newbie smoker questions

[NikoBrew]

So I just got a chargriller propane bbq with a SFB and I've used it to smoke (or attempt to) about five times since I got it. Trying to get my process down and learn my equip, please feel free to let me know what I'm doing wrong in this process.

1 - I fill (last time I did half) my chimney starter with charcoal and set it on top of the burner on the side of my grill, it fits perfectly. I fire it up on high for a few minutes and shut it off when they've got some good flames going.

2 - after the flame seems to die I pour these hot coals on the lower grate in the SFB, and leave the damper wide open and wait a while.

3 - when the coals seem to turn white I set 3-5 chunks of water soaked mesquite wood on top, which immediately catch flame. Do I wait until the wood loses its flame? I now know not to close the damper completely.

I also realized the thermometer I had stuck in the side of the main chamber wasn't getting an accurate reading because it was below my drip tray which was a cookie sheet I set on top of the propane burners but underneath the grate. It fits nicely there though I'm thinking this must be blocking a lot of the smoke from coming through as its directly underneath the meat. Any suggestions for drip pan placement on a propane bbq? I could remove the metal pieces that sit over the part of the burner that has the flame, so I could put the cookie sheet on that and then the smoke wouldn't be blocked..

Okay I'd type more but am at my dayjob and have to get back to that Any info/guidance is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[broncosmoker]

Can you post up some pics of your setup? That might help with figuring things out. One thing right off is NOT to soak your wood. Is your exhaust damper fully open? Are you controlling your temps with the intake damper? You may also want to look into building a charcoal basket. Use the search function and you will find quite a few threads on some simple mods for the firebox that may help you out.

Part of the reason you may be having trouble with the smoke issue is the cooking area. If it is a propane area that means that it will have lots of holes and areas for it due to the combustion and safety need of the propane, and you may be losing lots of smoke from that.

Scott

[NikoBrew]

Good call on it being a propane bbq. I would love to have a charcoal basket and try the minion method I just haven't gotten around to it yet. As for dampers on the right hand side of the firebox there's a damper I've turned to adjust it, and that is the only adjustable part of my setup. I will definitely take a look at the threads on firebox mods, thanks for the suggestion. I'm sure there are some ways I can also plug some of the gaps and holes to keep more smoke in. Should I be concerned about the holes on the bottom, or focus on the top portion? I was figuring that smoke typically rises though I'm sure it would be optimal to seal up everywhere except for the chimneys.

[NikoBrew]

Oh and I'll also take some pics when I get a chance. I'm sure I can find a stock photo or two but I'm also sure they won't be focusing on the areas I want to show - they may not WANT to advertise the shortcomings Thanks man.