Smoking meats or WWII history... Here I am.

[thrca]

I read somewhere that once you are in that mid-life phase as a dad, you either learn to smoke meat, or go crazy learning WWII history. I am not a huge WWII history fan, and I LOVE smoked foods, so here I am.
I am Jim, from Fremont, Michigan; 45 years old; always clicks the tongs at least 3 times; wife likes my meat (usually steak or pulled pork).

About 6-months ago, my dear wife got me a Camp Chef Smoke Vault 24, which I promptly converted to NG to utilize the NG service on my back deck. I have smoked a fair amount of pork butts with amazing results. Ribs have been good (still improving), and Brisket has been a bit elusive to me so far (although one I did came out well).

Currently, I am working on some upgrades to the smoke vault to improve it's reliability, including a ThermoPro TP27 with 4 probes through the top vent (2 for monitoring the smoker, 2 for meats) or may dedicate my existing 2-probe TP27 to monitoring the smoker and use the 4-probe for meats. This summer, the unit is getting a Smoke Daddy Big Kahuna added to use for additional smoke and for cold-smoking stuff like cheese.

I have read that several folks modify the vents and burners, and am currently searching the SMF threads for information to decide what items make the most sense.

 

[chef k-dude]

Welcome thrca! At some point others will likely chime in to welcome you as well.

You may need to be more specific, but I'm not an expert here, especially on smoker modifications.

What modifications do you think you need? That's where I'm not getting the question, or are you just looking wide ope for any and all modification threads?

You gave your model and an addition you plan to add so that may help narrow down the question for the experts here. The link it looks like you attempted to do, doesn't do anything for me.

Did you find the search at the top right of the page? It doesn't always bring the results I'm looking for but it may for you.

 

[BigW.]

Welcome! At least this is a tasty hobby to be involved in. Have you tried a tube or tray in you Smoke Vault burning pellets or dust? May be an easier mod that paying $150 for a smoke generator. Cold smoking is easy and can be done in almost any container.

 

[thrca]

Welcome thrca! At some point others will likely chime in to welcome you as well.

You may need to be more specific, but I'm not an expert here, especially on smoker modifications.

What modifications do you think you need? That's where I'm not getting the question, or are you just looking wide ope for any and all modification threads?

You gave your model and an addition you plan to add so that may help narrow down the question for the experts here. The link it looks like you attempted to do, doesn't do anything for me.

Did you find the search at the top right of the page? It doesn't always bring the results I'm looking for but it may for you.

Mostly looking for recommendations of mods (and why) for Smoke Vault 24. What I have seen suggested so far:

1. Removing the inside tabs on the vents, presumably to allow them to open or close more than the default, for better temp control?
2. Replacing the stock door handle (because it kind of sucks?)
3. Adding some type of fire-strip door seal to help seal the front door.
4. Adding panels on the legs to help protect the burner from gusty wind.
5. Replacing the factory thermometer on the door (with what, I do not know yet)
6. Improvments to the chip tray so it stops burning up all the chunks/chips super fast (not sure what the options here are yet...)

 

[thrca]

Welcome! At least this is a tasty hobby to be involved in. Have you tried a tube or tray in you Smoke Vault burning pellets or dust? May be an easier mod that paying $150 for a smoke generator. Cold smoking is easy and can be done in almost any container.

I have not tried this, but will look into it. I initially liked the idea of adding that Smoke Daddy because A) I like the name and aesthetic, and B) more smoke during hot smokes?

 

[normanaj]

Hello from RI.

 

[JLeonard]

Yeah I've always had a interest in WWII. Still do. But, I am now in love with smoking meat. Dare I say....Obsessed?
Welcome to the forums from Mississippi. Look forward to more of your posts and pics. We like show and tell around here.

Jim

 

[mr_whipple]

Welcome from Virginia. I'm a transplanted Michigan native.

 

[thrca]

Some pictures of things since getting this smoker...

 

[SmokinEdge]

Welcome from Colorado.

 

[thrca]

Today's experiment...

jalapeno, cream cheese, cheddar, Lil Smokies, crescent rolls.

 

[912smoker]

Welcome to SMF from SE GA and looks like a feast for today!

Keith

 

[JLinza]

Welcome, from Colorado.

 

[mike243]

Welcome, leave the tabs alone on the vents, you can make a bomb by cutting the air off.

 

[forktender]

There appears to be PLENTY of smoke it those pics, I rarely see smoke coming out of my smokers, it is almost invisible. Thin blue smoke is what you're after, not white clouds.

Welcome to the forum, there are some really cool people on this forum, which is the only reason I stick around. If you have any question ask away, and someone will help you if you want to learn, you picked the right place.

Dan.

 

[Winterrider]

Welcome from ND
Agree with the try of a smoke tube before generator. I would pass on door thermometer and use a calibrated digital. You can monitor temps from inside or whatever. I did use some light tin around the base of my old propane. Really did help when gusty winds.
1/8" lava lock around door if leaks that much. Good luck, and post em up !

 

[OldSmoke]

Welcome!

I have a Masterbuilt propane cabinet similar to yours and have made many of modifications you mentioned. Windskirt, wheels, vents, smoke generator, PID controller, and a convection fan. Plus a few more! It’s an affliction. I think I need help.

It is a very controllable, repeatable, and consistent performer. The TP25 has been a good unit for me. I added a silicone gasket to run the probes through.