new WSM

[charcoal junkie]

Picked up a hardly used WSM today for $100. The only problem is no temp gauge. Where should I mount one or should I mount two?

[Richtee]

Picked up a hardly used WSM today for $100. The only problem is no temp gauge. Where should I mount one or should I mount two?

Why ya need one? Mounted I mean. I drop a probe thru the vent for temps and to monitor meat later in the cook.

[chefrob]

congrats.......and the only meat i temp anymore is poultry.

[Fishawn]

Congrats on the score


I have run the probe (depending on probe diameter & material) right through the lid/mid section. I used Thermoworks thermos with braided SS probes.... Rich speaks from years of experience & his technique will not have any affect on air intake IMO, plus he's a rib champion

[Fire it up]

I agree with these guys because I have no idea and their advice has never driven me wrong

Congrats on the new toy

[cowleyms]

yea dont need no stinking hood guage just run some probes. they work better at grate temp anyway not the hood

[MossyMO]

Heck of a bargain at that price, congrats!

[charcoal junkie]

I was thinking about using some SS bolts and raising my charcoal grate up higher. What does everyone think.

[Richtee]

I was thinking about using some SS bolts and raising my charcoal grate up higher. What does everyone think.

Hmm interesting.... perhaps you will get more efficient airflow to the coals. I might give that a run next I fire up the WSM.

Seems the air intaked are about in the middle of my basket. Would be more efficient nearer the bottom I figger.

[L20A]

I was thinking about using some SS bolts and raising my charcoal grate up higher. What does everyone think.

I would think that you could test it out by using some small blocks to raise it to where you think it should be, before drilling the holes. 3 or 4 small blocks should not interfere with the air flow. Hell, maybe just use blocks & don't drill holes if it works. Food for thought.

[Richtee]

I would think that you could test it out by using some small blocks to raise it to where you think it should be, before drilling the holes. 3 or 4 small blocks should not interfere with the air flow. Hell, maybe just use blocks & don't drill holes if it works. Food for thought.

I would think he'll install the bolts on the basket...not thro the smoker bottom. or, would hope so anyway...

[HawgHeaven]

I would think he'll install the bolts on the basket...not thro the smoker bottom. or, would hope so anyway...

Does he have a basket? Mine originally came with a fire grate and a ring... not sure what his setup is. I do have custom made baskets, made from expanded sheet metal. Gotta see what he's working with. Just watch out for the water pan... mighty tight down there...

[L20A]

I would think he'll install the bolts on the basket...not thro the smoker bottom. or, would hope so anyway...

Yea, that makes sense. I guess I had a "duh" moment there. LOL

[Richtee]

Does he have a basket? Mine originally came with a fire grate and a ring... not sure what his setup is. I do have custom made baskets, made from expanded sheet metal. Gotta see what he's working with. Just watch out for the water pan... mighty tight down there...

What water pan? Heat deflecting foil covered 3rd grate.

[Richtee]

Does he have a basket? Mine originally came with a fire grate and a ring... not sure what his setup is. I do have custom made baskets, made from expanded sheet metal. Gotta see what he's working with. Just watch out for the water pan... mighty tight down there...

Ahhh he did say "grate". Get a basket made up. MUCH better deal... you could use nuts/washers to raise a grate tho.

But get a basket of expanded metal.