MB Gravity Series Mods review

[912smoker]

Congrats Cliff !
I use the MB Firestarters but gonna try the Rutland next. Pack in there brother Might need some bungee straps while you at it !

Keith

 

[clifish]

I have 2-3 days of drinking in PA before I can even set this up.

 

[912smoker]

Might want to save some for the assembly .

Keith

 

[Smokin Okie]

My only problem with the Rutland squares is they don't ignite quickly, have to hold a flame to them for several seconds. But they fit really well in the " cage " MB provides. I'd like to try Tumbleweeds, but they may cost too much .

 

[912smoker]

I never could get the Tumbleweeds to fit and have had excellent results with the MB brand.

Keith

 

[clifish]

Might want to save some for the assembly .

Keith

Was able to get it out of the suv on my own with gravity help...in the garage rain next day so hopefully will assemble tomorrow

 

[clifish]

Looking at klotes vs LSS specifically the vent dampers. It can get windy here is there much difference in the way they operate? Klotes looks nice with the slide motion but I like that LSS does not need to be drilled.

 

[912smoker]

Looking at klotes vs LSS specifically the vent dampers. It can get windy here is there much difference in the way they operate? Klotes looks nice with the slide motion but I like that LSS does not need to be drilled.

Don't have either but like you prefer tje LSS style. Easy addition

Keith

 

[clifish]

Don't have either but like you prefer tje LSS style. Easy addition

Keith

Keith do you think this a "need" on these?

 

[Smokin Okie]

I don't have a vent damper on my 560. I just turn it away from the wind. I don't want to close it off, I want all the air flow I can get.

 

[clifish]

I don't have a vent damper on my 560. I just turn it away from the wind. I don't want to close it off, I want all the air flow I can get.

sounds good saves me some $$$

 

[912smoker]

Keith do you think this a "need" on these?

No Cliff I really don't think so but am curious about the effects it might have.
Maybe help contain heat and help with fuel consumption.

Keith

 

[clifish]

No Cliff I really don't think so but am curious about the effects it might have.
Maybe help contain heat and help with fuel consumption.

Keith

That is what "they" say, it will pay for itself in coal savings??? Maybe for some people, I wish I smoked that often........

 

[mcokevin]

So my thoughts on mods are that I don't want to fundamentally change the design of the cooker. Honestly, these things make great food and don't really need any design changes (IMO). The places I've spent money on mods are to improve build quality / materials (manifold cover, hopper lid cover, etc...). These don't change the design, they're just better materials.

Modifying the airflow through the cooker changes the design of it. Personally I don't think it is necessary. There really isn't a problem with how these things cook, they're just not as reliable or well built as I'd like.

 

[Smokin Okie]

The only reason I would want the damper is to be able to snuff out a grease fire. But the better solution for that is to not get the grease fire to begin with. If kept clean, cook managed correctly, it should not be a concern.

I'm a stick burner guy. I want air flow through my cooker. Ya get better convection. I realize there's some " trendy " young people in Texas who are closing off the stack on their stick burners to create more smoke at the start of the cook. If it works for them, then great. But I bought my first Kettle in 1989, my first WSM in 2002 and I've never shut down the exhaust on any cooker I"ve owned. Not gonna start now.

 

[clifish]

The only reason I would want the damper is to be able to snuff out a grease fire. But the better solution for that is to not get the grease fire to begin with. If kept clean, cook managed correctly, it should not be a concern.

I'm a stick burner guy. I want air flow through my cooker. Ya get better convection. I realize there's some " trendy " young people in Texas who are closing off the stack on their stick burners to create more smoke at the start of the cook. If it works for them, then great. But I bought my first Kettle in 1989, my first WSM in 2002 and I've never shut down the exhaust on any cooker I"ve owned. Not gonna start now.

I am going to keep the magnetic strip from harbor freight around in case of a grease fire or if needed on a windy day. I think I will pu the hopper cover and manifold cover with tray stands to help with longevity and more grease management.

Thx

 

[mcokevin]

I realize there's some " trendy " young people in Texas who are closing off the stack on their stick burners to create more smoke at the start of the cook.

I'd be worried about creosote build-up and fouling the cook with a bitter taste, but maybe that is just me!

 

[hooked on smoke]

I have been using the Masterbuilt squares but just ordered some different ones from Amazon.
Sorry, I would share the link but don't know how. I'm technically challenged.
Melt Candle Company, fire starters.

 

[Smokin Okie]

I'd be worried about creosote build-up and fouling the cook with a bitter taste, but maybe that is just me!

Yeah, me too. I don't get it. But its a thing.

 

[clifish]

I have been using the Masterbuilt squares but just ordered some different ones from Amazon.
Sorry, I would share the link but don't know how. I'm technically challenged.
Melt Candle Company, fire starters.

I just ordered the MB ones, the melt ones seemed to me to be small enough to fall through the lighting grate.