I am not trying to sway anyone either way (because I know that this can be a hot debatable topic) but as for babysitting my smoker, it doesn't really take much time.
I can load my Weber Smokey Mountain with lump and let it burn for about 5hrs with only one slight adjustment after about 1hr. I smoked a Turkey in April at 275 for 5hrs and only touched the carbs once at the 1hr mark and again at 4.5hrs to open er up and crisp for the last half hour. Still had plenty of fire left when I took the bird off. If I wanted a longer burn time I could use brickets and get 7hrs. I prefer to use the lump as they are nothing but wood and brickets contain fillers. I feel the flavour is worth it.
I would recommend the book "Low and Slow" if you are starting out smoking. It can be a little condescending at times but it would get any one new to smoking off to a good start.
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210 Gallon slowly gaining population.
Foxface, Naso, Coral Beauty, 2 Clowns, 2 Chromis, Orange Anthias, and Striped Goby.
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