Well i just finished up my smoking session on a set of beef ribs. I am cheating and finishing in the oven, but they were up to 185ish on the smoker and realistically didn't have much left.
I got them on around 8am (fired up the coals around 7) and despite some hiccups with my fireboard (it doesnt like it when it's THAT cold), things went mostly smooth. For those questioning what it's like smoking in freezing conditions, you go through more fuel but honestly, at least on an 18, not that much more. I loaded it up admittedly more than I normally would have but I'd say about 5 hours in this weather uses about 6 hours of fuel so really not much more.
I got them on around 8am (fired up the coals around 7) and despite some hiccups with my fireboard (it doesnt like it when it's THAT cold), things went mostly smooth. For those questioning what it's like smoking in freezing conditions, you go through more fuel but honestly, at least on an 18, not that much more. I loaded it up admittedly more than I normally would have but I'd say about 5 hours in this weather uses about 6 hours of fuel so really not much more.