Yoder Smokers Community Forum

Does everyone fill their hopper all the way or just to the top of the vented area? I have noticed that a couple pellets slip thru the gap. Going to cook a brisket for Easter and want to be sure that it doesn't run out.

I fill mine to the brim at times. Been at this over 3 years now Make sure you check every 4-5 hours. Especially in colder climates. Even in Vegas I start cook at 10 PM and up at 3-4 AM to check. I ALWAYS need to add more at that time. Buying a cheapo welding blanket and moving blanket at Harbor Freight can cut back on pellet usage. Depends on type of pellets, pure cherry for example have lower BTU so they burn faster through pellets. I use a mix popular brand.

After my first hopper fire I decided to try to only add enough for each cook. Try is the operative word.
I try to leave enough to get the pit up to temp for the next cook and then add what I think I need for the cook of the day.
I do find myself adding at times a little more often but once you've had a hopper fire the piece of mind is worth the extra work.