There is a theoretical  and (by experience) a practical advantage in
having a large (4" diameter x 10" long) smoker compared to a small (3" x
7") smoker.
The heat loss from the "internal fire" is much greater in the small guy
due to the poorer volume to surface area ratio (about 7 for the small
smoker and 13 for the large smoker). As well as direct heat loss thru'
the walls there will be much more insulation from the combustion
material in the large smoker so that a hotter "oven" of combusted
material will be maintained in the smoker ensuring that it stays lit
much better. (increasing diameter is better than increasing length,
since you get a diameter squared advantage -this is so much so that when
you get to a certain size of combustion piston engine, cooling can get
difficult)
Practically when I moved to a larger smoker I was surprised at how much
better it was at staying lit.
Alan Riach
Bathgate

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and  other info ---
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::