First firing up a Smokey Joe, how much lump should I be using?

[MapleLeaf.kettle]

Hi everyone, I’m fixing to do my first small cook on a small grill, the Smokey Joe.

Truthfully I’ve never even seen one being cooked on, so I don’t have a clue as to how much fuel I would need. I have lump in the garage and typically use a chimney to start. I’m cooking sausages, so mid level heat? So 350 at least, but it’s not like I’m searing a steak so that heat should suffice. If you’ve got some experience I’d appreciate some tips.

Thank you

[JEBIV]

Hi everyone, I’m fixing to do my first small cook on a small grill, the Smokey Joe.

Truthfully I’ve never even seen one being cooked on, so I don’t have a clue as to how much fuel I would need. I have lump in the garage and typically use a chimney to start. I’m cooking sausages, so mid level heat? So 350 at least, but it’s not like I’m searing a steak so that heat should suffice. If you’ve got some experience I’d appreciate some tips.

Thank you

With sausages i want a little lower temp so as not to crack the casings, in the Sj the charcoal is pretty close to the cook grate so not much coal needed IMHO, you may want to try and have a small cool area in case you need to move off heat

[HoosierKettle]

Hi everyone, I’m fixing to do my first small cook on a small grill, the Smokey Joe.

Truthfully I’ve never even seen one being cooked on, so I don’t have a clue as to how much fuel I would need. I have lump in the garage and typically use a chimney to start. I’m cooking sausages, so mid level heat? So 350 at least, but it’s not like I’m searing a steak so that heat should suffice. If you’ve got some experience I’d appreciate some tips.

Thank you

With sausages i want a little lower temp so as not to crack the casings, in the Sj the charcoal is pretty close to the cook grate so not much coal needed IMHO, you may want to try and have a small cool area in case you need to move off heat

Good advice. However I’ve never given it much thought and fill those little son of a biscuits all the way up And burn everything LOL. 


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

[bamakettles]

I go pretty light - just a single layer after they’re lit, but I only use briquettes in a SJ.  Lump may get a little hot.  Nice thing is you can control the temp with vents just like the big-uns.  Here’s an example or two from our last beach trip…..they make some of the best burgers!


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

[JEBIV]

Hi everyone, I’m fixing to do my first small cook on a small grill, the Smokey Joe.

Truthfully I’ve never even seen one being cooked on, so I don’t have a clue as to how much fuel I would need. I have lump in the garage and typically use a chimney to start. I’m cooking sausages, so mid level heat? So 350 at least, but it’s not like I’m searing a steak so that heat should suffice. If you’ve got some experience I’d appreciate some tips.

Thank you

With sausages i want a little lower temp so as not to crack the casings, in the Sj the charcoal is pretty close to the cook grate so not much coal needed IMHO, you may want to try and have a small cool area in case you need to move off heat

Good advice. However I’ve never given it much thought and fill those little son of a biscuits all the way up And burn everything LOL. 


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

I don't always burn things but when I do my wife is watching

[MapleLeaf.kettle]

Hi everyone, I’m fixing to do my first small cook on a small grill, the Smokey Joe.

Truthfully I’ve never even seen one being cooked on, so I don’t have a clue as to how much fuel I would need. I have lump in the garage and typically use a chimney to start. I’m cooking sausages, so mid level heat? So 350 at least, but it’s not like I’m searing a steak so that heat should suffice. If you’ve got some experience I’d appreciate some tips.

Thank you

With sausages i want a little lower temp so as not to crack the casings, in the Sj the charcoal is pretty close to the cook grate so not much coal needed IMHO, you may want to try and have a small cool area in case you need to move off heat

Alright just what I was looking forward to hearing, I was a bit concerned with the casing cracking, I hate when cheese oozes out and leaves a dry link.

Thanks for your reply

[MapleLeaf.kettle]

Hi everyone, I’m fixing to do my first small cook on a small grill, the Smokey Joe.

Truthfully I’ve never even seen one being cooked on, so I don’t have a clue as to how much fuel I would need. I have lump in the garage and typically use a chimney to start. I’m cooking sausages, so mid level heat? So 350 at least, but it’s not like I’m searing a steak so that heat should suffice. If you’ve got some experience I’d appreciate some tips.

