Originally posted by Bill Hays:
1st of all, this probably deserves it's own thread..
This sounds like a charcoal or weather issue, not the WSM. It would be helpful to know what brand of charcoal you're using, how it's been stored and your weather conditions during the cook (wind/rain). My 1st thoughts are a bad/inconsistant brand of charoal, damp charcoal or gusty winds that wreak havoc on the WSM without a windbreak. Seeing that you're in Fresno, I'm more inclined to think it's a charcoal issue..
Bill[/QUOTE
Thanks Bill for your input. I have been using Ranchers for the last 4 - 5 months and it's been burning well. We didn't have any wind last night, but it was pretty humid. My charcoal was on the patio ad covered. I believe the error of my ways was the fact that the charcoal was on the ground instead of up off the patio and away from the elements. It is dry on my patio, but the moisture along with concrete could have reaked havoc with the Ranchers.