I just bought my large BGE a month ago and have enjoyed using it. Tonight I am going to start cooking a 8# Butt (bone in), I am using Ozark Lump Charcoal.My question is, how much Charcoal do you normally put in the BGE for an 8# butt cooked at approx.225-250 deg. I have read here that it could take up to 16-18 hrs. depending on liquid content.I have also read that you fill to top of fire Ring or is it top of fire box? I have layered it with large at bottom and medium in the middle and smaller on top. Have used about 3/4 of a 10# bag and am up to top of fire box. Does this sound about right? Thanks for any help you can give.
Branson, i go half way up the ring. for a long cook like that i have a wiggle rod which is a .125 diameter rod with a 2 inch bend on one end. you can reach thru the lower vent and stick it thru the grate holes and give it a shake to avoid any blockage of ash. i do this halfway into the cook, and also open the egg and push some of the lump around the perimeter toward the middle. this will keep the temps from dropping and also avoid center burn which seems to happen every 10 or so butt cooks. a coat hanger works for this as well. 250 is easier to maintain than 225 and gives you just a little more time to catch a fire that maybe failing
