Anyone using Ole Hickory EL models for KCBS comps

We have cooked on our old Southern Pride with logs and charcoal mix
It worked very well to maintain heat levels at 300
But not at a contest

U thought the ole hickory smokers only went to 275*?

ThomEmery said:

We have cooked on our old Southern Pride with logs and charcoal mix
It worked very well to maintain heat levels at 300
But not at a contest

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Thom, Are you using a charcoal basket in it? I just inherited A SP How long of a burn time are you getting?

3 oak logs and half a bag of charcoal cooked 4 butts at 300 degrees
We were just trying it out

Dark Side of the Q said:

I have a Ole Hickory EL (LP) i use for vending/catering.

Was wanting to my smoker at KCBS and looking at using just lump charcoal or basket full of briquettes.

So, anyone here have experience doing that? Pro/Con of lump vs briqs?

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My team used an EL-ED from 2003-2015. Overkill? Yes, but it's what we had. We built a v-shaped basket the length of the fire box that holds a 20 pound bag of briquettes. Used the gas starter to heat up the pit, then light the charcoal and put wood on the top and disconnect the gas. Ran at 275 and refueled with about 5 pounds of charcoal every 4 hours or so. Shake the coal basket when you refuel. Lump works fine, just doesn't last as long.
Easy to cook with, not quite set it and forget it because you do have to refuel.

Good luck,

Robert