LyfeTyme (Knockoff) Pit Very Reactive

[will_van]

Hey guys! I’m new to the forum and trying to dial in my offset smoker fire management.

I have an offset pit I got from my local tractor supply. It’s a LyfeTyme knockoff, but a decent pit with 1/4” steel walls.

My trouble is that it is really sensitive to change. Like, REALLY sensitive. I constantly have to monitor temps and any fire adjustment results in 50 to 75 degree temp swings. Forget about putting conventional splits on the fire.

I have to custom-cut all my splits down to 6 inch or 8 inch lengths and be very careful about placement/timing. I am using good post-oak that has been properly seasoned (air dried, not kiln dried).

I am doing exclusively briskets and trying to maintain temps between 250 and 275 degrees.

Most of the time I cook in the vertical chamber because it is more forgiving and the main chamber is just too reactive.

Does anyone have any advice to slow the pit reaction down? I am using a water tray and keeping the coal bed close to the door.

 

[rbnice1]

Lot of smoke coming out of the chimney on that pic. not sure if thats normal for you but ussually that means your smothering your fire and your food will get a acidic taste. If that is how it ussually looks for you try using less fuel and leave the door open on the fire box to get better air flow. then adjust your temps but how much wood you put on. Every smoker is different some like to run a little hotter and some a little cooler.

 

[will_van]

Just finished a brisket on it yesterday. Taste and texture was outstanding. My best yet.

I guess for smaller pits you just need to be more involved in fire management and use less fuel.

Thanks!

 

[1MoreFord]

What diameter and length is the horizontal chamber? Can you take a picture of the firebox door on the end of the firebox to show the way the door is sealed?

It sounds to me like you have too much intake air if you add fuel and the temps spike that much.

My old pit was a 20" x 48" horizontal chamber with a vertical and it would hold 250°F with the intake damper about 1/2 open and not spike more than 25° or so. I could also close the intake and exhaust to smother the remaining fuel for use another time.