How Much of a Factor is Humidity (Weatherwise)?

[earlybird]

After a year of using the Smokenator, yesterday I ran into an unusual problem: the temp wanting to go too low.

I had to run my top vents wide open much of the time to maintain a grate temp of 225 degrees F. Lower vents wide open too. I knocked ash off the coals, and didn't open the lid much unless I had to stir the coals or add water; still the fire generally suffered from a "failure to thrive."

In most instances, running the vents wide open would bring the temp way up beyond my goal temp.

Weather was unusual for Summer in So. Cal: mid-70s, very overcast and humid, and in fact even sprinkled briefly. I am not used to humid, coolish weather like this.

Could the humidity have been the reason the fire was so listless? I wonder how much humidty would be a factor in this?

Thanks for any insights.

[ecripps]

The weather could be a factor. Were you using binder clamps on the lid?

[earlybird]

Hi eCripps,

No, I was not using clamps. There is a tiny bit of smoke leakage at the time I add wood, but otherwise it doesnt' seem to need any clamps. Would a tighter kettle lid have helped?

Thanks.

[lsutiger]

I never had that problem...you could possibly put in a few coals that you start and add them in the smokenator.

[ecripps]

A tighter kettle would make your problem worse. A leaky kettle lid is fine most of the time, except when you can't keep the temps below 250 at the dome. That is when you put the binder clips on to help keep the temperature down. Your problem seems to be not enough air flow, Did you sweep the ash from under the smokenator? How many starter coals did you use? You can also pull the lid off for a few minutes and let the fire get going. Then put the lid on and let the temps rise again. You can also run without water which would increase the temperatures as well.

Ed

[ufaero]

Just joined today!

I have also experienced a similar recurring problem. To keep my grate temp @ 220-230F, I have to run with both top and bottom vents wide open. It keeps a solid steady temp at around 225F, but eats the entire load of coal up in about 3 hours.

Not sure if this is caused by humidity (as I have seen speculated in several threads), but I'm in Orlando, probably darn near 80% humidity on any given day between March and October.

[earlybird]

Thanks eCripps, et al. This was an unusual problem. It may be that I didn't use enough lit coals to start, maybe just 5 or 6. Perhaps I need to double up to get 'er started and heated properly.

Nonetheless the ribs came out just fine. I'll just make a note and see if this occurs under the same circumstances in the future.

Thanks all.

[ecripps]

I use at least 12 unless I'm doing a cold smoke (temps 160-180). For the cold smoke I use 6 coals.