Greg Powers
TVWBB Super Fan
My Hunsaker Vortex basket was delivered Tuesday: Wednesday evening I put it in my 18" WSM (yes it will now fit the 18") for a trial run. With one bottom vent and the top vent at 50% it was reading 335° at the top grate per my Maverick. I closed them down to just a sliver and it settled in at 245°. Before going to bed I closed the vents and by morning the fire was out and I had most of my charcoal (Kingsford Professional) left.
Last night I tried it in the 22" WSM. The Vortex basket sits really low in the cooker and I was concerned that it wouldn't draw as it was mostly below the bottom vents, but it did just fine. Again it liked the 335° temp with the vents half open. I ended up closing all the bottom vents and with the top vent about 1/3 open it was running 275° which is what my goal is. Before going to bed I closed the vents, but when I went to check for leftover coals this morning the WSM was still warm. It was still setting at 140°! I found this very interesting as that is cold smoking temps. It also told me I need to get a gasket kit to be able to take full advantage of the set up.
I have a brisket that I'll cook tomorrow, will update then.
Last night I tried it in the 22" WSM. The Vortex basket sits really low in the cooker and I was concerned that it wouldn't draw as it was mostly below the bottom vents, but it did just fine. Again it liked the 335° temp with the vents half open. I ended up closing all the bottom vents and with the top vent about 1/3 open it was running 275° which is what my goal is. Before going to bed I closed the vents, but when I went to check for leftover coals this morning the WSM was still warm. It was still setting at 140°! I found this very interesting as that is cold smoking temps. It also told me I need to get a gasket kit to be able to take full advantage of the set up.
I have a brisket that I'll cook tomorrow, will update then.