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Folks -

I may having a problem holding steady temp. or temp. for a long period and seem to be burning thru much more lump coal as well than I think I should be.

Here's what I have:  I have a Chargriller Smoker w/side firebox.  I keep the chimney damper all the way open and the side firebox vent open as well.  I mostly use a quality lump coal and it sits in a basket that I rigged up that has wire slats all around to give plenty of air as well as a nice way for ash to fall beneath avoiding choking.  I seem to be adding coal at least once per hour if not more than that in order to hold a temp. of around 225.  I can't even get my rig to consistantly do much more than 225 degrees.  One more thing, last year I drilled a hole on the lid at grate level and installed a professional BBQ temp. gauge and am gauging the smoker temp. with it.  Am I giving it too much air?  Am I not letting the charcoal chimney heat the coals up enough before dumping them in firebox?

What am I doing wrong or missing?

Thanks!

Beltwaybbq

I used to have some photos.  I can shoot some and post them for you and the others to see.

I have a Chargriller with side firebox.  I have a basket that I jury-rigged to sit up higher in the firebox.  I also made a baffle that sits at the opening of the firebox into the cooker that helps direct smoke and heat across the grates.  Lastly, I have a dryer tube that connects to the underside of the chimney that helps keep heat and smoke closer to grate level.

Some of the temp. fluctuation of course could be due to outside temp.  Smoking in 30 weather with 40MPH gusts is also no fun.

Thanks for your reply.

Beltwaybbq