What is the charcoal snake method and how does it work?
I've read in places about using something called the charcoal snake method for slow smoking in a kettle bbq. What is it and how does it even work?
Here's an example picture.
Best Answer
This is the method I use to smoke meat in my Weber! The basics are exactly what you see in the photo, with one more step. Start about a dozen (or in a 22.5" grill like that one, maybe 18-24) briquettes in your charcoal starter (you have one of those right? if not, go get one, they're awesome). When the coals in your starter are glowing, carefully place them with tongs at one end of the snake.
This is a super low maintenance way to smoke meat. It keeps a small number of coals lit far enough away from your meat that you have indirect heat similar to an oven, and the smoke is metered because only a limited amount of wood catches. The coals at one end slowly light the remaining coals and you can cook this way for hours. The circle in your photo will probably burn for 4-6 hours. If you add more coals as you cook, you can keep this method going for very long cooks (I've done a brisket doing this cooking for something like 14-18 hours). You'll want to rotate your meat as you cook to keep it directly opposite (or maybe a bit closer to the lit end so you don't have to rotate as often).
This blog post for SA's blog has a bunch more information and some pictures of one of my cooks using this method.
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Quick Answer about "What is the charcoal snake method and how does it work?"
The snake method works by running a long ring of unlit charcoal briquettes around the outside of your weber. By then placing a few lit briquettes at one end of your “snake” you are able to keep a consistent low temperature for a long period of time as the lit beads gradually light the unlit beads.How long does snake method last?
It allows you to fire up your smoker quickly while giving you a steady, long-term heat. When properly set-up, the snake method virtually eliminates the need for messy refueling as it can run constent for 12 \u2013 15 hours.Does snake method work with lump charcoal?
Some sources report run-times as long as 12-14 hours. However, I've never had a charcoal snake last this long. On average, my 22" weber kettle with Royal Oak briquettes in a 2:1 arrangement lasts for 8 hours maintaining temperatures between 225 - 250 F. There are a number of factors at play though.How long does a charcoal snake last?
The snake method lasted a solid 6 hours. Not long enough for a whole brisket. So, it might be better for pork ribs than a brisket. Reversing the snake at the end to extend the cook time could make it possible to cook a pork butt (shoulder), pork belly, lamb shanks, or a brisket flat.Charcoal Snake Method on a Weber BBQ Kettle - Que Tips - Whisky and BBQ
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Answer 2
I assume you light one end. The charcoal then burns along the path creating very low heat and smoke. Seems like it would work, but my worry would be the quality of the smoke. For a detailed analysis of techniques, click here: http://www.chefsteps.com/activities/barbecue-techniques
Answer 3
The goal is to maximize the cool spot in the grill, so you can cook larger items slowly. I'm not aware of there being any magic to it, other than being a differently shaped fire for indirect cooking.
Unlike your typical two-level fire, you don't need a hot area to sear over, so it's pushed as far to the edge as possible to create a larger cool zone. I've personally never used this tecnhnique. I've typically started my coals in a chimney, then dumped them around the side of the kettle. It's possible that the coals may stay cooler and burn longer than using a chimney to make sure they've caught well.
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Images: Helena Lopes, Sam Lion, Sam Lion, Sam Lion