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Jim, I let the stoker bring the temp up. I recommend you only light 5 or 6 coals and place them close to the fan. The fan will then light up enough of the coals until the target temp is reached. I usually set a lower target temp, wait for the stoker to reach it and then put the meat in (and...

Thanks Dwight, guess it will give me an excuse to take the new Dremel tool I've had for 6 months out of the box. Benny

Just received the Stoker grommet package. It came with 2 collars with allen set screws, 2 washers and 2 copper tubes with one flared end. I installed using the flared end on the outside (against the WSM washer)and pushed the collar (and package washer)against the grate holder before tightening...

Hi All, I just bought an 18" WSM last weekend and have yet to cook with it. Regarding the clay pots, has anyone tried to put a smaller pot under the larger pot thus having even more of a heat sink? Just curious. Thanks, Benny

Thanks Dwight, I'll try Rock's first because he personally helped me with Stoker issues at a contest last year. I have also been able to get product in a timely fashion. If needed, he sends things to contests with a team from his area. I will keep an open mind and switch grommets if I'm not...

Hi All, Just bought a WSM but have been using a Stoker for a couple of years now on a Ranch Kettle. Regarding the grommets from Rocks, how many probes fit through each grommet? Does anyone use more than two grommets? Finally, is the regular wire length acceptable or are longer lengths...

Amir, Thanks for the explaination on watts/amps relationship. I'm not too technical so that was very helpful. I will try the socket out next time. There is a gauge to see one's current draw in watts on the Powerpack which showed "0" throughout the cooking session. So, assuming the guage is...

I'll have to run a test with the van. It has both a cigarette light and an accessory socket. The manual for the Powerpack is not clear about using the battery via the plugs except for charging while the engine is on. The manual is clear about using the jumper cables and a battery to run the...

Pat, Thanks for the info. I was tempted to hook the battery from my van to the Powerpack but decided to see just how many hours I could get. Next time, I will add some flourescent lights during part of the cook. Benny

Pat, Instead of drilling a new hole, why not mount the fan using the existing vent holes and cover those that are still showing with foil? Benny

I promised to post results of my first use of the Powerpack to run the Stoker. I cooked for 12 hours with Stoker and 10cfm fan receiving power from the Powerpack 600. At the end of the cook, the Powerpack indicated 30% was remaining. It certainly is an effective way to guarantee an...

Larry and Ken, Thanks for your advice. The 10 day forcast is now calling for rain so I'm going to build a portable shelter of PVC pipes and plastic sheeting. I will cover my RK and OTS along with the hardware. I did contact John at RocksBBQ who said fog should not be a problem. Benny

Steve, I have been told it will go for about 15 hours with a Stoker, fan, and two flourescent lamps. I bought it for this competition when we were told no electricity was available. I'm one of those "why practice when you can play" kind of guys, so this will be the first time. I'll post back...

Hi All, I am planning to compete next weekend in a contest close to the ocean (L.A./Orange County). This time of year, fog rolls in quite a number of miles. I am wondering how much moisture will the Stoker take, if any? My plan is to place a cardboard box over the Stoker and another box over...

Hi Matt, I installed 3" thermometers on my OTS (2 of them)by drilling a 3/8" hole about 3" inches from the rim of the lid, opposite the vent holes. If you do this, you must start with a very small drill bit and make gradually larger holes so as to not crack the coating of the lid. This gives...

Hi All, Well, I competed at the largest ever BBQ contest in CA last weekend. There were 52 teams. Here are some of the pics. The small ones were taken from other competitors posts so I don't know how to make them larger. http://s338.photobucket.com/albums/n437/badauto/Viejas%202008/ I took...

Well, I smoked all four meats today. See link to photos http://s338.photobucket.com/albums/n437/badauto/Four%20meats%20in%20RK/ My ribs were very poor. I used a 3-2-1 method but filled the foil pouches with a large quantity of apple juice. That caused them to fall apart. I also made two huge...

John, Thanks for sharing your thoughts. The butt and brisket I did was cooked at about 300, with foiling (apple juice added)as each reached 160. I also use a Stoker for air circulation with 3 fire bricks holding a load of coal. The results were pretty good. My next try will be with the...

Hi Paul, Yes, I tend to agree about having enough space. I have only done a brisket and butt together. There appeared to be plenty of room for a couple of slabs of ribs (in a rib rack)and chicken thighs. I guess what I should do is go buy some meat and see for myself. I'll post photos...

Gary, Thanks for the link, I may try one or more to see how everything fits. Bill, I am a new owner of a RK. My goal is to cook all four meats in it at KCBS/IBCA contests. I saw the Smokenator ad with the upper grill for the 22-1/2" kettles and thought about doing it with the RK. While I do...