I have a 22" that came with a pair of the "baskets" I also have the "Cajun Bandit "stacker" that comes with the fire ring.
I've used the snake with some success but had a brainstorming idea.
I set the (empty) baskets in the center with the flat flanges together. Then I put the fire ring around the outside.You can also do this with them slightly separated for an even longer snake. then I wondered, Do I really need to stack the briquettes in neat rows of 3, 2, 1, ?
Well no you don't!
I just dumped them in just as though you'd dump in a regular full burn, but making sure the narrow buts at the ends were filled well so the fire wouldn't "choke" there. Make sure to keep them in the "moat" you've created. Then drop in your smoking woods, dump last BBQ's burning coals (which you lit at the beginning) on one end & bingo! You have a "messy Snake"!
Once its all set up light the end, drop the stacker on & cover it. You're done!
I ran it with the inlet at 100% & the vent at 100% just till it warmed up then backed off the vent at about 50% which gave me a nice steady, long running 180/190°
It heats the cold kettle quickly, gives a good positive ignition of the new coals & saved beer drinking time as well!