Minion Method on the Weber Smokey Mountain 18: My Step-by-Step Setup
Disclosure: This post isn't sponsored by Weber, and I bought my smoker with my own money. Some links earn me a commission at no extra cost to you, including links to BBQGuys. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Minion method is how I get long, steady low-and-slow cooks out of my Weber Smokey Mountain 18. I've used it for about two years, including the 3-2-1 rib cook in my video. Here's my exact setup.
What Is the Minion Method?
Instead of lighting all your charcoal at once, you fill the charcoal ring with unlit briquettes and pour a smaller amount of lit coals on top. The lit coals slowly ignite the unlit ones, so you get a long, even burn instead of a big spike of heat.
What You'll Need
A Weber Smokey Mountain (I use the 18-inch)
A few apple wood chunks
A chimney starter
A probe thermometer for grate-level temps
My Step-by-Step Setup
Fill the charcoal ring with unlit briquettes.
Mix in a few wood chunks throughout the unlit coals.
Light a partial chimney of charcoal.
Pour the lit coals on top of the unlit ones.
Assemble the smoker with the water pan in place. It helps regulate temperature and adds moisture. Lining it with foil makes cleanup much easier.
Leave the top vent open and control the fire with the three bottom dampers.
Controlling Temperature
Make small changes to the bottom vents, then give the smoker time to settle before adjusting again. My best tip: start closing the bottom vents before you reach your target temperature. It's much easier to nudge a WSM up a few degrees than to bring it back down after it overshoots.
Don't trust the lid thermometer for exact numbers. It reads the air near the top of the dome, which can differ from grate level. A probe at the grate is worth it.
Adding Fuel on Long Cooks
For long cooks like pork shoulder, use the side fuel door to add charcoal or wood without lifting the lid. It doesn't seal perfectly, so close it quickly.
Weather Matters
Wind and cold affect a charcoal fire. On rough days, expect to adjust the vents more often.
FAQ
How long does a full ring last with the Minion method?
It depends on the weather, the charcoal and your vent settings. A full ring gives a long burn, and you can top up through the side door.
Do I need water in the water pan?
It's not required, but it makes low-and-slow cooks more forgiving. Many owners run an empty foil-lined pan when they want to cook hotter.
Read my full Weber Smokey Mountain 18 review after 2 years, including how 3-2-1 ribs turn out.
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