Charcoal smoke with minion method

[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

[derekmiller]

Hi Alan.
Most people use briquettes when using this method, Heat Beads or Weber Briquettes are my choice.
Derek

[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).

[derekmiller]

Yeah for Low and Slow, don't use cheap stuff, get the Heatbeads, they are worth it.

[Jediboy]

Heatbeads + 1

[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.

[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.

[derekmiller]

The Range sell them, but I tend to order mine online, generally get 12 bags at a time, helps to offset the postage.

[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.

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

[Jediboy]

Just a thought, putting briquettes on burning coals can create smoke. Try getting the briquettes going in a chimney starter then adding them.