Minion method for Weber kettle

[North Carolina Mike]

I have seen various methods for getting an extended burn time in a kettle grill. All involve laying out unlit charcoal in such a way that the charcoal will burn from one end over time. When I use briquettes they seem to really stink until they really get going in the charcoal chimney. I'm afraid of getting the same smelly smoke using the minion or snake method. Thanks for any experience someone can share.

[Spinaker]

The one thing you have going for you is the coals will be hot while you are cooking. As long as you add the charcoal to the minion when they are hot, you will be just fine.

[Huskee]

I agree, no danger. I use the Minion method for poultry and a variation of the fuse/snake method in my Slow 'N Sear for other cooks and all is well. A case in point of how the smell of the fuel burning isn't always a linear indicator of the actual taste on meat- try tossing some chicken skin & trimmings on the coals next time you grill/smoke chicken. It stinks to high heaven but tastes amazing! I've done several side by side cooks on my kettles with charcoal (fuse or Minion) and wood chunks vs the stickburner with all wood and the taste is strikingly similar.

[Troutman]

I believe he's asking if when using the snake or minion method, do the newly lit coals along the length of the snake or minion give off 'smelly white smoke' as he puts it. I think it does but it's a lot more subtle then when you light a chimney full all at once. Remember only a few get lit as the snake progresses. Also they are getting pre-heated which cuts down on the amount of smoke as well. I use it routinely and like the way charcoal flavors food.

[LA Pork Butt]

I have been satisfied with the snake method when cooking on my son’s 26” kettle, and it has the longest burn time that any other method of which I am aware.

[HouseHomey]

All of the above I believe are correct sir. Major points being "Toss some chickenn skin" and "it’s a lot more subtle than when you light a chimney full."

You likely will have wood in there in addition to few preheated coals being lit.

You sir are smear for take off!!

[IowaGirl]

This is Off Topic.Every time I see something about the "Minion method" I get this mental picture. Sorry, guys!


Source: https://www.thisiswhyimbroke.com/minion-fire-pit/

[North Carolina Mike]

I have a Son in law who is a welder. A Minion firepit has sort of been on the someday list for a while.

[North Carolina Mike]

Thanks for all the replies. I will have to give one of the methods a try.