first pork butts

[mnsmoker]

Friday at 10 pm I decided to put the pork butts in as they would probably take 16 hours.With temps at 4 degrees I was skeptical to say the least. After 1 hour she was running 225 so I cranked her all the way to 250 I saw temps from 244 - 248 for 12 hours. After 12 hours internal temp was 165 firmly in the stall so I wrapped in double foil dropped the temp to 225 for another 3 hours brought em in let em rest for 2 more internal was 200 absolute perfection.The best part was the set and forget and go to bed let her cook this thing lets you do...........simply amazing!!!!!! On my propane and stick burner 12 hour cooks could be areal chore and just wouldn't happen at 10 at night when the outdoor temp was 4 degrees. Saturday night we had a few people over to check out em out everyone said maybe the best yet!!!!!! Given the outdoor temps and this being my first butts on this thing I am just amazed.Thanks to Divot for the rub......... Famous Daves worked great!!!!!!!! Doing babybacks next week.

 

[Speedy captain]

I'm doing my first smoke this week when I return stateside, so I'm following your journey.

Have you been using any sort of liquid, apple juice or water, in a tray, to add any humidity and act as a heatsink?

Thanks!!

 

[DivotMaker]

Another great success story, Jim!  Congrats!! ;D

 

[mnsmoker]

I use 2 small loaf pans about 3/4 full of just water on either side of the heating element. Don't know if this is the reason for the steady temps but I will keep doing it. You could try using some apple juice or maybe a tablespoon or two of liquid smoke to the water but I personally never thought it added a lot of flavor I also start with boiling water in the pans.......GOOD LUCK!!!!! Hope your #2 works as good as mine.

 

[DivotMaker]

I use a single pan, Jim, but a double dose is probably the way to go!  I believe it helps a lot with the temp swings.  As for the liquid - I usually use apple juice, but have used plain water many times.  I, too, can't really tell any difference in the finished product, but the apple juice smells good when it's cooking!

 

[DivotMaker]

Jim, give the next one a try without foiling at the stall - just let it push on through by itself.  Just for comparison...