Struggling with the Smokey Joe

[GermanTex]

I have used my various 22” kettles for years without any issues. But I am having trouble to keep my Smokey Joe at high temps. I have tried different coal from lump to Weber briquettes and Kingsford Professional briquets which normally burns very hot. Started up in a chimney starter till glowing hot but they will die down as soon as put the lid on. All vents open. I cannot maintain temps north of 500 with the lid on to grill some meat short and hot. I tried it again tonight and it did not work. I get much higher temps on my Q1200 gas grill.
The reason I wanted to use the Smokey Joe because i like grilling on charcoal but I want to use less coal for just 4 burgers. Am I doing something wrong?
The SmokeyJoe is the one with the vents at the bottom. The Simpsons model I was able to snatch up a few years ago.
Plus the meat gets a bad taste when the grill is not that hot and fat is burning on the charcoal.
Any advice appreciated. Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

[bthorn9435]

Have you tried B&B Charcoal? Was a game changer for me and I have the Premium with side vents.

[GermanTex]

No not yet. I will have to give it a try.


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

[avega2792]

Keep the lid cracked to increase air flow.


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

[MANCHAS2020]

I have used my various 22” kettles for years without any issues. But I am having trouble to keep my Smokey Joe at high temps. I have tried different coal from lump to Weber briquettes and Kingsford Professional briquets which normally burns very hot. Started up in a chimney starter till glowing hot but they will die down as soon as put the lid on. All vents open. I cannot maintain temps north of 500 with the lid on to grill some meat short and hot. I tried it again tonight and it did not work. I get much higher temps on my Q1200 gas grill.
The reason I wanted to use the Smokey Joe because i like grilling on charcoal but I want to use less coal for just 4 burgers. Am I doing something wrong?
The SmokeyJoe is the one with the vents at the bottom. The Simpsons model I was able to snatch up a few years ago.
Plus the meat gets a bad taste when the grill is not that hot and fat is burning on the charcoal.
Any advice appreciated. Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

I had the same problem; so, I purchased a SlowNSear Plus a few years back to use on my Weber Performer Deluxe Grill which maintains a very high heat with very little charcoal when doing Direct Heat Grilling.