handles, its quite tight already.
Jody, I've had a couple of handles on my 18.5" and the cover still fit. However, handles aren't really needed to lift the 18.5" off the base. Just be careful, especially if using water in the pan. Another couple of tips are to use lump and to close the top vents when you open the door to tend the fire. Lump doesn't have near the ash that briquettes have, but if you close the top vents to add fuel, don't forget to open them back up.
With a full charcoal ring and a Minion start I very seldom ever have to add coals, they generally last long enough for 14-16 hours without adding more. The few times I've had to I just open the door and toss in unlit coals. You can always add handles to the WSM and lift the whole assembly off then add them. I'm curious why you have to add coals so often.
I need to source some good lump.... I've gotten the Cowboy lump from home depot, but the chucks are huge, and are about useless for the WSM. Tried the green egg lump and most of it was so small chunks it went through the grate...