Smoking in Altitude

[pmguinness]

I live in Denver and am having a difficult time keeping my temperature a constant. My temp is lower that expected. I've just added an additional 10 charcoal briquettes. I initially added 40 unlit coals and some cherry wood in the smokenator then added 12 lit coals. My temp went up to 220. Both my vents are 100% open. I have keep the water filled. Every time I add water the temp drops to 150 - 170 and I cannot get it back up. I am using a digital thermometer with the probe just under the meat. I am also using paper clips. Any suggestions, comment are accepted. Thanks

Also, any temp adjustments in altitude when smoking? I.E. if smoking at 225 at sea level them smoke at 215 at 5500 feet.

[ecripps]

Try it not using the binder clips. Only use them when you fan't keep the temperature below 250 at the dome.

Ed

[twerkman]

Using my new smokenator for the first time today in Denver. It took me awhile to get the grate temp dialed in at 225. 48 unlit coals, 12 lit and 4 big chunks of apple wood. With both my top and bottom vents halfway open, I'm able to stay at 225-230 with no problems. No binder clips and it's 38 degrees out today. I will say the temp shoots up to about 250 when the water pan gets too low. I have to check it about every 45 min - but water boils at a lower temp here. I'll let you know how the 2 racks of baby backs turn out.

[ecripps]

Try keeping the lower vents fully open and using 16 starter coals when its that cold out. Also don't add water and the meat until the dome temp is at 230 or so. Hope this helps.

Ed

[ncsmoker]

pmguinness I would suggest not putting the probe under the meat but along side it. Under the meat you are reading the temp of the meat not the temp of the grill. Also add boiling water to the pan, that will keep it from dropping down in temp.

twerkman try using a loaf pan instead of the pan that came with the SN this will keep you from adding water so often. At your altitude water does boil much faster and you need to add boiling water to the pan much more often than someone at a lower altitude. I'm at 3,000' and I notice that I can't get a full hour on the water pan. I like to keep it 1/2 full.