I built this brick pit in my yard thinking it would be perfect for slow smoking. After a few uses, I noticed gaps where the heat just pours out. I tried patching it with fire clay, but it cracked again fast. Now I'm stuck with a pit that wastes fuel and ruins my cook temps. What do you guys do to keep your DIY pits sealed up tight?
I did a 22-hour pork shoulder. Everyone says long cooks are best. Mine turned out dry. Not tender like promised. I think shorter cooks can be just as good.