14.5 WSM vent trick

[AmirMortal]

In the past I was always kinda chasing the bottom vents, and couldn't get an even burn of the charcoal once I got the desired temp.

I have discovered that inserting a smooth 1/8" rod into the lower vents, then closing them to it seems to be about perfect for maintaining smoking temps. The last few times I've done this, I've only adjusted the top vent, and that was probably more out of boredom than necessity. Half open top vent seems about perfect.

If left alone with vents in this condition, it will sit nicely in the 225-275, usually right around 250 for several hours.

I ran it for 5hrs last night, and shut it down. The attached pic is what the basket looks like today. Still could've gone a while longer, and much more even burn than I had been getting before. I used a single Weber cube in the center, minion method.

Maybe this will help someone, maybe this is common knowledge, I dunno. Cheers!

[bamakettles]

Nice!  I use a wooden square chopstick to adjust my lower vents.  Works like a charm and keeps them all even.  Top always open for me.