Lump charcoal newb help.

[Thunder77]

Okay, so I am about to ask probably the dumbest question ever asked in the Pit. When using lump, does it need to be ashed over, like briquettes, before cooking? Or does it just need to be good and hot? Also, when adding charcoal, can you add unlit to a hot cook, or does it need to be fully engaged? Thanks!

[RonB]

I don't use lump, but what I read normally sez to let it ash over.

When you add charcoal:

hot fire - add lit
low and slow - add unlit

[richinlbrg]

Usually when I use lump I'm going low and slow. Unless there is some lump in the chimney, I do not pre-light.
RonB's advice looks pretty right to me.

[BGWolf]

I judge lump "readiness" by the color and smell of the smoke. White smoke it's not ready, blue or almost no smoke and a "clean" or almost no smell (and you pit is approaching the desired temp) & it's ready to go. Also, I don't add smoking wood until the lump is ready.

[5698k]

Agree completely.