I've got a WSM 18.5" and have done ~4-5 smokes. Each time I've heated my briquettes in a chimney starter, and either just used those coals or had some coals already in the ring and added the hot ones to the middle of the ring. Water pan just above it. Heat between 200 - 250.
Would that be considered indirect or direct smoking? The coals in the middle, a water pan just above, and then the food just above that on the grill racks.
If I wanted to do something higher heat and indirect, could I accomplish that by taking the water pan out, putting the coals to one side of the ring, and then putting the food on the opposite side?
You're using indirect cooking with that route as there is a water pan to diffuse the direct heat and go for a more even approach. Direct would be pulling the water pan and putting the meat on the racks directly over the coals. I generally go with a full spread across the base of the smoker (slightly piled in the center) as once you're 18-20" above the heat source the slight 6" offset from one side to the other of the smoker isn't really relevant.
Cool, thanks for the reply.
I assume less water in the pan = more heat? I took an old, thoroughly washed milk jug and usually use it to fill the water pan with 1 - 1.5 gallons. How do you feel about higher heat and less time for ribs vs. less heat & more time? When I've done ribs I've done SLC spares at 200-250 for 4-6 hrs, but am interested in Fanatic's 2-3 hrs at the 300 degree range.BTW, as someone who's really new to smoking, I feel like I often physically crave the smoked food & smell. LOVE IT.
ETA: if you've addressed the rib question in this thread before, I apologize, I've read the thread here and there but can't remember much comment on the method.