Thank you

With sausages i want a little lower temp so as not to crack the casings, in the Sj the charcoal is pretty close to the cook grate so not much coal needed IMHO, you may want to try and have a small cool area in case you need to move off heat

Good advice. However I’ve never given it much thought and fill those little son of a biscuits all the way up And burn everything LOL. 


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

Hey that was going to be me in a few hours had I not come here, glad to see great minds think alike.

[MapleLeaf.kettle]

I go pretty light - just a single layer after they’re lit, but I only use briquettes in a SJ.  Lump may get a little hot.  Nice thing is you can control the temp with vents just like the big-uns.  Here’s an example or two from our last beach trip…..they make some of the best burgers!


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

I was really back and forth in going to get more fuel, briquettes because I am so used to using it in my wsm and kettles, but I’m in Ontario where they’re only selling essentials. I may have to make an order online, but I’m cooking in an hour so I might have to use less lump and see how it goes. Thank you for your reply and awesome pictures, I’m definitely going to do burgers this weekend now.

[MapleLeaf.kettle]

Hi everyone, I’m fixing to do my first small cook on a small grill, the Smokey Joe.

Truthfully I’ve never even seen one being cooked on, so I don’t have a clue as to how much fuel I would need. I have lump in the garage and typically use a chimney to start. I’m cooking sausages, so mid level heat? So 350 at least, but it’s not like I’m searing a steak so that heat should suffice. If you’ve got some experience I’d appreciate some tips.

Thank you

With sausages i want a little lower temp so as not to crack the casings, in the Sj the charcoal is pretty close to the cook grate so not much coal needed IMHO, you may want to try and have a small cool area in case you need to move off heat

Good advice. However I’ve never given it much thought and fill those little son of a biscuits all the way up And burn everything LOL. 


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

I don't always burn things but when I do my wife is watching

Oh I’ve disappointed many people by burning my food after they’ve waited for so long, makes for a awkward rest of the evening.

[Hollando]

Hi everyone, I’m fixing to do my first small cook on a small grill, the Smokey Joe.

Truthfully I’ve never even seen one being cooked on, so I don’t have a clue as to how much fuel I would need. I have lump in the garage and typically use a chimney to start. I’m cooking sausages, so mid level heat? So 350 at least, but it’s not like I’m searing a steak so that heat should suffice. If you’ve got some experience I’d appreciate some tips.

Thank you

Single layer, fill up unlit, then throw in firestarter. I’d take some out then to leave some room for a cool area.


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

[Darko]

Hi everyone, I’m fixing to do my first small cook on a small grill, the Smokey Joe.

Truthfully I’ve never even seen one being cooked on, so I don’t have a clue as to how much fuel I would need. I have lump in the garage and typically use a chimney to start. I’m cooking sausages, so mid level heat? So 350 at least, but it’s not like I’m searing a steak so that heat should suffice. If you’ve got some experience I’d appreciate some tips.

Thank you

With sausages i want a little lower temp so as not to crack the casings, in the Sj the charcoal is pretty close to the cook grate so not much coal needed IMHO, you may want to try and have a small cool area in case you need to move off heat

Good advice. However I’ve never given it much thought and fill those little son of a biscuits all the way up And burn everything LOL. 


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

I don't always burn things but when I do my wife is watching

Oh I’ve disappointed many people by burning my food after they’ve waited for so long, makes for a awkward rest of the evening.

That's what beer is for!

[MapleLeaf.kettle]

Hi everyone, I’m fixing to do my first small cook on a small grill, the Smokey Joe.

Truthfully I’ve never even seen one being cooked on, so I don’t have a clue as to how much fuel I would need. I have lump in the garage and typically use a chimney to start. I’m cooking sausages, so mid level heat? So 350 at least, but it’s not like I’m searing a steak so that heat should suffice. If you’ve got some experience I’d appreciate some tips.

Thank you

Single layer, fill up unlit, then throw in firestarter. I’d take some out then to leave some room for a cool area.


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

Sounds good, this time I didn’t have a cool-zone, but will definitely give it a shot next time. Also looks like we’re neighbours, I’m from the Niagara region. Thanks for the tip.