Gary S
TVWBB Guru
...well Gene, I might as well jump in. I do a lot of LNS with my two kettles especially the 26. I don't use the snake method all that much but regardless of whatever method you choose I think you are allowing too much heat out the top vent if it is wide open. Restrict the top vent to about 1/2 and see how that affects your temps and as Jim has suggested make a bigger pile of dominos.
I have a feeling the bottom vent may not need to be full open either but never did the snake on my 22 so I can't say for sure. For ribs all you really need is enough fuel for about 3 hours anyhow because once you open that lid whether you are doing 3-2-1 or taking them straight through you can always add fuel. As Noe suggested a basket would work too.
The kettles are great smokers it's just a matter of getting to know them. I have found they work great once you learn how to restrict the airflow and slow the burn.
I have a feeling the bottom vent may not need to be full open either but never did the snake on my 22 so I can't say for sure. For ribs all you really need is enough fuel for about 3 hours anyhow because once you open that lid whether you are doing 3-2-1 or taking them straight through you can always add fuel. As Noe suggested a basket would work too.
The kettles are great smokers it's just a matter of getting to know them. I have found they work great once you learn how to restrict the airflow and slow the burn.
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