I would guess you had flames come out the side because the air from the bottom vent pushed them out....That's a non issue with the Gold Joe. The bottom get's hot as hell but the plastic connected to the black pipe is ALL GOOD.
I can go either way, however for lower temp smokes and evening out the temps the terracotta saucer works great. With it in I can get both racks within 5* of each other. With it out its more like 25*-30*. If I'm doing hot cooks I run without the saucer. For lower temps 225*-265* I use the saucer.
I just might use a terracotta if i ever do two butts, especially to catch grease fat. It's amazing how different these mini pits perform with vents in different places.
Let us know how it goes! Wrap that saucer in foil before you cook, makes it easier to clean. I'll be smoking a tri-tip on mine tonight!Well I just went and got a clay base.. all they had was 12" and put the side vents in. Loaded a small load of charcoal and lit with a torch like Keith does.. its been about 20 mins and its creeping up in temp. Im a little under 200* right now. Botton vent fully open, as the sides. I went with 1/2 niople and valve since that's what I had. I can always up it later if I need.
I have about an hour before I shove off to out of town... I let it go til I leave and see if it helps.
I have no clue. I still get it until I get up above 200* unless I use lump or make sure all the briquettes are lite really good.
Its quite interesting in the differences.. but good to know both sides.. just in case I build another wirh the gold. Or if someone has questions abkut the gold model I have some input to help em out. My hoIes I drilled for the new vents.. were both 1/2" it seemed to hold for the hour atleast right before I left the house. Im already wanting to come back in town to mess with ir more!
