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regulating temp in barrel smoker

by james
(east texas)

I have a barrel type smoker-one on it's side as the cooking area and a smaller one attached to it as the fire area. i can't seem to keep the temp at a stable 220(or so). it's either way to high or going out. i keep the upper vent closed and the lower vent cracked. HELP !

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regulating temp in barrel smoker

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by: SmokerBill

It's important to keep the fire in the box burning cleanly, and for there to be adequate airflow through the smoker and out the flue.

Burn a small fire, and add wood regularly. Keep the exhaust flue 1/2 to 3/4 open the whole time. Adjust the firebox intake vents to halfway open to start. You want to see only light, almost invisible smoke coming out of the stack. If the smoker gets too hot, burn a smaller fire. Don't choke out a large fire, or temp will drop quickly, and creosote will form, making whatever you're smoking taste nasty.

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