- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
For Weber kettle smokers: vent setting and temperature setting help
Posted on 1/26/19 at 8:48 am
Posted on 1/26/19 at 8:48 am
Morning 
I’ve been smoking on my kettle using the snake method since last summer. I didn’t have any issues staying at 240-275 degrees with my top vent wide open and bottom vent at approx 20-25% open.
I smoked a butt two weeks ago. The weather was colder and it was rainy. Using the same vent settings (top 100% open and bottom 25% open), I hung around at 275ish but saw a lot of temperature spikes and fluctuations. In fact, at one point, the kettle was just running at about 310 degrees. I think I may have had too many lit coals on the end of my snake.
Anyways, what are your go to vent settings for the kettle for 225-275 degrees? Do you find that the minion method produces more consistent low temps than the snake?
FWIW, I am smoking some chicken tomorrow and I plan to have the top vent at half open and the bottom vent at about 25%.
Thanks
I’ve been smoking on my kettle using the snake method since last summer. I didn’t have any issues staying at 240-275 degrees with my top vent wide open and bottom vent at approx 20-25% open.
I smoked a butt two weeks ago. The weather was colder and it was rainy. Using the same vent settings (top 100% open and bottom 25% open), I hung around at 275ish but saw a lot of temperature spikes and fluctuations. In fact, at one point, the kettle was just running at about 310 degrees. I think I may have had too many lit coals on the end of my snake.
Anyways, what are your go to vent settings for the kettle for 225-275 degrees? Do you find that the minion method produces more consistent low temps than the snake?
FWIW, I am smoking some chicken tomorrow and I plan to have the top vent at half open and the bottom vent at about 25%.
Thanks
This post was edited on 1/26/19 at 8:49 am
8
Posted on 1/26/19 at 8:50 am to Tornado Alley
Iv found banking coals on one side and adding about 10 lit coals gives me a longer burn time than the snake method. I usually run both vents about half open.
Posted on 1/26/19 at 8:53 am to Tornado Alley
Was it windy that day? Wind will affect the air flow, causing temperature fluctuations.
Posted on 1/26/19 at 8:54 am to ChEgrad
Yes it was. A big storm blew in.
Posted on 1/26/19 at 8:55 am to KyrieElaison
Do you add the lit coals to one side of the unlit coals of just spread them out?
Posted on 1/26/19 at 9:05 am to Tornado Alley
I think you’ve discovered why many people invest in the more expensive smokers—consistent temperature control even in the face of challenging weather. Having said that, I’m cheap and just use the kettle, but not in a Chicago winter. Enjoy the chicken!
Posted on 1/26/19 at 10:52 am to Tornado Alley
My bottom vent usually 1/2 open and I keep it there, and adjust the top vent for temp control. Usually 1/4-1/2 open on top keeps it consistent. Mine is up under a covered area with no wind though.
Posted on 1/26/19 at 11:08 am to Tornado Alley
The best way I have found is to use the snake method for the coals. Coals on one side and food on the other. Both vents to be opened no more than a 1/4 inch.
Posted on 1/26/19 at 11:38 am to Tornado Alley
I currently own a Webber kettle. Many years ago before I had a dedicated smoker I would use aluminum foil to help me with the heat that dissipated from the coals. Focusing the heat in the direction that would not heat up the entire kettle. I would make more of a wall between the two grates and coals to one side. I also used the Weber oval charcoal holders one one side aluminum foil wall and whatever I smoked on the opposite side on top rack.
This post was edited on 1/26/19 at 3:36 pm
Posted on 1/26/19 at 4:42 pm to Tornado Alley
Posted on 1/26/19 at 7:53 pm to Goat Rider
Have you tried experimenting with the amount of coals in the snake?
I'm cheap and just starting out smoking things after I got a kettle for christmas. I'm definitely a beginner but I've noticed I can maintain temp easier with 2x2 snake than 2x1. I also put wood chunks on top of snake that are approximately 2"×2" but they dont touch each other.
I'm cheap and just starting out smoking things after I got a kettle for christmas. I'm definitely a beginner but I've noticed I can maintain temp easier with 2x2 snake than 2x1. I also put wood chunks on top of snake that are approximately 2"×2" but they dont touch each other.
Posted on 1/27/19 at 9:07 am to brightsideman
quote:
I think you’ve discovered why many people invest in the more expensive smokers
While this is certainly true to an extent, especially for smoking ribs, butts and brisket, the Kettle is still used by competition teams for chicken. I noticed this firsthand yesterday at the River Bend BBQ Festival in Lafreniere Park and was surprised by that.
While going around and checking out each teams set up and smokers, I saw quite a few Webers. In talking with the cooks they all said for chicken, it's hard to beat especially when you factor in price.
In fact, the team that many said was "the team to beat", had 2 Kettles. Super cool guys who have been all over the US competing (and winning). They gladly talked techniques, rubs and sauces with us throughout the day then let us sample what they didn't turn in for judging.
Posted on 1/27/19 at 2:29 pm to Tornado Alley
Update: there is no wind today. None at all. I have the top vent wide open and bottom vent at 25% open. The kettle is holding steady at 220 - 230.
Also, my snake is 2 x 1, meaning I have two rows of coals on the bottom with one row of coals on top of those. I started my snake with four lit coals. Next time, I'll probably use six lit coals, as using four made the kettle take forever to get to smoking range.
Hope y'all are having a good Sunday
Also, my snake is 2 x 1, meaning I have two rows of coals on the bottom with one row of coals on top of those. I started my snake with four lit coals. Next time, I'll probably use six lit coals, as using four made the kettle take forever to get to smoking range.
Hope y'all are having a good Sunday
Page 1 of 1
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News