How long will the heat last...

blackmosquito · July 2013

Hey, newbie on here. Just got my LBGE a week ago. Had some good cooks so far.

I am trying to do pork butt 7-8lbs. I loaded up the firebox to the rim with BGE coals and some apple chips and jack daniels chips.

Started it around 10am. Got it to 250ish and has been holding steady since. Its 4pm now. Was going to let it ride until about 10pm

Then check the temp. I have been steadily checking the temp on the dome. Will I need to add coals or is a full firebox enough to get to that time?

Thx

Carolina Q · July 2013

I once went 18 hours for a butt cook. When i looked the next day, I had half my lump left. Started maybe halfway up the fire ring and was using Wicked Good. Other brands may not last as long.

blackmosquito · July 2013

Thanks. Figuring it should last at such a low temp. I want to add some more soaked chips but am reluctant so I don't mess up the temp. I don't have a remote temp guide, do you think 12 hours would be a good check point to pop a themometer in there to check?

WC1 · July 2013

I had two 8lb butts that cooked in 8.5/9 hours this past weekend. The one caveat is that the egg temp creeped up on me to 270. So you might want to check and see.

blackmosquito · July 2013

yea I just checked the temp and its crept up to about 270-275. Got the daisy wheel open to a minimum and the lower vent closed to the closest spot without being closed. I will give it 8 hours and check it. Did you take it out and then foil towel and cooler it until it hit 195 after that? That was my plan and then pull it and eat some and then fridge it for the 4th.

Eggcelsior · July 2013

Pull it when the probe moves through it like butter(in and out) or you can pull the bone clean out. It might be done at 190, it might be done at 205. Always go by temp, never time.

boatbum · July 2013

Lot of it depends on which charcoal you are using. I have done +20 hours on a big load of wicked good.

blackmosquito · July 2013

Thanks!

blackmosquito · July 2013

Butt temp right about 168. Should I pull it and wrap it up until the temp hits 190s?

nolaegghead · July 2013

Once the temp is above 190, check for tenderness by poking it with a skewer. There should be little resistance (like ballistic jelly)....also you'll notice the beginning of a structural resistance to gravity...it'll start falling apart. Typically 195-205F this occurs.