I have a question regarding my smoke vault 24

[FreedomPenguin]

I have had a few cooks, 4 before winter happened. I am interested in smoking some ribs today. It’s 25* out, I did put a lava rock gasket on the door to seal it this summer.

ive read people also bend the tabs on the side dampers to block those openings.

my question is, I never really knew what I’m supposed to do with the dampers in first place. There’s two, one on each side

and one on top.

I assume one on top needs to be open to escape heat and smoke but can I seal the side ones? Am I supposed to have them more open or more closed for cooking or heating up.

Let me know if you think ribs in winter would be a bad idea. Lol

 

[912smoker]

I don't know about those tabs but ribs are NEVER a bad idea haha.
I'm sure someone will be by and offer some help

 

[FreedomPenguin]

I am going to start cooking six at a time. Cutting the other ribs into sections and freezing. Saves fuel. Abs have ribs on command

 

[TNJAKE]

I'd go for the ribs. Winter or summer. I think SmokinVOLfan has the smoker you have. Maybe he has some advice on vents

 

[FreedomPenguin]

I just assumed if they was sealed they wouldn’t affect the temp as much. Less airflow into it

but again I’m unsure of the proper use of them

 

[SmokinVOLfan]

I have an SV24 and leave the vents open at all times. The ones at the bottom provide air flow. That smoker gets hot enough that there really would be no need to close them off IMO.

 

[FreedomPenguin]

Sounds good I have half a tank of propane left I should be good for this cook. About to go home w the score and cook. Going to be late but worth it

 

[FreedomPenguin]

Have you had issues smoking in winter at all? I have a thermostat wireless
Putting one in a rib and one on a grate.

where should I put the temp probe tomonitor the smoker temp? Below or in middle or above the ribs

do you leave the top vent open or partial closed

where should I put the temp probe tomonitor the smoker temp? Below or in middle or above the ribs

 

[TNJAKE]

Top vent wide open.....always. Temp probe on same rack as meat. Keep it a few inches from the meat. If it won't fit put it on rack under the meat

 

[mike243]

You cant block off the exhaust vents you will smother the flame out/ make a bomb if it flames out, tried that with my gas smoker 1 cold arse day,

 

[FreedomPenguin]

Got the side vents about 70% open, and top 100% open. Temp is steadily climbing, lost all the heat putting ribs into the cooker.

its 7pm. Gonna be done at like 2am lol but I will be up.

aiming for 225-250 for 6 hours I assume. No wrap.
How long do you think it would take to cook all the ribs to 205 correct internal temp?

 

[FreedomPenguin]

205-210 temp when I pulled. Resting in my little Tupperware. I am letting rest 20 mins then cut them into 1/3rds and freezinf
I already ate one and was delicious.

This is only my 3rd time making ribs

 

[SmokinAl]

Those are some fine lookin ribs there my friend!
Al

 

[FreedomPenguin]

Turned out great. Just sucks going out in the cold to tend to them def doing cooks earlier in day