Installing a Probe Port

[JustinLoos]

Hi, I have a Horizon 20” Classic offset (0.25” steel) smoker. I’ve been running wired temp probes (ThermoWorks smoke) to my meats. As there is no probe port I run the wires under my cooking chamber door causing a continuous small leak. I run 2-4 probes during a cook. What port do you recommend adding?

I need it to be able to accommodate 2-4 wired probes and be usable with 1/4” steel.

 

[02ebz06]

Not sure what you mean by "adding" a probe port.
Probe ports are just holes drilled in the side with a little flap that swings down to close when not in use.

 

[thirdeye]

Here is one option. If you think you need a larger one, they also make a 'smoke hole' which is designed as a vent, but can also work as a probe port.

SnS Kettle Probe Port Cover

Create a Probe Port in your Kettle Grill This port cover and hardware is for creating a ½ inch circular hole for a digital thermometer probe in a kettle grill. Works on all sizes of kettle style grills (This could void your grill's warranty) Cover is made to swing out of the way when not in...

snsgrills.com

 

[chopsaw]

They make silicone ones .
Just put this in a kettle . Not sure it would work with 1/4" steel .

 

[JustinLoos]

By “adding” I mean drilling into my smoker above the grate and using some kind of metal or silicone device to accommodate the probes.

 

[Kvgsqtii]

By “adding” I mean drilling into my smoker above the grate and using some kind of metal or silicone device to accommodate the probes.

Looks like McMaster-Carr sell high temp grommets that can accomodate 1/4" thick material.
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/grommets/high-temperature-grommets-6/for-material-thickness~1-4-2/

Just find the one that has the right size hole for your probe wires

 

[JustinLoos]

Looks like McMaster-Carr sell high temp grommets that can accomodate 1/4" thick material.
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/grommets/high-temperature-grommets-6/for-material-thickness~1-4-2/

Just find the one that has the right size hole for your probe wires

Thank you, this looks promising.

 

[02ebz06]

I'd recommend drilling a hole about 2-1/4 times the width of the widest part of the probe.
The more probes you have going through it will make the hole smaller for the next probe.

Then add a probe port cover large enough to cover the hole.

 

[DonP]

I would run all four through the stack side, between the stack and the front, just above the grate. I'd also make a little mount for the display device. That would keep all that mess out of the way of the door, shelf and rack.

 

[bohemiansausage]

I've had these installed on each end of the smoke chamber to monitor temps on the grates for about 15 yrs. and they work great. Temp rating states 250°F but I've been mast 375°F with no issues. The technical name a "cable gland".
Sorry, the link is: https://www.mcmaster.com/products/cable-glands/for-cord-shape~round/stainless-steel-cord-grips/

 

[1MoreFord]

I came here to post about cord grips but see I'm late to the party

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[HalfSmoked]

I run mine through the vent already on the smoker.

Warren

 

[JustinLoos]

I run mine through the vent already on the smoker.

Warren

Not a bad idea!

 

[chp]

I can sneak mine through the vertical cook chamber, but I would have a hard time drilling a hole in my smoker.

I would certainly look at all your options first. I guess it’s not very tough to weld the hole back up if you don’t like it

 

[JustinLoos]

I can sneak mine through the vertical cook chamber, but I would have a hard time drilling a hole in my smoker.
View attachment 671196
I would certainly look at all your options first. I guess it’s not very tough to weld the hole back up if you don’t like it

Running the cords through the stack is definitely the easiest solution.

That’s a nice setup you have there! You got those dogs to guard the smoker, right?

 

[chp]

Running the cords through the stack is definitely the easiest solution.

That’s a nice setup you have there! You got those dogs to guard the smoker, right?

Thanks. My pups are always close when a smoker fires up.