Just put my PBC to bed in the garage after finally getting it started well and cooking two loads. Thanks to all the helpful replies here and a handful of pictures, the cooker started hotter than when I followed the included instructions, and for the first time in four tries, it really was a "set and forget" cook. Thanks to everyone for being so generous with the help and encouragement.
Here is what worked for me:
- Fill basket and remove 50 coals to place in the chimney.
- Lite chimney and let it go for exactly 15 minutes
- Pour burning coals onto those in basket, distribute evenly with an old BBQ tool, and let it get going for exactly 10 minutes with lid off
- Put lid in place and left it for exactly 10 minutes
At this point I had a bed of coals burning well. Placed the probe of my thermometer into a 6 pound sirloin tip roast, set the alarm for 135deg, dropped in two chunks of hickory, hung the roast, closed the lid and went back to my yard and garden chores of the day. Didn't touch the thing until I heard the alarm at 2h 35m, and when my instant-read verified the internal temp I pulled it and wrapped it in foil for 20 minutes. The roast came out perfectly and my wife who is a very fussy eater and beef lover deemed it delicious. I can take or leave beef myself, but have to say this was very tender and tasty. During the 20 minute wait as it rested, I prepared 4 chicken halves and hung them to take advantage of the long cook time PBC affords. Didn't check them until 1.5 hours in and found the cooker had cooled and the birds were not close to being done. I opened the vent to half-way and cracked the lid about 1/2 inch for about 10 minutes, then closed it up again. Birds were done perfectly about 30 minutes later.
Having company next Sunday and can't wait to have a go with a spatchcocked turkey. If that goes well, we'll do it again with a big bird for Christmas dinner.
Thanks again to all for the guidance. Much appreciated.
