Lit coals/wood vs unlit

[Bonemansbbq]

when adding extra fuel either coal or wood, should I light them up or put in unlit? MH says to light but I have had good results from unlit.

[Notavegan]

I've only ever added unlit. Can't really comment other than "it works fine". If needed I can add a puff of BBQ dragon to move things along.

[Ernest]

Depends on how much unlit coals you are adding.
Too many unlit and you get dirty smoke all over again. Add a few at a time, that's what I do.

[Notavegan]

Affirmative Ernest. In the unlikely event I have to do a bigger fuller reload the smoke is nasty and my food comes off first. That's usually for multiple /back to back to back cooks.

[Ernest]

Large add, you'd be better off firing up the chimney and doing a hot squat using tongs.
Taking off the food might not be a good idea, food safety wise.

[MBMorgan]

... what Ernest said ...

[Mr. Bones]

In a pinch, ie.: rapidly falling/fallen cooker temps, addin' lit coals or wood can get yer cook back on track more expeditiously...
That bein' said, I almost always add unlit, at th' proper time.

[JeffJ]

As long as the remaining Fire is still hot and you're not adding a ton of coals at once unlit should be fine.

[Steve R.]

When adding wood, I like to keep a split or 2 on top of the firebox so they're good and hot when it's their time. I even turn them periodically to get them a little charred on each side.

[Notavegan]

I just split more apple last night. Already have plenty, but I wanted to. 🤣

[Bonemansbbq]

Thanks guys, I sometime char up the wood off the coals and add maybe 5 new coals unlit tops.