Temp control

[Toolshed]

I am new to the forum, so I'm sure this topic has been bounced around quite a bit already. I have read about tuning plates, water pans,etc., in regards to getting an even heat over the cooking grates. I curious to hear what others have figured
out as to a resolution to this problem

 

[JckDanls 07]

First... Welcome to the forums... Drop by roll call and introduce yourself to the community...

Second... You will get better intel if we knew what you are using to want to get even heat across the grates...

 

[Colin1230]

Good morning Toolshed, welcome to SMF, glad you joined us.
What cha cookin on?

 

[Toolshed]

Good morning Toolshed, welcome to SMF, glad you joined us.
What cha cookin on?

Sorry, I neglected to mention that I have a Oklahoma Joe's offset smoker. I'm trying to figure out the best way to get even heat across the cooking grates inside the smoker. I hate to keep opening the smoker and moving the meat. Any thoughts

 

[Colin1230]

Sorry for the slow reply @Toolshed, life keeps getting in my way.
I have never owned an offset smoker so I am of very little help but that is a very popular smoker and there are more than a few around here. It might not hurt to start a new thread with that specific question. It may get more responses. Be disruptive of your setup and what it's doing. In the mean time, make sure your thermometers are accurate. Multiple probes in the protein and on the grate are the way to go. But the big thing is this, don't stress over temperature! Get your cooker hot and the food will be done when it's done. I know that sounds kinda lame but it is so true. Oh, and again, welcome to the forum.

Edit:
I think you are on the right track playing around with baffles and water pans. Have fun doing so.

 

[smokerjim]

Never used a Oklahoma joe but I used to use a cheaper offset, my experience is it's just hard to get a even heat you might be able to get them a little closer with some of the things you mentioned, I just figured out where the cold and hotspots were and worked with it. Maybe some of the more experienced people will be around.

 

[larroyo101]

Welcome from Calif

 

[Compulsive Smoker]

Never used a Oklahoma joe but I used to use a cheaper offset, my experience is it's just hard to get a even heat you might be able to get them a little closer with some of the things you mentioned, I just figured out where the cold and hotspots were and worked with it. Maybe some of the more experienced people will be around.

Welcome from PA! I have an Oklahoma Joe's Highlands offset and it's like @smokerjim said, I just work with the hot/cold spots. I personally feel that with a lower end smoker like I have it's worth doing a whole bunch of upgrades...maybe someday when I get something a little higher up...