Chicken and Ribs using 3/4 of the coal basket

[DonR9]

Hello All,
Forgive my ignorance, but I have seen the posts about using 1/2 or 3/4 basket and they all seem to block a section of the basket.
Would using the whole basket just filled less work the same, or is the stacking of the briquettes is what would be missing?

Thank you

That's a good question. My sense is spreading 1/2 the coals out over the grate isn't as efficient as stacking the same number of coals in a fire-brick-partitioned grate. It may be that I simply have to stop worrying about trying to economize on charcoal; just fill the basket every time, even if it's for only a short cook. I'll try the partitioned basket and see what happens

[drholly]

  Judging from what you and others say, less than a full basket can lead to successful cooks.

Some have said I'm a few briquettes shy of a full basket of coals.

just sayin'...

Man, you've got some good ears to hear me way up here...