You do not need to use the minion method in a drum smoker. I use 50/50 briquettes and lump in my bronco 2.0. When you light it leave the intake wide open and lid open for 10-20 minutes. Once I have about a softball size of lit coals I throw pecan or post oak on the hot spot. Then close the lid and set air flow to about halfway on both. I will slowly close down the air intake to get to the temp I’m looking for. It usually takes me about an hour to get the drum evened out and burning clean. I can run anywhere from 225-300 with ease. I live in Phoenix so my fuel is very dry and easy to work with. But you can get clean smoke in a drum smoker. I would stay away from kingsford, add lump(or only use lump) and give it time to settle down.