Cold Weather Smoking?

NumberCruncher · Posted: Oct 28 2008 Post subject: Cold Weather Smoking?

OK, I'm new to smoking as of this summer. This weekend was the first moderately cold weekend that I've cooked. Is it possible to keep cooking in the winter months, or should I be planning to put my WSM in storage until Spring??
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Reggae Q · Posted: Oct 28 2008 Post subject:

No, you'll be fine. If you have temp issues, get a welders blanket from harbor freight. Cheapest place I've seen them

Teleking · Posted: Oct 28 2008 Post subject:

No Problem Here Wink

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B Bruns · Joined: 10 May 2008 Posts: 12 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

I got my WSM last December and cooked butts, ribs, chicken, darn near everything before spring. The neighbors thought I was crazy lighting the charcoal in 20 deg temps, but man those ribs were good. Very Happy

Cold temperatures are really not a problem. You will use 25% (wild guess) more charcoal. Assuming no big gaps between the sections, your WSM is pretty well insulated. Once it gets fired up it should stay stable no matter the outside temp.

Your challenge is WIND. Here is some good info.
http://www.virtualweberbullet.com/coldtemp.html

Sitting next to a smokin' hot WSM on a freezing cold day is a wonderful feeling. Better than hot cocoa!

springfield xd .40 · Posted: Oct 28 2008 Post subject:

Sitting next to a smokin' hot WSM on a freezing cold day is a wonderful feeling. Better than hot cocoa!

I agree with bruns its great!!
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Serial Griller · Posted: Oct 28 2008 Post subject: cold smoking

I cooked a prime rib roast last Christmas during a blizard.
It doesn't get any better than that. I'm certain the neighbors thought I was nuts but boy did they miss out.I find it hard to believe people stop smoking just because it's cold outside.
Get a dual probe thermometer to monitor your temps.I use a Harbor freight welders blanket also. Works well especially if it's windy.
Jon
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Old Smoker · Posted: Oct 28 2008 Post subject:

Even thought the weather here in the Carolina's hasn't been bad, I've had trouble keeping my temps in the cooker,there's a few others who have had the same problem. I was thinking maybe the CG is just a fair weather cooker,but have decided that maybe it's the charcoal considering it's the end of the season so to speak and they're probably unloading the bottom of the pile. I've read plenty of posts stateing that some have smoked using a CG like mine in really butt numbing temps. The point I'm making is,make sure your fuel source is good. I myself haven't given up for the year,but considering I'll have to babysit my cooker more than usual,I'll probably not be pulling any all-nighters. Onward through the SMOKE !!!
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Cranky Buzzard · Posted: Oct 28 2008 Post subject:

I love firing up the smoker on a cold day. Sit by the heat with the drink of choice and your mouth watering at what's to come soon.

Go for it, after the first couple of hours you'll notice what, if any, changes you need to make.

CB
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smoke51 · Posted: Oct 28 2008 Post subject:

Cal-B-Que · Posted: Oct 29 2008 Post subject:

SNOW-B-QUE! Love it! No problems, like someone said; just more charcoal. Try to work during the warner hours of the day, have your meat at room temp before going on, and put your cooker in the sun. Hot Buttered Rum is esssential for the chef.

delriosmoke · Posted: Oct 29 2008 Post subject:

Hell Fire Grill · Posted: Oct 29 2008 Post subject: Re: Cold Weather Smoking?

Jeff_From_VA · BBQ Pro Joined: 02 Jun 2008 Posts: 720

I have used a broom to sweep 6 inches of snow from my cheapo offset before.

Best part is, the company I work for has a very large footprint on the east coast. One day my region was closed for snow, but everyone else was open. I made sure to send regular emails to the entire IT department (over 200 people) with pictures of me cooking ribs. Staring with pics of me sweeping snow off the pit.... Every time I opened the pit, I took and sent a picture.

I have never in my life been told "I hate you" more than that single day.... LMAO Smile

Oregon smoker · Posted: Oct 29 2008 Post subject:

nothing like sitting in the cold weather watching the smoker do its thing. welding blanket is needed. your favorite six pack next. then give yourself a few extra hours just "in case". during the winter months is when i utilize the warm cooler for resting the meat in. i have 2 cheapo offsets that are modded and still turn out awesome food rain or shine, even in sleet and snow.

Teleking · Posted: Oct 29 2008 Post subject:

J.Shaft · Posted: Oct 29 2008 Post subject:

Please don't remind me of last winter... we actually had some flurries last night!! YIKES!

This was my poor wife on one of the MANY snow shovelling expeditions in last year (keep in mind she's about 5'8"). The street was down to one lane because they couldn't push the snow anywhere.

Poppa's PTL Club · Posted: Oct 29 2008 Post subject:

It gets cold where you guys are? Bwahh haaa haa haaa!!! Regular snow and ice is God's way of telling you to move.
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J.Shaft · Posted: Oct 29 2008 Post subject:

Poppa's PTL Club · Posted: Oct 29 2008 Post subject:

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