Need some help with butts on my WSM

[asmonro]

So apparently my neighbors really liked the butt I did on Saturday. I am doing 2 on Friday for a birthday, and they asked if I can do some for them at the same time. This will be only my 3rd cook on my 22.5 WSM, so now I've got some questions. What is the normal difference in temp between the two grates? Should I switch the bottom to the top and the top to the bottom halfway through? Do I even need to use both grates? Do I need more wood chunks with that much meat? And how much is that much cold mass going to effect my temps, the stall, ect?

Thank you all for whatever help you can give me.

 

[Fwismoker]

You can't fit 4 butts on one rack?

 

[va_connoisseur]

How large are the butts you are cooking? You should be able to fit three 8-10 pounders on one grate. As for additional fuel, it should not be an a lot (if any) additional fuel.

 

[asmonro]

You can't fit 4 butts on one rack?

Not really sure. Looks like it might, but will be tight.

How large are the butts you are cooking? You should be able to fit three 8-10 pounders on one grate. As for additional fuel, it should not be an a lot (if any) additional fuel.

They should be around 8.5-9.5lbs.

 

[va_connoisseur]

Shouldn't be that tight. I've done 4 seven pounders on one rack of my 18.5. You'll be fine.

 

[Brian in Maine]

Fuel, and wood should be the same.

 

[Enrico Brandizzi]

What is the normal difference in temp between the two grates?

I'm really interesed in difference in cooking T between the low and the upper grate. Any info about it?

 

[DaveAlvarado]

Difference between the grates depends on what you use in or instead of your water bowl.

With an empty bowl, I get about 20-25F difference between the two in a 22". With water, it's much less, more like 5-10F.

 

[asmonro]

I've been using the water pan empty, just foiled over. 25 higher or lower?