Newbie Questions

[TripleM]

Hi all,

I loved smoked food. So in December I brought an Oklahoma Joe Highland from Asda after debating whether to get a Weber Smokey Mountain or the Oklahoma Joe. For my initial cook (Late January), I tried to make St Louis Pork Ribs and Short Beef Ribs (Ambitious I know) . But I struggled to get the temperature and once I did I ran out of fuel.

So for the second cook I brought a charcoal basket from eBay and tried the minion Method. However, all the fuel lit very quickly and burnt out within 1 - 1 1/2 Hour. The fuel I used was Big K Restaurant Grade Lumpwood.

From this, I have determined that the variability in size of lump wood is causing me issues as the smaller pieces are cooking a lot quicker and not giving me the low and slow I want.

I have just brought some Aussie Heat Beads from BBQ Land and just wondering how much fuel should I be adding for a cook? Any advice is welcome