Still having trouble increasing airflow? Prop the lid open a little.
The water pan should be in the middle of the cooking section, right under the bottommost cooking grate. [8] X Research source
It is easy to overshoot your target temperature, but difficult to go back down to it. If the temperature is rising too fast, close the damper a little. The temperature will still rise, just at a slower rate.
The temperature may spike as your fuel breaks down. It should climb back down after about 15 to 30 minutes.
Use a lid thermometer to keep track of the temperatures inside the smoker. Some smokers have built-in thermometers, but these can be off by 50 °F (10 °C).
Some thermometers, especially electric ones, are just inaccurate or go bad. You should replace it when this happens.
If sealing leaks did not help, try using the exhaust damper instead of the bottom ones to adjust the temperature.
If your smoker tends to run too hot, leave it smoky and greasy inside. This will make it less reflective and allow it to radiate heat outside the smoker. [17] X Research source
Hot day: move the smoker out of sunlight or shield it with a canopy or patio umbrella. Cold day: have extra fuel handy. Windy day: work downwind or move the smoker next to a wall to shield it.
Switch up the brand of fuel. Sometimes, that is all that you need to do. Not all brands are created equal. [20] X Research source Lump charcoal tends to burn hotter and faster than coal briquettes. [21] X Research source If the smoke is white, the wood may not be burning properly. Open the intake damper to allow more oxygen and create a hotter fire.
