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There have been discussions about variable cooking times, and a recent thread mentioned altitude. Hence my question...

What affects do altitude, humidity, temperature, etc have on the meat smoking process? I'm sure it's different for SmokinOkie living at 400' or son in a relatively humid Oklahoma (or Tom at sea level at probably 99.9% humidity) than it is for me at 5200', 20% humidity, etc.

For example I'm starting to learn that if it's recommended to cook something to, say, 200 deg that I should only take it to 195 or less. Cooking times also seem to be noticeably longer. It's not a big deal--just wondering.

Any thoughts?
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I have 2 008s - 1 each at a house in suburban Chicago, IL and another house on Casey Key, FL (a little south of Sarasota). Altitude in Chicago is about 600'. Altitude on Casey Key is probably about 5' (house is on the beach). I've seen no difference at all in times and temps needed to smoke any meat product or any other element pertaining to the unit's performance. Same with temps - I've used the units at external temps ranging from over 100F to sub-zero with the same results.

There may be an impact at 5200' or higher but I can't respond to that.
The higher the altitude the lower the boiling point of water. These effects are not discernable below 3000 feet AMSL. But at 5200 feet AMSL you will see the effects. My daughter lives in Oregon in the Mountains and I know that she has to make minor adjustments to cooking temps and times. Google "high altitude cooking" should be some usefull info there.

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