Arrangment of Smoking Wood Chunks

Fairalbion

Could I have some views on the best way of laying out smoking woods for low 'n' slow cooks such as those for pork butts, beef briskets etc? Do you:
* Mix the wood in with the charcoal?
* Lay it on top?
* Arrange it around the edges?[p]

disabledDK

Fairalbion,
Chunks are usally the best. I mix about 4 chunks in the lump, and add appx. a handfull or two of chips on top of the lump. Try it a couple of ways. Good luck, DK

Mike in MN

DK,
I do about the same. The chunks are dry, and the chips have a little water mixed in a couple of minutes before I throw them on. It almost puts out a low fire, but then the smoke just forms. The temp drops, and then there is a real slow rise....maybe a half hour to get back to 225. (smoking like mad the whole time)[p]Mike in MN

djm5x9

Fairalbion;[p]I start the fire and let the cooker pre-heat to the desired dome temperature. The meat is placed on the grill and the required dry chunks are placed on the burning coals and stirred a bit to mix them for a good initial smoke. You have to remember, the cool meat absorbs smoke up till the meat surface reaches the 120 to 130 degree range. Smoking beyond this surface temperature could detract and possibly produce a bitter taste.