My new toy

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jkhobbs1216

Newbie
Original poster
Feb 23, 2014
14
10
Kentucky
Won this little bad boy this weekend and already looking forward to what it's going to become. Already have a shopping list and going to make me a fun project this weekend.
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I have one of those that gets tossed in the back of my truck fairly regularly.  Perfect for a quick stop in a park for lunch.
 
JKH,

You're gonna love that little guy!!!

I love my MES 40, but when I want the extra awesome charcoal flavor, I throw my Smokey Joe on top of my gas grill grids. Perfect for a couple Ribeyes for Mrs Bear & me, or a few Deerburgers!!

Bear
 
Now you have to decide ...unless you've already done so is if you want it to act more like a WSM or more like a little UDS.

I went the UDS route and just used the steamer insert where it normally sits in the pot because i want some of the drippings to hit the coals and give me a little more direct type of radiant energy.     Some people put the teracotta pot in or something like that but i find it just uses more fuel and doesn't cook the meat as fast. 

Anyways i'm excited for your build....you'll love the mini!
 
Now you have to decide ...unless you've already done so is if you want it to act more like a WSM or more like a little UDS.



I went the UDS route and just used the steamer insert where it normally sits in the pot because i want some of the drippings to hit the coals and give me a little more direct type of radiant energy.     Some people put the teracotta pot in or something like that but i find it just uses more fuel and doesn't cook the meat as fast. 




Anyways i'm excited for your build....you'll love the mini!
I plan on using the terracotta or at least starting with it and see how it goes. I'll hold on to the steam tray incase I need it as well

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I plan on using the terracotta or at least starting with it and see how it goes. I'll hold on to the steam tray incase I need it as well

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You'll like it either way.  I will tell you i get rock solid temps from 200-225 all the way up to over 400*...and in any type of weather.  
 
Congrats on joining the Mini Club! Best little smoker around! Great thing about it is it can be used as a grill too! Makes reverse searing a snap! Looking forward to seeing your build!
 
Finally made some free time in my life and worked some more on my mini. I have everything on order and hopefully will have it all by this weekend. In the meantime I modified the bottom damper with a long rod. Still don't know what I'll put on the end but here it is.
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Forward movement is always good! Get those side vents in and you're ready to smoke! Until then get some charcoal in that thing and sear some ribeyes or something!
 
Nice - ah, it seems like only last week when I unpacked my Vasconia...wait... it was last week!  I've only done one smoke on it and am dreaming of the next round.  I'm actually angry that my long weekend goes like this: boat tomorrow, party at my sister's Sunday and beach on Monday.  When am I going to have time to fire this thing up again???  I've got a brand new charcoal basket waiting to get loaded!!!
 
I won't be building myself one. Walmart won't ship rhe pot for me to my local store and won't mail it to me either.

Nice score btw! I'm so jealous...
 
Had a late night last night. Got the smoker all built. I couldn't stop working on it once I started it was very addicting and easy. Today I'll be working on my decals and paint. Hopefully I'll have it ready for a test run tonight. I have to pick up a rack for the bottom and a heat diffuser this afternoon to have it all complete.
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Did you test the therm in boiling water before you bolted it on? I would take it off and do that to see how accurate it is. Most don't and then are surprised to find out later that they are no where near where they should be.
 
Did you test the therm in boiling water before you bolted it on? I would take it off and do that to see how accurate it is. Most don't and then are surprised to find out later that they are no where near where they should be.
I'm going to test it during my break in burn. I have a couple digital therms that I know are dead on that I'll stick in there.

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