This is my go-to charcoal for the snake method. AKA: fuse method. It provides a nice long, consistent burn.
And, the 3-wheeler is ideal for Low 'n' Slow.
I picked up an 11 pound butt. Never cooked one this big on a kettle.
Paid $2.30 / pound (CAD). Current exchange rate puts that at $1.75 / pound (USD) … Not bad, IMO.
Found some rub hiding in the pantry. Had this stuff for awhile, so it needed to get used up. It was alright.
I use an expanded metal (EM) ring that acts like a fence, if you will.
It is the same diameter as a charcoal grate for an 18" kettle. Holds the charcoal nice and tight to the bowl.
I also sprinkle small pieces of lump throughout the snake. A double layer of HD foil in the centre is used for drippings.
Cherry wood for smoke.
I lit 10 briquets to start the pre-heat stage. After 30-40 minutes, the butt went on. That was @ 10:30PM … Overnighter it is.
I kept the intakes fully open for another 30 minutes. Then closed 2 and let things settle in.
After a little more than 2 hours, it was holding temperature quite nicely.
This thermo is a little off. It tends to measure the grate temp ….
After 11 hours, I got an average IT of 165°.
There was still plenty of snake remaining, but I decided to foil the butt. I also opened up all 3 intakes fully.
After 13 hours, the average IT was 202°. Removed it, then into a cooler wrapped in a couple thick towels.
The snake was nearly at its end …. No extra charcoal was required.
After a good hour, it was time to pull.
A 13 hour burn …. No added charcoal …. and, I got probably 6-7 hours of sleep. I like that!
Thanks for looking.