Temp Question

[Jeff S.]

I smoked two turkey breast today following the instuctions found on this site.
I had a really hard time getting the WSM to stay hot. (past 300)
It was about 18 degrees outside, and I was somewhat sheltered due to all the snow we got over the last 24 hours. (24 inches in all, and the wind was causing it to drift.)
I was at the foot of my garage door.
I went with an empty pan covered with HD foil.
Would I have ran hotter with less effort had I used sand in the pan?
Or was it a case where the elements outside just made it a tough day to smoke?
This was my first of many winter smokes.
Thanks and wish you and all your family a Merry X-MAS and a Happy New Year.

Oh by the way, did I mention the turkey breast were the best Ive ever had

 

[Ken McCrary]

I think anything ( other than fire ) in the pan would act as a heat sink and make it dificult to get the Smoker hot on such a cold day. I usually have better luck running it hot with an empty pan.

 

[Larry Wolfe]

Jeff,
The sand would have helped hold temps better once you got them to where you wanted. But sand would not really assist in increasing temps. Sounds like the elements (wind and cold temps) played a huge part in your temp problems. If those weather conditions are the norm where you live, you may want to think about making a wind break, buying a jacket for the WSM or even better a Guru.
BBQ Guru