Thermometer for Weber Smokey Joe 14" ?

[Smoker4x4]

I'm thinking of buying a Weber Smokey Joe charcoal 14" inch but it has no thermometer. I'd like to smoke briskets and other food on it and I'd like to know the ambient temperature of the inside of the Weber. What do you guys recommend as an affordable option for temperature monitoring?

 

[Colin1230]

Just my experience the 14" Smokey Joe is not the right tool for low and slow cooking. The grate is too close to the coals and it's just not big enough. The 14" WSM or better yet, a 22" kettle would be better choices for smoking. Don't get me wrong, the Smokey Joe is a great little grill. I use mine for burgers, dogs and the occasional steak.
Here is a low cost thermometer that will serve you well.

https://www.amazon.com/ThermoPro-Wireless-Digital-Cooking-Thermometer/dp/B01GE77QT0/ref=sr_1_26?crid=3NTRAVJSZVD13&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RmJ7mhJnHY0UMZ5OZmPNtVr6R2WMb5eg0QRbHbaThUBDa8GHkQCI6sGRKLdsmQFANolU2SsPa335GFkW0jeBKI6fJ_pCWApwA1pcJ5a3IYtCWetZsC01zzQ-WydTe9cNnwrvbWYU7nGyiy9YPHO2l4CdZbCoU5A1ldLfruyEhkoBP-Azj82s0gTuAMSVbUe0l6BeIOITEzenc5g2XQIeFXzisj4NltTqlr4KW0RHPVmv8NDIJpjEb3z0D82r7XvKgaMfs4U8JYboHymUofEc0y1rt-yy4aGWE7mmkmGpYjM.8U35fOJNsddsGuqbhS4L2RG0f_Qs2_7xAKYpsLEOtlc&dib_tag=se&keywords=bbq%2Bthermometer&qid=1752850483&sprefix=Bbq%2Bther%2Caps%2C221&sr=8-26&th=1

Hope this is helpful.

 

[BigW.]

^100% correct. You need a bigger tool for the job. I'll add a 26" Kettle into the conversation also. That would be my first pick for most versatile all around tool.

 

[SherryT]

I have the 14" Smokey Joe. I initially bought it for "small smokes", but Colin and BigW are correct...it's simply too small and the rack too close to the coals. Perhaps someone with FAR more experience can pull it off, but I couldn't make it work.

It's GREAT as a small grill, though! I have successfully banked a few coals to one side and used my small smoke tube to get some smoke on a steak or a couple of chops.

 

[Smoker4x4]

If I were to try to smoke a smaller brisket point cut on the 14" Weber Smokey Joe, what would happen? Would I burn it and try it out?

 

[BigW.]

If I were to try to smoke a smaller brisket point cut on the 14" Weber Smokey Joe, what would happen? Would I burn it and try it out?

Yes it would burn. It would be a very small brisket to even fit. You would probably only have a couple lit charcoals or it would be way too hot. Look at the manual for smokey joe. It rec starting with 10-12 coals. That is for hot grilling. There is room for 4-5 burgers, couple steaks but that is about it.

 

[Filipino-Boy]

Yes it would burn. It would be a very small brisket to even fit. You would probably only have a couple lit charcoals or it would be way too hot. Look at the manual for smokey joe. It rec starting with 10-12 coals. That is for hot grilling. There is room for 4-5 burgers, couple steaks but that is about it.

You can make a smoker out of the Smokey Joe by putting a pot on top of the grill scroll down in the forum to mini Weber Smokey mountain smoker they give ideas on how to build