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Charcoal smoke with minion method

PostPosted: 17 Apr 2018, 21:00
by alanb1976
Hi all
Just a quick question.... I've seen the minion and snake methods for slow cooking but doesn't that result in a lot of smoke from the charcoal when it catches. I've never tried it but when I have put some fresh coals on the fire, the resulting smoke made the meat taste terrible. Am I using the wrong coal or is there something special about the method that prevents the smoke?
Thanks
Alan

Re: Charcoal smoke with minion method

PostPosted: 19 Apr 2018, 11:02
by derekmiller
Hi Alan.
Most people use briquettes when using this method, Heat Beads or Weber Briquettes are my choice.
Derek

Re: Charcoal smoke with minion method

PostPosted: 19 Apr 2018, 19:16
by alanb1976
Thanks for the reply.
I've tried with briquettes but still get smoke. Maybe just my cheap briquettes or the fact that I put on a lit fire and not a minion/snake method (slower catch maybe).

Re: Charcoal smoke with minion method

PostPosted: 23 Apr 2018, 09:56
by derekmiller
Yeah for Low and Slow, don't use cheap stuff, get the Heatbeads, they are worth it.

Re: Charcoal smoke with minion method

PostPosted: 04 May 2018, 18:41
by Jediboy
Heatbeads + 1

Re: Charcoal smoke with minion method

PostPosted: 04 May 2018, 20:02
by alanb1976
Where are some places to get them from? I've given them a quick Google but didn't see any shops I recognise. I could order online but don't want to waste too much on postage for a bulky heavy item.

Re: Charcoal smoke with minion method

PostPosted: 06 May 2018, 20:04
by Jediboy
I have a local camping shop that sells them, but have also bulk ordered from amazon. Postage I think was a fiver. Still worked out good value.

Re: Charcoal smoke with minion method

PostPosted: 16 May 2018, 07:20
by derekmiller
The Range sell them, but I tend to order mine online, generally get 12 bags at a time, helps to offset the postage.

Re: Charcoal smoke with minion method

PostPosted: 23 May 2018, 09:07
by cryo
I use Big K charcoal and get minimum/no smoke so I suspect its the charcoal you are using and make sure your charcoal is dry as moisture in charcoal produces a lot of white smoke till it drys out. I find I get more smoke from briquettes than from charcoal and lots more ash.

Ken.



alanb1976 wrote:Hi all
Just a quick question.... I've seen the minion and snake methods for slow cooking but doesn't that result in a lot of smoke from the charcoal when it catches. I've never tried it but when I have put some fresh coals on the fire, the resulting smoke made the meat taste terrible. Am I using the wrong coal or is there something special about the method that prevents the smoke?
Thanks
Alan

Re: Charcoal smoke with minion method

PostPosted: 23 May 2018, 20:27
by Jediboy
Just a thought, putting briquettes on burning coals can create smoke. Try getting the briquettes going in a chimney starter then adding them.