Expert: BBQ Woman - 9/29/2007

Question
We have a horizontal smoker and just cant seem to get the cooking chamber hot
enough to cook properly. Nothing seems to get hot enough, Were filling the Box
with coals and plenty of wood. No heat seems to escaping. Any suggestions?

Answer
Hi,
You might need to give me a follow up question with more detail if my tips do not help you.
Make sure your coals are really hot before adding wet wood to the smoker. Experiment with the vents on your grill to see if you can get more air into the fire which will make the coals burn hotter. I also would try to rule out a defective thermometer because it might not be working especially if you hold your hands over the coals and feel the heat yet get no reading off the thermometer.
For smoking remember that you don't want a real high heat.
I am not sure which brand of grill you have but always make sure the main flue or chimney is open because if this is closed you will kill the heat in a hurry.
If you have already did all of the above please let me know what brand grill you are using and exactly what you are doing during the cooking process and I will try to help you more.
Regards,
Misty