Thanks Guys....basically confirms what I suspected...next cook I will avoid adding anything but the charcoal and will def. make sure it is well ignited before the cook starts. Planning more chicken on the weekend (since we are stormed in today), possibly some ribs and then a trial run with a prime rib to get my method sorted before Christmas Day....
Sounds like you're ready for a good cook now. Just curious - what kind of wood did you add? Don't know if you saw the related thread, but I too had trouble starting the cooker hot enough when following PBC's chimney instructions that ship with the cooker. After three strikes with those, last time I followed the method below and everything was fine.
- 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 before adding meat
Looking forward to hearing how good your chicken comes out next time.