[Mike P in Tucson]

I picked up my new Excel 20 from Mark in Mesa on my way to Phoenix for a flight to Seattle.  So It sat in my trunk for 2 weeks waiting for us to get home.  I got it set up now (have an extra stacker that I will probably only use occasionally) waiting for a weekend tryout.

From what I have read, I think I will fill the water pan half full with sand, then add foil and put water in that.  I figure that will be less water to have to heat up.

I do have a question -------has anyone used a charcoal maze with the Excel 20, instead of using the minion method?

[KidCurry]

I have only used the minion method...nothing but foil in the pan...seems to work for me.  I can not see why the sand would be a bad idea...good thermal mass once hot.

[Mike P in Tucson]

Well, just sitting in the sun, the cooker is at 150.  So it shouldn't be too hard bringing up to temp.

Instead of foil, I think I will use a disposable aluminum roasting pan.  Going to try it out on Sunday.  Just doing a pork loin I had lying around.  I want to get a feel for it before trying something that will be a long cook.