time question

[JimmyF]

Using the minion method on an 18.5 WSM. I put a full ring of unlit coals and placed a full lit chimney on top of that. I had 10 hours of steady 225 deg temp, at that point my temp started to drop to 200. I added half chimney of coals to maintain ny 225 temp. Is this considered good?

 

[Dave/G]

Jimmy,
You will get longer burns by starting with less lit. A full chimney of lit burns through the unlit faster than a normal MM with about 15-20 lit coals.

 

[JimmyF]

Thanks Dave. I just piled on the coals and placed the water pan on top. perhaps it was sitting right on top of the coals. Ill try less on my next overnight butt.

 

[Dave/G]

Originally posted by JimmyF:
I just piled on the coals and placed the water pan on top. perhaps it was sitting right on top of the coals.

It must have been a real squeeze for you to get a full chimney of lit on top of a full ring of unlit. Yes, watch that water pan. Load the ring, add the lit, wood and meat and you're off.

 

[Dave from Denver]

wait, you placed the water pan directly onto the burning coals? I saw Bobby Flay do that on TV but it's certainly not the correct way to set up the WSM.

 

[Dave/G]

Originally posted by JimmyF:
perhaps it was sitting right on top of the coals. (QUOTE)
I figured Jimmy realized that by his comment above, but your point is well taken.