WARNING: Never use charcoal that has been
Step 5
Saturate charcoal with lighting fluid. With lid open, wait 2 to 3 minutes to allow lighting fluid to soak into charcoal. Store charcoal lighting fluid safely away from the smoker.
Step 6
Open the firebox air vent approximately 1" to 2" and smokestack damper half way. With firebox lid open, stand back and carefully light charcoal and allow to burn until covered with a light ash (approximately 20 minutes). Charcoal lighting fluid must be allowed to completely burn off prior to closing firebox lid.
WARNING: Failure to do this could trap fumes from charcoal lighting fluid in smoker and may result in a
Step 7
With coals burning strong in the firebox, close the lid. Use a temperature gauge to monitor temperature. A temperature of approximately 250°F in the cooking chamber is desired. Maintain this temperature for 1 to 2 hours.
Step 8
Increase the temperature to approximately 350°F to 400°F. This can be achieved by opening the firebox air vent and smokestack damper and adding more charcoal and/or wood (see “Adding Charcoal/Wood During Cooking” section of this manual). Maintain this temperature for 1 hour then allow unit to cool completely.
NOTE: Never exceed a temperature of 400°F in cooking chamber. It is important that the exterior of the smoker is not scraped or rubbed during the curing process.
IMPORTANT: Cure your smoker periodically throughout the year to protect against excessive rust.
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