Charcoal not lasting

[olin]

Hi all, I've really enjoyed my Smokenator, but have found that 60 pieces of charcoal are lasting at most 3 hours instead of the 5-6 as advertised. I am using Kingsford Competition Charcoal and lighting 12 in the chimney.

Other than that, I have kept the temperature at the top of the kettle at about 250 and it had not been windy, although pushing 100 degrees. Am I doing something wrong and/or does anyone have any tips? Thanks in advance!

[ecripps]

Don't use Kingsford Competition, it burns too fast. Use the regular Kingsford. What is your upper vent set at? Opening it too much can cause the fuel to burn too fast too.

Regards,

Ed

[olin]

Thanks, I will try the regular Kingsford next time. As for the top vent, I have been adjusting it based on temperature, normally about half way open.

[bigsteve]

Jun 28, 2010 11:50:38 GMT -5 olin said:

Thanks, I will try the regular Kingsford next time. As for the top vent, I have been adjusting it based on temperature, normally about half way open.

I use reg Kingsford and I don't get the burn times listed either.

[synthnut]

I just did my first smoke .....I used regular Kingsford Charcoal , and I did not get the longer burn times either ....My times were only about 4 hrs ......I had 60 lumps in total , my heat was very steady at 230 degrees , and never went higher .....I also had the suggested amount of Apple wood chunks ...... My chicken came out DELICIOUS !!......but the burn time was not as indicated and the chicken seemed to take longer than I thought .....From what I saw in other forums , chicken quarters should take 3 hrs ....A buddy who smokes said " NOTHING takes only 3 hrs " .... Live and learn !!......Still a great, yet long , experience ......

[jsperk]

I use stubbs and royal oak. They seem better than than Kingsford.