Newbie

yeauxkneauxat · April 2011

Hello, Forgive me b/c I know there are a ton of posts about temp control. I am sort of frustrated at my 1st experience. I played up and down temp control all night. Over night the egg burned out and this morning, I can't seem to get it low 230-250. I had to leave early to get to work and my wife calls and says the egg is at 400?

Man I could use some help figuring out some workable technique to help a new egger to understand how to start it up for a slow smoke. I didn't expect this to be a no-brainer, but I guess I need some momentum so then I can figure out my specific egg characteristics

thank you in advance

Griffin · April 2011

Have you looked at Grandpa Grubs post? Has a ton of info and should help you out. It has a a visual guide to how to set up your egg for cerrtain temps that should get you in the ballpark. Take your time when adjusting your egg and make small changes. Patience will be rewarded.

http://www.eggheadforum.com/index.php?option=com_simpleboard&func=view&id=950178&catid=1

Griffin · April 2011

Oh, and welcome aboard. Glad to have another egghead around. I'm sure more eggsperienced people will chime in with some great advice for you.

Ripnem · April 2011

After a mess of cooks it will become a no brainer.

Your daisy wheel should have the pedals about half way open and the lower vent should be 1/8-1/4" open. This should get the egg to 250º+/-, but it will take some time seeing how hot it has gotten.

Here's a pile of info for you to chew on.
http://www.eggheadforum.com/index.php?option=com_simpleboard&func=view&id=843650&catid=1

Don't get discouraged. It is kinda like auto-pilot once you're at altitude.

yeauxkneauxat · April 2011

Thanks! I'll take a look at the info you supplied and try it out- appreciate the encouragement and the welcome. Looking forward to egging like a pro - 1 day!

'Q Bruddah · April 2011

Welcome aboard. The visuals from Grampa's Grub will definitely give you a place to start. Lots of knowledge and wisdom here on the forum so don't cook without it. Check with the forum in the planning, putting the raws together, during the cook and celebrate on the forum with another successful cook. A helpful skill is learning how to post pictures. We all like pictures but they can also help other eggers know what is going on to give accurate advice.

Your culinary life has changed already more than you kneaux.

Morro Bay Rich · April 2011

Here is the direct link to Grandpa Grubs vent settings: http://www.eggheadforum.com/index.php?option=com_simpleboard&func=view&id=718915&catid=1

MemphisQue · April 2011

I think it just takes some practice which is half the fun. I would try some cooks while you can be there to monitor the egg. Remember, small adjustments are usually what is necessary and it wont' change temp profiles instantly. One trick may be to get the temp you want to cook at to hold for at least 30 minutes before putting on the meat. Then you will know it has stabilized fairly well. Good luck.

yeauxkneauxat · April 2011

I'm glad you mentioned that. That sounds like a great idea.

I was so ready to grill on it, i couldn't wait. I had visions of pulled pork...@ 8:00am! HA!

MemphisQue · April 2011

For me 30 minutes is usually adequate to make sure the temp on my egg has stabilized. From there you would only make extremely minor adjustments to the top and bottom vents during a long cook. Often you may find you never need to make an adjustment as the egg is so good at maintaining temps.

PhilsGrill · April 2011

And is your thermometer calibrated correctly?

yeauxkneauxat · April 2011

Well I learned a lot from my first experience. Based on the links provided, I understand now that my 2 issues are enough lump charc & to wait until about 20 min or so before getting started. I think my main fight was with the fire burning out over time.

Other than this, it turned out pretty well and tasted Great. A little dry, but I will plan on smoking another......THIS WEEKEND...YEAUX KNA AT!

Thank you all for the posts and I will take pictures and resend the next hatch!

Newbie

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