Weber Smokey Mountain smoker

[fttm]

Mrs FTTM got me one a few days ago so I'm having a try out with Applewood smoked baby back ribs . Its seems reluctant to reach over 220 degrees , started great using a chimney etc , vents all open . Any tips ?

[Phud]

how much did you have in the chimney, I can get a good stable 250 using a full chimney and minion method.

bottom vents 75% and top cent controlling but roundabout 60%.

Also how much water in the bowl?
I use half full

[fttm]

Chimney just over half full , water full, vents wide but will adjust to your settings now . Doing the 3-2-1 method on the ribs . Tnx for the quick reply .

[FiF]

It took me a couple of attempts to get it "seasoned" for want of a better description. Agree with full chimney and minion method. Last time used it, lit at 10pm, quickly got temp settled, bottom vents just cracked, top vent wide open
Went to bed at 11pm, could keep an eye on temp with wireless thermometer, reads both meat and smoker temp.

Got up at 6 am, temp just starting to fall off, vents cracked a little bit more, topped up water tank, four pork butts ready by 9 am. Lot of hungry guests rolling up 11 onwards.

[don4l]

What kind of charcoal, and how much are you using?

[Phud]

BTW, in my expedience the new 3 hour weber briquettes burn colder and faster than the old ones.

[fttm]

don4l said:

What kind of charcoal, and how much are you using?

100% hardwood charcoal , filled the basket. It's holding a steady 220 now . Half an hour until wrapping ribs in foil and apple juice , smelling excellent and my confidence is boosted .Wife has got some wings at the ready should my ribs fail

[Raging Bu11]

Welcome to the club! Smoky Mountains are great BTW. Best ribs you'll ever have. Also wise to start with ribs as they're fairly forgiving.. Making me hungry tying this

The temp sensors on the smoky mountain aren't bad, but not particularly accurate. get yourself one of these. Brilliant things as you can monitor the temperature of the grill and the meat from indoors and set temp alarms if you're doing an overnight cook. Saves you faffing so much and your guests will be impressed

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ivation-Range-Wireless-Sm...

[fttm]

Well thank-you RB , just about to unwrap and baste with some Bullseye sauce (and a tad of JD added )for the last hour . 35c here , pool , cold beer , turning out to be a rather good day looking forward to the next effort
Edit , wife made all the right noises ahem , says she never wants ribs from the barbie again always WSM'd .

Edited by fttm on Wednesday 20th July 02:21

[RobGT81]

What size is it? I run my small WSM with no water.