Rushed cook on MiniMax (you won't be impressed)

pab

I wonder if starting your fire from the bottom vent caused a faster burn time due to a bigger area being lit and burning up as opposed to lighting a smaller area from the top (using an oil soaked paper towel or starter cube or lighting a little area with your torch) and burning down? I know when I would light my large from the bottom vent on higher temp cooks the fire would spread faster than when I lit from the top.

Eggzellent

Could be. I find it interesting that some like to burn top to bottom..others bottom to top. For the latter (and I did not do this but speaking to your point) I would place a firestarter of some sort on the bottom of the KAB closest to the vent and fill with lump. Hit it briefly through the vent with a MAP torch..done.

This butt took approx. an hour per pound at 10+ pounds with a reckless lighting/smoking strategy and even worse dome placement.
I've heard everything from 4-7 hours at 400-700 degrees to 8 hours (easy) low and slow for one load of charcoal.
If you're going to approach anywhere near the above accomplishments (I'm guessing) you had better use either exceptional lump and/or lots of it in this tiny firebox. Keep in mind also that using the CI grate (only) will give you more lump space as well. What you cook and how much crap is in the cooker/where?..factor it in.

I really enjoy playing with this thing and appreciate everybody's stories.