Temperature Drop

[AMumma]

Was a steady 265 (minion method) for close to 5 hours as now I'm down to 195 after refilling water pan. Normal? Or should I try to raise the heat? All vents are open.

 

[Bob Ivey]

How low are you on charcoal? Have you tried stirring the coals a bit? If all vents are open, I am assuming that you are using a lot of fuel. How much lit did you start with and how much unlit?

 

[AMumma]

Charcoal seems to be mostly ashes. Added ten unlit about 45 minutes ago and stabilized at around 205.

Started with a full load of unlit with twenty lit on top.

 

[Randall S]

Was a steady 265 (minion method) for close to 5 hours as now I'm down to 195 after refilling water pan. Normal? Or should I try to raise the heat? All vents are open.

A few things:
1. In your other thread you stated you added "cold" water. If you add, it should be warm to hot, otherwise you use your energy warming the water.
2. When I use to use water, I never had to refill, even on an overnight cook.
3. Are you sure you started with a full ring? I use 2/3 and I've been going for 4 1/2 hrs. at 235 and still have plenty of fuel.

 

[timothy]

If this was the same cook as this thread you just posted http://tvwbb.com/showthread.php?66746-First-Butt-Cook-on-new-WSM-14-5-in-Photos&p=738123#post738123

Then you need to bend the top of the door to conform to the shape of the mid-section. Alot of your heat is escaping and your also stokin the coals by letting more fresh air in.

Tim

 

[Dave/G]

Was a steady 265 (minion method) for close to 5 hours as now I'm down to 195 after refilling water pan. Normal? Or should I try to raise the heat? All vents are open.

Every time you lift lid you lose heat. Give smoker 15-20 minutes to recover. If 265 before, you'll get it again.