question re: slow cook in cold temperatures

Unknown · December 2007

It is supposed to get below freezing in Dallas tonight. I know that isn't cold for some of you yankees, but it is downright frigid for us texans. I plan to cook an 11 pound brisket (second attempt for me) and want it ready for guests tomorrow afternoon around 5. I am thinking about putting it on the egg around 11-12 tonight for an overnight cook, but I am concerned about the egg's temperature holding above 220 all night if it is below freezing. Anyone have some advice for me? Much thanks.

Fidel · December 2007

formergolfer,[p]Ambient temp does not matter.

Buster Dog BBQ · December 2007

formergolfer,
Outside temp doesn't really have an impact on the egg temp. just make sure you have plenty of lump.

Mike in MN · December 2007

formergolfer,
The only time there are issues, is when it's REALLY cold (less than -15° and it's REALLY windy 25+ MPH) if it's warmer than that, then buck up, and enjoy the cook.[p]BTW, the cold has minimal effect on the egg, just the sap standing out there in the cold! [p]I was just out on my deck, it's 18° and gorgeous out tonight! There's a "feel" in the air. It's fresh and dead quiet. Good night for a walk, or sitting in the hot tub. Romantico!

EggRacer · December 2007

formergolfer,[p]If I can do it tonight in Fort Worth, you can do it in Dallas.

Bob In Texas · December 2007

formergolfer, I did a couple slabs of ribs couple of days ago, and it was 38 here (far N. Dallas). One thing you have going is, at 250° dome temp. you can lay your hands directly on it, and keep them warm. I had to make a little damper and air inlet adjustments with the cold day air vs the warm day air. Go ahead and put that bad boy on. Have fun!

Unknown · December 2007

formergolfer,[p]I did a cold-in-the-cold last week, with quite a strong wind in about 15F.[p]Seemed easy to do, except that the Egg demanded a bit more fuel than I expected. The upwind side of the egg felt cool to the touch, whereas the downwind side was warm/hot as usual.[p]~ Broc

egginator · December 2007

formergolfer,
I'm doing a couple of butts tonight. Not too worried.[p]Ed

Grandpas Grub · December 2007

formergolfer,[p]More lump and a warm coat.

Braddog · December 2007

formergolfer,[p]I did 3 6-7lb. brisket flats on Friday night for a Saturday mid-day meal. I've read many times that the egg handles the cold without issue. That's true, but what I didn't expect was the extra fuel consumption. Maybe it was my fire, maybe it was my fuel, but I had to run my vents much wider open than usual and near the end of the cook (~14 hrs. or so) I could tell that I was nearly out of fuel and had a hard time finishing the biggest of the three.[p]Don't know if my experience is normal, but I've never had that sort of issue in warmer weather. I'd say make sure you start with a full load.[p]Merry Christmas,
Braddog

Hugh Jass · December 2007

Braddog,
Think about it for a minute. If the air entering is, say 30 degrees and you have the temperature set for 250, wouldn't it make sense that you would need more fuel than if the air entering the egg was 90 degrees? You said that you had the vents open wider than normal. That should tell you that you are needing a larger fire.[p]Hugh

Braddog · December 2007

Huge Ass;[p]Correct on all points, I was simply surprised at the amount of change required. I expected a slight change but this is an order of magnitude greater than what I expected from reading about this topic here on the forum.[p]Cheers,
Braddog[p]

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question re: slow cook in cold temperatures

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