Temp probe location

[vayank5150]

I have a Master Forge vertical charcoal smoker with a single three hole (Weber) vent I installed in the lid.  I noticed Saturday that with my temp probe inserted into a potato sitting on the grate in the general vicinity of the vent, my temp readings were 60-70 deg f lower than if I placed the potato on the grate on the opposite side of the vent location in the lid.  Have any of you all seen this?  What is the proper location for the temperature probe in a scenario like this?  Thanks in advance.

 

[chef jimmyj]

The proper location is next to your meat. If you plan to load more than one rack, take some time to learn the hot and cold spots then move the meat around accordingly for even cooking...JJ

 

[pgsmoker64]

The proper location is next to your meat. If you plan to load more than one rack, take some time to learn the hot and cold spots then move the meat around accordingly for even cooking...JJ

Excactly what Jimmy said!!!

You and I talked a little about this the other day Mike - learning your smoker.  This is part of it - determining the location of your hotspots.  You have the Maverick ET-732 so you should be able to figure this out fairly quickly.

As always,

call if you need some help.

Bill

 

[vayank5150]

You guys gotta remember the $69.00 POS smoker I am dealing with here...

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• vayank5150
• Feb 11, 2013

Since the lid moves....the vent that I added on top can be anywhere!  I only asked because now I am wondering if I need to add another vent to the top to even things out?  I don't mean to upset anyone with the numerous questions, and I truly appreciate all of the hints, tips and advice (oh yeah, and 911 calls taken by Bill).

 

[chef jimmyj]

You can ask all the questions you wish, that's why we are here. In your situation your best bet is to place the probe by the meat. If you are using 2 shelves try to get the probe somewhere between. Unfortunately the best you can hope for is a range of temps as you will be fighting the thing the whole time, adding or removing coals to maintain the desired temp...JJ