Fuse / Snake method for Weber 26.75" - questions

[Onez]

Hey, all. I tried doing a search of the forum before posting this question but didn't come across much substance. Apologies if I missed a prior discussion on the topic.

Anyways, I'm exploring the idea of using the fuse / snake method for longer slow and low cooks. I do have a Slow n Sear XL for my 26.75", but I am under the impression that a fuse / snake method can offer longer burn times, if needed. I could be totally wrong about that. I suppose that is my first question!

Basics: 26.75" kettle, I always use KBB charcoal, and I'm looking at summer-time temperatures. I'd use a water pan with hot water in the middle of the circle, below the meat.

Charcoal arrangement question: What pattern of charcoal stacking have members found to be optimal in a larger kettle like the 26.75? Do you all find the stacking must be 3x2 or 3x2x1 or less? I assume starting with a dozen or so lit charcoal to start the end. Seems like other forums discuss charcoal stacking patterns for 22" kettles, but not so much for 26".

Vents question: what are the typical vents positions? I've seen on other forums people tend to suggest keeping the lower vent open about 1/4 - 1/2 and leave the upper vent wide open. I'm sure some adjustments will be needed along the way.

Has anyone found the fuse / snake method to create too much charcoal smoke vs. other methods? I know once I add the unlit charcoal to the SnS, there is an initial period of heavier smoke but as it comes up to temperature the smoke settles down (before I put the meat on).

Just thought I'd toss these questions to the community here, as everything I've soaked up over the past year has not only been incredibly helpful, but well informed and vetted. Basically, the suggestions on this forum always tend to work as advertised.

Maybe I'm overthinking everything but wanted to soundboard these thoughts with you fine folks. Perhaps there is someone here that is a veteran of the fuse / snake method on a larger kettle?

[rat88]

I cant help you much on the webber, or even that much on the fuse method for that matter. My first attempt at that was only a few weeks ago. I did the 3 on 2 with wood chunks on top. The problem I had was the few extra briqs on the corners made for about a 50 degree temp rise. I fixed that on the next run by removing 3 from the square corners. You shouldnt have that problem on the webber. I got about a 6 hr cook out of this set up https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/fi...photoid=195070

[Onez]

I do appreciate it!

[ecowper]

I do wonder why you aren't just sticking with the SnS? From everything I have read on the Pit, the SnS XL should give you 8 hours, or so, and you can easily add more charcoal. Just curious?

[Breadhead]

Onez ... I have that cooker with the SnS. I find no reason to try the fuse or any other method to extend the cooking time. You can smoke pork butts & briskets with only 1 addition of briquettes. That seems easier to me than the setup time for the fuse method. I think maybe you're trying to fix something that is not broken.😎

[Onez]

I do wonder why you aren't just sticking with the SnS? From everything I have read on the Pit, the SnS XL should give you 8 hours, or so, and you can easily add more charcoal. Just curious?

You're absolutely right, ecowper. Just looking to add something new to the repertoire.

Funny thing is, the few times I use something other than my SnS, I always feel guilty as if I cheated on 'er!

[ecowper]

Hah, that's how I feel now that I have both a WSM and my Hasty-Bake. Every time I cook on the WSM I remind myself not to let the Hasty-Bake sit there alone and sad.

[Onez]

Onez ... I have that cooker with the SnS. I find no reason to try the fuse or any other method to extend the cooking time. You can smoke pork butts & briskets with only 1 addition of briquettes. That seems easier to me than the setup time for the fuse method. I think maybe you're trying to fix something that is not broken.😎

You could very well be right. I suppose this is a branch off of the More Cooker Syndrome...a technique syndrome

[ecowper]

That makes sense, tinkering with techniques is part of the fun.

[Breadhead]

👍 on technique tinkering.

[Henrik]

I agree with others, stick with the SnS and you'll be fine.

That being said, I've done many snakes. The difference between the 22 and 26 Webers are diameter. You build the snake the same way. Yes, the volume of air inside the bigger Weber means more air will have to be warmed up, but the difference is so small that you can compensate with vent settings. I do either 2x2 or 3x2. My empirical experiments have consistently showed me that a quarter snake yields 3 hours (in the 22 in). Full circle means 12 hours in other words. Since you have the larger kettle you could probably add 20-30 minutes per quarter circle (a guesstimate).

As for the initial smoke/smoldering: yes, wait a little before putting on wood chunks/chips and the meat, and you're fine.

Hope that helps.

Oh, vent settings: I set the bottom vent to somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 open (once it's hot), then leave it. I do all adjustments with the top vent. That is THE way to regulate temp as your grill is to be thought of as an ordinary chimney.

[Onez]

Thank you, good sir!

[LA Pork Butt]

Onez I have used both the SnS and the fuse method on my son's 26.5 Weber kettle an both worked well. While I have limited experience on th SnS I think the fuse method burns longer. When I did it I built it three wide and two high. Building it three high might generate more heat than you want.

[Jerod Broussard]

I can get 15+ hours burn time with the standard SnS and B & B hardwood briquettes. Curious to see what the XL will do.

[Mitrakas]

That is impressive Jerod! I'm still learning the SNS XL and my new 26 but I'm only getting about 7 hours with Kingsford regular before needing to add. I tried following the instructions on the SNS site but my next cook I am going to try Henrik method of keeping bottom vent at 1/4 once temp achieved and controlling from that point on strictly with top vent to squeeze some more cooking time before adding.

[JeffJ]

Just follow the directions for the SnS XL. I can get about 8 hours of low/slow in my 26 with the original SnS. The XL should be able to beat that by at least a couple of hours and adding coals is a snap. With the SnS the hot coals are placed in one corner and the unlit coals fill the rest of the chamber - more like a fuse than Minion.

IMO no need to mess around when you have the XL. Follow the directions and you'll get a long cook on 1 load of coal and if you need to add some more it is quick and easy.