New to smoking...few dumb questions

packerfan65

Newbie

Original poster

Sep 27, 2012

3

10

Savage, Minnesota

• Sep 27, 2012

• #1

I have a stainless propanse "box" smoker. I have used it but am looking for a couple of answers. First it has a vent low on each side and one on top. What can i control and how with theses>

Second I find it difficult to vary the range of the temp. Alot of people call for 225 or 250 degrees but mine seldom gets there yet it does finish the meat niceley. I have changed thermometers with the same result. Likewise i cannot dial it down below 180 degrees. Any insights?

Thanks from a first time poster!

 

s2k9k

AMNPS Test Group

Sep 8, 2011

11,324

182

SEUSA

• Sep 27, 2012

• #2

You should leave the top vent all the way open during smoking to get a good draft through the smoker. You can use the bottom vents to help control temp and draft a little but being it's propane most of your temp control will be with the propane.

I'm not really sure what you are saying by "[color= rgb(24, 24, 24)]225 or 250 degrees but mine seldom gets there" and "[/color][color= rgb(24, 24, 24)]i cannot dial it down below 180 degrees",[/color]

[color= rgb(24, 24, 24)]do you mean it will only run between 180 and 225? Getting below 180 isn't that important unless you want to do some cold smoking or drying jerky or something.[/color]

[color= rgb(24, 24, 24)]Do you know what brand of smoker this is? Have you checked/calibrated the thermometers?[/color]

I see this is your first post here, when you get a minute would you do us a favor and go to Roll Call and introduce yourself so we can get to know you and give you a proper welcome, also would you add your location to your profile, we like knowing where you are when we talk to you, Thanks!

 

sqwib

Smoking Guru

OTBS Member

Sep 25, 2007

5,962

1,034

Philadelphia

• Sep 27, 2012

• #3

Definitely a confusing post But I'll answer the best I can

Listen to S2K96
 

 

Last edited: Sep 27, 2012

roller

Smoking Guru

SMF Premier Member

Mar 10, 2010

6,040

57

N.E. Louisiana

• Sep 27, 2012

• #4

X2

 

smokinhusker

Legendary Pitmaster

Oct 20, 2010

8,179

77

Mountains west of Colorado Springs, CO

• Sep 27, 2012

• #5

Don't have a propane smoker, yet, but S2K9K does, so he must know what he's talking about!

 

scarbelly

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

OTBS Member

Jul 26, 2009

14,315

73

• Sep 27, 2012

• #6

I agree with Dave but on the temps here are a couple of additional things to do 

1 Check the accuracy of the thermo - put it into boiling water and see how close to the 212 it is

2 Get yourself a couple of probes - one for the box temp and one for the food temp - here is a link to an example of this device

http://www.amazenproducts.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MAVET-732

 

chef jimmyj

Gone but not forgotten. RIP

OTBS Member

SMF Premier Member

★ Lifetime Premier ★

May 12, 2011

22,172

7,151

• Sep 27, 2012

• #7

Not a Propane guy but have read many posts about this problem. Many Gassers like to run closer to 300*F out of the box, and will make great Q at that temp but all the advice is go low and slow.  Maintaining 225-250*F can be a challenge, the flame gets so low that a Fart in the breeze blows it out and forget dialing down to 180* or lower. In general a Needle Valve, http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/a/needle-valves-for-gassers, will help a great deal reducing the Flame down to maintain 225*F. Build yourself a Wind Break  http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/search.php?search=wind+break+for+gassers  that covers at least 3 sides, some have enclosed their Gasser, leave the top open, this will keep a breeze from blowing out the flame. Adjust the Air Intake for the gas tube leading to the Burner and check for insects and spider web blockage frequently. http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/search.php?search=Blue+flame+adjustment  You want a nice Blue Flame with just the very flame tip Yellow if at all. This indicates an efficient burn. All this info can be found in the links I posted and if you do a search on Propane Mods for your specific brand or in general, you will find thousands of other cool ideas to make your Smoker better...Hope this helps...JJ 

 

Last edited: Sep 27, 2012

packerfan65

Newbie

Original poster

Thread starter

Sep 27, 2012

3

10

Savage, Minnesota

• Jan 2, 2013

• #8

Thanks for your help!

 

s2k9k

AMNPS Test Group

Sep 8, 2011

11,324

182

SEUSA

• Jan 2, 2013

• #9

So did you ever get your temp problems worked out?

How's the smoker doing?

 

therealfrosty

Fire Starter

Dec 27, 2012

43

11

North Idaho

• Jan 2, 2013

• #10

The only dumb questions are the ones you dont ask. Happy smoking and hope you get it worked out.

 

Last edited: Jan 2, 2013