Offset ambient temp after 825 hours of no fuel, etc.

[michaelt1959]

Hi all. It has been a while since I have been active but I would like to thank everyone for the wealth of information I glean regularly. With that said, I have a question. We took our XMAS proteins (Prime Rib) off today @ noon CST. I just went out to do a quick clean on the pit (3/16" chamber horizontal-vertical offset with 1/4 firebox) and got to wondering what my ambsient was still holding. A check on 2 different places shows 98 and 101 ..... down from a cook temp ambient of 225-230F at noon when I took everything off. Is that a fairly normal cool-down rate (15 degrees F or so per hour)???? Just wondering. Thanks in advance for other's experience and Merry Christmas to all.

 

[indaswamp]

I assume you forgot the "." and mean 8.25 hours because after 825 hours it will have cooled to ambient temp. for sure.

 

[michaelt1959]

I assume you forgot the "." and mean 8.25 hours because after 825 hours it will have cooled to ambient temp. for sure.

Yes ... 8.25 hours. I noticed my error late last evening. Just wondering how quickly other pits drop ambient temp when not being fed fuel, etc.

 

[gmc2003]

I choke down my WSM and it cools relatively quickly. It would probably be dependent on what was left for unburnt fuel and how big the coal bed was. On my kettle when I use the Vortex(just charcoal briquettes) it can take a few hours to completely cool down. I usually let it go overnight before moving it back into the garage.

Chris

 

[tropics]

You do not have a location! If it is real cold it would cool down faster
Richie

 

[michaelt1959]

Hi Ritchi .. good point. Apologies - I am 60 mile north of Houston, Texas. It was high 60's when I quit feeding it, and high 50's after the 8.25 hours. No rain, no wind .... calm condition. Note: I did not shut down the intakes, etc. Hope that helps ....

 

[michaelt1959]

I choke down my WSM and it cools relatively quickly. It would probably be dependent on what was left for unburnt fuel and how big the coal bed was. On my kettle when I use the Vortex(just charcoal briquettes) it can take a few hours to completely cool down. I usually let it go overnight before moving it back into the garage.

Chris

Hey Chris ... good feedback. Thank you. I was a little surprised on my end to still be running @ some 44% of desired ambient cooking temp. Just wondering what others experience .....

 

[michaelt1959]

Hey Chris ... good feedback. Thank you. I was a little surprised on my end to still be running @ some 44% of desired ambient cooking temp. Just wondering what others experience .....

FYI ... coal bed what no longer red-hot, and Hickory was essentially burnt.

 

[gmc2003]

The coal bed doesn't necessarily have to be red hot to still be active. Ashed over wood or briquettes can stay hot for a while. I once had a bonfire that I thought was extinguished for a few hours only to find out when I gave it a last hose down it started smoking and sizzling.

Chris

 

[tropics]

Hi Ritchi .. good point. Apologies - I am 60 mile north of Houston, Texas. It was high 60's when I quit feeding it, and high 50's after the 8.25 hours. No rain, no wind .... calm condition. Note: I did not shut down the intakes, etc. Hope that helps ....

Mike that sounds about right I just shut my rotisserie and all the vents temp dropping fast 34 outside with a breeze
Richie
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