Watched a pitmaster in Austin go from 'good' to 'legendary' over one competition season. The change was his fire management, specifically how he builds his initial coal bed.

Seriously, it's the difference between a steady oven and a wild one. That first layer decides your whole cook before the meat even goes on.

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harperreed7mo ago

Seems like a lot of fuss over some hot coals.

2

masonbell6mo ago

Right, tell that to the last brisket I turned into a charcoal brick. The_sam gets it, that first bed is your whole cook's fate. My backyard smoker and I are still in couples therapy over it.

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