Cold Weather Pellet Smoking

[duffman]

I got a pellet smoker this year and I was thinking about trying to do some smoking this winter with it. I have no plans on trying to do it in sub zero temps but I thought maybe sub freezing. Any suggestions on doing this, like gear or accessories?

 

[kilo charlie]

I got a pellet smoker this year and I was thinking about trying to do some smoking this winter with it. I have no plans on trying to do it in sub zero temps but I thought maybe sub freezing. Any suggestions on doing this, like gear or accessories?

Are you talking about gear and accessories for yourself or your smoker?

What style/brand is your smoker? How big is the hopper?

 

[Coreymacc]

I was able to buy an insulation blanket for my Camp Chef. But after about -15c /5 F the fans and moving parts don't really like it too much until things warm up a bit.


Corey

 

[BigW.]

Give it a try and see how it works. Might use a few more pellets because of the cold. I don't use mine much anymore, but did not do anything different because of the cold.

 

[Torch&Tone]

Top items are wireless temp probes (if you aren't using them already) and perhaps an insulated blanket. The probes let you keep the lid closed as much as possible, which is, obviously, even more important in winter than in summer. For blankets, most big names make their own, plus there are third-party ones, or you can improvise with a welding (or other fireproof) blanket and strong magnets and/or straps to keep it in place. Avoid wind and rain/snow if you can, either with smoker placement or setting up partial shelter (windbreaks, patio umbrellas, etc.). Daylight might also be more of a concern than in summer, so it helps to have some good lighting available, too, just in case.

 

[mneeley490]

I used an insulation blanket when I had my GMG that had a chimney. Worked fine.
Now I have a Recteq Backyard Beast with the vents in the back of the chamber. Too windy today to fire it up, but I'm hoping it'll be alright in the cold. Rarely gets below 25°F here, even in the dead of Winter.