Techniques

Smart Smoking: Build a Long-Lasting Charcoal Fire

Planet Barbecue’s most accomplished pit masters are what Steven calls “process-oriented.” In other words, the convenient push-button ignition and regulated fuel flow of gas and pellet grills and smokers hold little allure for them. They take immense pride in building a noble fire with wood and/or charcoal and maintaining it for the duration of the smoke session, sometimes dusk to dawn (or until the beer runs out). But the other night—as in the middle of the night—it occurred to me, as I pulled...