controlling temps when using lump

[fdesorme]

I tried using lump charcoal and pure hardwood briquettes in the smokenator, but I find the temperature difficult to control. Whenever I lift the cover to refill the pan the temperature spikes and it takes a very long time to get it back down.

Has anyone been able to achieve steady temps with lump? What kind of vent settings were you using?

[worldbfree]

I have found that with lump it can get hotter than briquettes but I am able to keep it at the 250 mark generally. If I open the kettle and the temp spikes, I just close the bottom and close the top as much as the thermometer allows until the temp comes down.

It is more difficult with lump but I like the smell and taste better. If you follow Don's advice as far as breaking up the lump into a uniform size similar to briquettes it works better. Also use the Minion method