Brinkmann Charcoal Smoker Owner's Manual page 10

WARNING: Never use charcoal that has been pre-treated with
lighter fluid. Use only a high grade plain charcoal or
charcoal/wood mixture.
Step 5
Saturate charcoal with lighting fluid. With lid open, wait 2 to 3
minutes to allow lighting fluid to soak into charcoal. Store charcoal
lighting fluid safely away from the smoker.
Step 6
Open the firebox air vent approximately 1" to 2" and smokestack
damper half way. With firebox lid open, stand back and carefully light
charcoal and allow to burn until covered with a light ash
(approximately 20 minutes). Charcoal lighting fluid must be
allowed to completely burn off prior to closing firebox lid.
WARNING: Failure to do this could trap fumes from charcoal lighting
fluid in smoker and may result in a flash-fire or explosion
when lid is opened.
Step 7
With coals burning strong in the firebox, close the lid. Use a
temperature gauge to monitor temperature. A temperature of
approximately 250°F in the cooking chamber is desired. Maintain this
temperature for 1 to 2 hours.
Step 8
Increase the temperature to approximately 350°F to 400°F. This can
be achieved by opening the firebox air vent and smokestack damper
and adding more charcoal and/or wood (see "Adding Charcoal/Wood
During Cooking" section of this manual). Maintain this temperature
for 1 hour then allow unit to cool completely.
NOTE: Never exceed a temperature of 400°F in cooking chamber. It is
important that the exterior of the smoker is not scraped or
rubbed during the curing process.
IMPORTANT: Cure your smoker periodically throughout the year to
protect against excessive rust.
9