Temp to high

not trying to be a wise *ss... but the secret is to not go above it in the first place.

if you are desperate, then shut all vents and wait.

if you have time, open top and bottom to just a sliver. and wait. you need to come UP to temps from below. when the temp is 250 or so, open those vents again SLIGHTLY, and watch the needle. as it goes up, start slowing it by shutting vents.

same for when you light it. after the starter cubes or whatever burn off clean, shut the dome (you can shut the dome as they burn, too, but sometimes they snuff out). set your vents about a third open for 350. again, as you come up to the temp, start slowing the needle down by slowly shutting the vents.

in truth, you can control the fire entirely with the top or bottom vent alone. i tend to do the rough adjustments with the bottom, and fine tune with the top.

you're welcome. don't worry about having it open only a sliver. it won't go out. once it is burning hot, you really need to jam the brakes on. even totally shutting it is ok, as long as you don't let it go totally out.

welcome aboard.
how was the first cook?