Complete Noob ? - Wood n Potato

[isutroutbum]

Hi All,

This is probably a dumb question, but in a lot of q-view I see a thermometer stuck in either a potato or a hunk of wood - is this for taking the temp in the smoker, or for ballparking the temp in the meat? I'm guessing it is the former, but I'm not sure. I tried to do a search but couldn't find anything.

Again, I know this probably a stupid question, so don't laugh too awful hard (or go ahead if you want, it's ok ;).

Thanks in advance for any help.

Best,
Trout

 

[desertlites]

ya keeps probe off the grate and gives u a smoker temp

 

[dirtman775]

Yup its the former. used for taking the internal temp of the smoker..the wood/potato is used to keep the probe off of the cooking surface....so as not to get an incorrect temp

 

[isutroutbum]

Thanks folks. Keeping it off the grate is a good idea. :) I appreciate the responses.

Best,
Trout

 

[tn_bbq]

Keeps blisters from forming on your fingers when you get in a hurry and forget to put on your gloves.

Throwing the hot probe down while jumping up and down while swearing and immediately grabbing an ice cold beer also helps fingers from blistering (or so I'm told

).

I use wood/cork because it's more permanent. Potatoes work too, i guess, but that requires remembering or fetching a potato every time you smoke.

 

[chopper]

Here's an add-on to that question:

I just went to a second therm, but was trying to figure out where in the smoker to put it? Above the meat? Same rack? Below?

 

[ronp]

My potato has been used many times. It is now black as coal.

I usually put it on top.

 

[isutroutbum]

Good question Chopper. I was wondering the same thing. Thanks for asking, and thanks for the responses folks.

Best,
Trout