26" OTG Questions

[blue6v6]

Hi,
I just ordered a Smokenator for my 26" OTG and I'm gearing up to put it in action as soon as it arrives.  I'm soaking up as much info as I can but I'm new to smoking and the bulk of the info I see is for the 22" kettles.  Maybe this is a dumb question but are briquette count estimates the same for the larger kettle, does the smokenator itself have a larger capacity?  Will I need to fill water or add coal more often? Any other differences to consider?
Thanks in advance

[ncsmoker]

Welcome blue. There are not many differences there are more coals and the water pan is larger. Stirring time and adding coals will be about the same. I don't know about how many coals you will have to add at the start but the instructions will give you this. You will stir the coals at the same time and add coals about the same time 1hr and 4hrs.

Since you are starting out smoking I suggest keeping a notebook of what happens during your smokes, weather, temp inside of grill, how long it takes to smoke the meat, when you stir the coals, when you add new coals and any other thing that affects the smoke. Do this for a few months then you can go back to your notes when you need to for future smokes.

I also recommend the Maverick ET-732 thermometer with probes to monitor the grill temp and meat temp. Drill a 3/8-1/2" hole above the cooking grate and feed the probes through it. There will not be any smoke loss through the hole.

Start with the easier meats, chicken, ribs, pork butt.

Please ask questions, lots of good folks here to help as you gear up.

Tom