Wood Smokers - Anything different in cold temperatures?

[veryolddog]

As the colder temperatures are approaching, I still intend to continue smoking food and grilling outdoors. In using the wood smoker, are there any suggestions as to managing the wood smoker differently than in warmer weather? The only thing that I can think of is the addition of more fuel and air to have a continuous and steady temperature. If you have some other thoughts, please let me know.

Also, should fuel be increased in the Weber Kettle as well?

Thanks,

Ed

[TentHunteR]

Also, should fuel be increased in the Weber Kettle as well?

Basically, no, or you'll overshoot temps. I have done a lot of cold-weather cooking in my old Weber kettle and you will be amazed, even in bitter cold temps how steady a Weber Kettle is.

The main difference I notice in Winter, especially when it's windy, is I may have to open the vents slightly more to increase airflow and keep temps up. This affects how often I have to add/replace charcoal.



Now, with my cheap offset stick burner I definitely went through more fuel in Winter. Another difference was how much longer it took to get the grill up to temp and stabilized. A thermal blanket helps.

[smokeasaurus]

You can help get the pit up to temperature faster by putting a pan of darn near boiling water in the smoking chamber. I wouldn't build that much bigger of a fire. You will just have to start the fire a little bit earlier and expect to feed it splits a little more often than you normally have in the summer months. You can start with a chimney full of lit lump to help the pit temps climb and then add your splits like you normally do...just expect a longer start up time............

[Old Hickory]

As it gets cold and especially with wind, I cover my offset with a welder's blanket, and it works pretty good. 

[veryolddog]

Thanks for the tips, fellas, I thought that you guys would be the ones to give good advice. I have an old welders blanket and I will use it after I hit the temps. Today it is sunny and 63, real nice weather. As I am getting stronger, I am getting more confident. So, I am now thinking of putting ribs on the wood smoker this week.

I am still on the cane, but my left leg is getting stronger. I am walking on the stairs daily, very carefully, but it is good muscle exercise. I took a nice walk today, my longest. I hope that I can walk without the cane in a couple of weeks.

Thanks for your input.

Ed

[smokeasaurus]

Just be careful around that hot pit Ed...........

[sliding_billy]

Sorry Ed, but I had to get a chuckle out of one of us (the Texas folks) asking about "cold weather" smoking.  Seriously though, your unit is portable enough to change its angle to the wind as needed.  Also, a thermal blanket is helpful.  Big thing is small hot fires.

[PoppyBill]

Great to hear you're making progress VOD. As to your question, I can't believe someone didn't tell you the #1 necessity... wear a warm coat!

[Jaxon]

It's good to hear from you Ed...really good to know you're on the mend and climbing stairs.

You'll be smokin' before cold weather slips in.

[pz]

Glad to hear that you're mending well, Ed