Tried out the new mini on Saturday. I have to say I am very surprised at how well it cooks. Did ribs, less than a whole rack St. Louis cut spares. Set the temp at 235 just below the grate which is 250-260 at the top vent. Held steady as a rock once the temp settled. Used a 9' foiled cake pan for water pan, which didn't please the wife all that much. I have a 12" stainless cake pan on the way, just couldn't wait. Also didn't have the charcoal ring yet. Have a stainless cake pan with no bottom on the way for that.
I put 3 vent dampers in the bottom section. Used the small ones from 18"wsm. Bottom vent in the Smokey Joe is no problem, even without covering it. Just left it closed. Drilled two 1/4" holes in tamale pot above grate level for temp and food probes. I used 1/8" brass pipe nipples for grommets.
Total cost of build may hit $120 with the pans, etc. For someone that doesn't need big capacity, or something just for fun, I don't think you can beat one of these little smokers. Don't know who originally came up with the idea and all the stuff, but great job!
I put 3 vent dampers in the bottom section. Used the small ones from 18"wsm. Bottom vent in the Smokey Joe is no problem, even without covering it. Just left it closed. Drilled two 1/4" holes in tamale pot above grate level for temp and food probes. I used 1/8" brass pipe nipples for grommets.
Total cost of build may hit $120 with the pans, etc. For someone that doesn't need big capacity, or something just for fun, I don't think you can beat one of these little smokers. Don't know who originally came up with the idea and all the stuff, but great job!
