Best Thermometer for a Mini WSM?

[bdskelly]

I went internet parts shopping while on a business trip this week.  I've got parts being shipped to me as I write this. Vasconia pot coming in from California. SJG and extra grates being shipped from AMZ .

My question is about a very good quality dial type thermometer for the MWSM. Which ones most accurate and suitable for this build?

I have a Maverick remote which I'll rely on for the most part.  But want to install a nice dial on the side of the pot. BUT want one that is accurate and fits the build. 

Second question.  Those of you using mavericks...  Are you simply drilling 2 small holes in the side for probe access to the meat and grate? Do you use any item to finish the holes like a heat proof grommet or something?  If so what?

Thanks gents.  

B

 

[dirtsailor2003]

I didn't install a dial therm because I didn't want there to be anything in the way for removing the lower rack or steamer insert. Quite often I put a 9"x9" foil pan of veggies in the lower rack and you wouldn't be able to do that with a therm sticking in. If you decide to go they route check with a restaurant supply for one that can be adjusted and test it in boiling water.

I drilled one hole for the pit probe just below the upper rack and put a threaded ferrel but in it. It's slightly bigger than the probe .
For the meat probe I just run it through the top vent since it's open all the time.

 

[dirtsailor2003]

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• dirtsailor2003
• Dec 21, 2013

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• dirtsailor2003
• Dec 21, 2013

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• dirtsailor2003
• Dec 21, 2013

 

[bdskelly]

Perfect! Thanks Case. Through the top vent is how I do it on the MES.

I'm not clear on the treaded feral. Heck not even sure I've ever seen one. I must have just ignored it.  Are those things located in the parts draws at home depot or on the plumbing section or???  Looks like the size you chose was a perfect fit for the smoker probe.

 

[mdboatbum]

I'm with Case. I have never seen the need for a permanently installed dial therm on a mini. They get in the way, are stuck in one place and are just another thing to futz with and worry about breaking. Plus, I'm weird in that I like to occasionally wash the pot so I don't want anything that I'll have to remove or worry about getting wet. (before I'm branded a heretic, I don't scrub the seasoning off the inside, I just rinse it and scrub the outside)

Stick with a probe and you'll get great results. I just drilled a small hole in between the rack levels for mine so I can mount it to either rack or just insert the probe 90% of the way in and just let it hang. The hole is large enough that I can insert my meat probe once the pit probe is all the way through, so both wires go thru the same hole.

 

[dirtsailor2003]

The ferrel is like a bolt with a hole in the middle of it. Usually brass. A small black iron pipe nipple would work too. If you go with the pipe nipple get one Lethe enough to stick a cork in. Drill the cork out so you can stick the therm in it. I shop at our local Ace and all of these are in the nuts and bolt drawers. If I get there I'll take a photo of a new non seasoned one!

 

[bdskelly]

The ferrel is like a bolt with a hole in the middle of it. Usually brass. A small black iron pipe nipple would work too. If you go with the pipe nipple get one Lethe enough to stick a cork in. Drill the cork out so you can stick the therm in it. I shop at our local Ace and all of these are in the nuts and bolt drawers. If I get there I'll take a photo of a new non seasoned one!

Ah! Gotcha  Seen those and the corks in those odd widget parts draws at HD and lowes.  Thanks! b 

 

[bdskelly]

 
I'm with Case. I have never seen the need for a permanently installed dial therm on a mini. They get in the way, are stuck in one place and are just another thing to futz with and worry about breaking. Plus, I'm weird in that I like to occasionally wash the pot so I don't want anything that I'll have to remove or worry about getting wet. (before I'm branded a heretic, I don't scrub the seasoning off the inside, I just rinse it and scrub the outside)

Stick with a probe and you'll get great results. I just drilled a small hole in between the rack levels for mine so I can mount it to either rack or just insert the probe 90% of the way in and just let it hang. The hole is large enough that I can insert my meat probe once the pit probe is all the way through, so both wires go thru the same hole.

Agreed. No better thermometer than a Maverick in my humble opinion. I just thought a gauge on the outside looked cool. … but certainly not necessary. Good point about getting in the way when cleaning. b

 

[bdskelly]

The extra grates arrived today! And I think Santa is bringing a Gold Smokey Joe.  The Vasconia pot was ordered from Phaltzgraph out of CA. ( Case sold me on the insulated handles) so it will take time to get to Texas.  

 

[dirtsailor2003]

One thing I highly recommend is attaching the lid of the pot to the bottom of the pot. This mod raises the pot 1" higher than if you don't. Thus giving you 1" more room for charcoal. The reason for this is that there is a lip inside the SMJ that is 1" below the top. That is where the pot sits without the mod.

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• dirtsailor2003
• Dec 22, 2013

 

[dirtsailor2003]

Cleaning, you're supposed to clean these? Rain isn't enough? Lol!

 

[bdskelly]

One thing I highly recommend is attaching the lid of the pot to the bottom of the pot. This mod raises the pot 1" higher than if you don't. Thus giving you 1" more room for charcoal. The reason for this is that there is a lip inside the SMJ that is 1" below the top. That is where the pot sits without the mod.

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• dirtsailor2003
• Dec 22, 2013

I had seen your idea a few days ago.  I'll do that for sure. 

 

[Dutch]

BD- on my pot I use the wiring ferrule that Case mentioned.  You find these 4 or 5 to a pack of varying lengths; the shortest being 1 1/2 inches and the longest 5 inches. You'll find these in the Lighting department of Lowe's or Homer's Depot.  I found a couple of brass caps that fit the ferrels. I'll post up some pictures for you when I'm back at the house (may take a day a twa).

 

[fritzmonroe]

I think you are talking about these things?

LL

• fritzmonroe
• Dec 26, 2013

 

[bdskelly]

 
I think you are talking about these things?

LL

• fritzmonroe
• Dec 26, 2013

I hope so… Cause I just bought those exact ones for my build!  LOL

 

[fritzmonroe]

I didn't realize that I had these already for my build until I saw that image.  I still have to come up with my tamale pot.  I'll take a look around locally once boxing day is over.

 

[dirtsailor2003]

 
I hope so… Cause I just bought those exact ones for my build!  LOL

Yep those will work just fine!

 

[JckDanls 07]

I just used my dremel with a cut off blade and cut a little notch in the lid.... lid fits on with wires coming through the notch.... then the Mav hangs on the pot handle....

 

[Dutch]

Yep those are what I use, I cut the small ones in half. I also use brass caps to close off the opening when they aren't being used.

Ferrule caps.jpg

• Dutch
• Dec 30, 2013

Mini WSM Table top.jpg

• Dutch
• Dec 30, 2013

When I use the Mini, I just place the brass cap on the table top or in my pocket if the grand kids are visiting.