Master Build Two Door Smoker Mods for the Big Game.

[pier2pier]

Hi all,

I've been on these forums for about a half year now and I have to thank everyone for all the knowledge that gets passed around.  The advice is great and all the recipes look tasty.  I'm most surprised about all the questions which bring up things I never considered.

That said, my wife asked me to smoke something for our super bowl party this past weekend.  Up until now, I've only smoked meat for me, her, the kids and 1 daring co-worker.  I've pretty much been playing it by ear, using a nearly accurate meat probe and fighting the temp valve to no avail.  So, I took the opportunity to prepare my Masterbuilt Dual Door smoker for my first real party.

I bought the Maverick ET-732 unit as well as the Bayou Classic Needle valve.   Both are well worth the money.  In addition I bought a lot of brass fittings, most of which, I now need to return to Home Depot as I wasn't quite sure what I needed when I bought them.

So here are some before and after pics of the needle valve install.  I don't recall seeing anyone install it this way and I think it looks pretty clean.  I checked for leaks afterwards and only had one small adjustment to make.  

Step 1:  Bring Smoker downstairs to work on it inside.. IT'S FRIDGID IN MICHIGAN!!!

IMG_20140131_234351_729.jpg

• pier2pier
• Feb 4, 2014

Step 2:  I decided on the valve layout and fitted it together.  (Note the yellow gas tape.  you guys probably already know this, but just in case. White tape will not hold up to gas) Only tape the iron pipe fittings (non rounded ends).

IMG_20140131_235820_123.jpg

• pier2pier
• Feb 4, 2014

 

IMG_20140201_240921_295.jpg

• pier2pier
• Feb 4, 2014

Step 3: All fit in.

IMG_20140201_242004_798.jpg

• pier2pier
• Feb 4, 2014

Step 4: I tested the installation outside using radiant leak detector (thanks dad). If you don't have access to it, you can always use a bit of dish soap and water. I only had to tighten the bottom part of the flare nut (top right fitting). The smoker is sitting just out of reach of the elements.  Ready for smoking in the sleet and ice and snow!

IMG_20140201_194458_120.jpg

• pier2pier
• Feb 4, 2014

Notice the Maverick thermometer on top of my welding gloves..  If anyone knows of a nice way to hang it off the smoker handles, please let me know, and thanks again for all the advice.

By the way, I smoked a Boston Butt following Meowey's Basic Pulled Pork recipe and used SoFlaQuers finishing sauce recipe.  It was the best meat I've ever made.  I took the leftovers to work today and it was still a hit a few days later. 

Thanks again guys! 

 

[mike johnson]

Looks good. I should do the same to my smoker vault.

 

[smoknitup]

hey pier,

your set-up looks great, I just picked up a masterbuilt dual fuel smoker which looks identical to yours. looks like the companymight be using the exact same burner control for both smokers. I've been wanting to do this exact mod which you've perfected it looks like. if you get any spare time do you think you can post the size and name of all the fittings you used? I would really appreciate the info.

Cheers!Thumbs Up

 

[pier2pier]

hey pier,

your set-up looks great, I just picked up a masterbuilt dual fuel smoker which looks identical to yours. looks like the companymight be using the exact same burner control for both smokers. I've been wanting to do this exact mod which you've perfected it looks like. if you get any spare time do you think you can post the size and name of all the fittings you used? I would really appreciate the info.

Cheers!

Sure thing.  I am nearly positive that I still have the bags / receipts.  I'll put a list together and post it.

 

[pier2pier]

hey pier,

your set-up looks great, I just picked up a masterbuilt dual fuel smoker which looks identical to yours. looks like the companymight be using the exact same burner control for both smokers. I've been wanting to do this exact mod which you've perfected it looks like. if you get any spare time do you think you can post the size and name of all the fittings you used? I would really appreciate the info.

Cheers!

Hey SDS,

I didn't have the bags as I thought. But I am pretty sure I can describe what you'll need. I did a lot of searches on Home Depot's site as well as Grainger to get an idea of the naming. I purchased all the pieces at Home Depot. Most were made by Watts.

My hose has a 3/8 inch connector (female with nut) which fit into the male 3/8 inch flared nipple of the valve / burner's T assembly. Basically, you have to reduce the hose connection to fit the 1/4 inch bayou classic needle valve and then step it back up to the 3/8 inch. So from the left to the upper right:

3/8 in. OD Flare x 3/8 in. MIP brass Gas Fitting (2 male ends)

3/8 in. x 1/4 in. Lead-Free Brass FPT x FPT Coupling (2 female ends)

Bayou Classic 1/4 inch needle valve (1 male 1 female)

1/4 in. x 1/4 in. Lead-Free Brass 90-Degree MPT x FPT Street Elbow (2 female ends)

3/8" Flare x 1/4" MIP Brass Half Union (2 male ends)

3/8 in. x 3/8 in. Brass OD x OD Forged Swivel Nut Union Valve Connector. (2 nuts- this will allow you to get the whole assembly to rotate where you need it),

Make sure you use the yellow tape on any of the "iron pipe" ends (non rounded). Get everything good and snug but don't over tighten, then test for leaks.

-Hope this helps.

 

[smoknitup]

hey pier,

thank you so much for all your help. I'm going to take your info and create my shopping list for this weekend. can't wait and can't t thank you enough. I've read of people giving each other coins or points and as soon as I figure out how it works I will definitely be sending some your way :points:way Thumbs Up

 

[pier2pier]

Thanks man. One correction. I purchased the main piece from the bayou classic web page.

http://www.bayouclassicdepot.com/nv108p_propane_burner_part.htm