Pulled Chicken and Ranch Kettle Break In

[G]

I had to make some room in the freezer for a Christmas ham so I pulled out 8 pounds of chicken thighs for some pulled chicken sandwiches.  Ive been jonesin' to break in the Ranch so I figured this was my chance.  Lit 1/2 chimney of KB comp...

then threw some Cowboy lump over the top.

Thighs on, along with a few brats for lunch.  Even with all that food, there is plenty of room to spare. 


About 2 hours in and thighs are done


Pulled....


Warming for dinner....soon to meet a bun....


Overall first impressions of the Ranch were positive....an amazing amount of room for indirect cooking and easy to use.  I figured I used about 2 chimneys of briquettes and lump and there was a good amount left over for another cook.   It took quite a bit longer than anticipated to get the thighs to temp but it is 11 degrees here with fairly strong winds so that may have been the problem.  In all, more practice is needed but I think Im going to like this kettle.  Im considering adding a therm to the lid for future temp maintenance....just feels like Im flying blind.

Thanks for looking.   

[gunner]

Awesome cook! What did you bring those thighs up to? 190-ish?

[G]

I took it to 180ish...figured that was OK.

[MINIgrillin]

they look like chicken nuggets on that behemoth.. or a midget running on a football field.

[swamprb]

I'm diggin' that charcoal basket!

[HankB]

... Even with all that food, there is plenty of room to spare. 

One word: Fatty!
Take advantage of that space!

The thighs look great. When it's that cold maintaining heat can take some charcoal.