Jombo

Thanks Chae,  I had to start somewhere, so it was 'easy-light' stuff at first.  I have now got some 'proper' stuff and it has made all the difference!  I am now smoking lamb pieces and they are delicious!

I have been breathing in my new smoker bought from Tectake (tall rectangular shape), and the only charcoal I was able to get from local store was of the 'instant light' variety.  This I find is made up of a lot of quite small pieces.  After initial lighting, I find that there is a satisfactory rise in temperature, but this soon starts to drop off, and even more so when I open the door to inspect.  After that, it never really picks up, even after adding more fuel.  There are adjustable vents, top and bottom.  Should these be open to admit air or closed to retain temperature?