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Ambient Temperature


 
S

Steven Simpkins

TVWBB Member
As a new WSM owner I did not fully comprehend the importance of outside temperature. I live in Florida and where I have my smoker is in direct sunlight. I am using a clay saucer and was wondering why I was having trouble keeping the temperature low. With the temperature in the 90's and in direct sunlight I now realize even with the bottom vents almost closed why the temperature was high.

Steve
 
Very true. I too cook in Fla in direct sunlight. (Soon to cook a couple rib racks this a.m.) Most of my cooks I target 300-350? so it's fairly easy for me to hit temp targets. I use an empty foiled waterpan for all these cooks. On the occasion I cook something at a lower temp --bacon, say, or butts-- I use water.
 
I was surprised at that effect too.... I can watch my remote grate temp thermometer and actually tell when the sun hits mine on the deck. Makes you wonder how those guys up north are affected with their cooler temps.
 
The "guys" are affected for sure--especially the many of us who que all winter--but the WSM chugs along just great, 'cept you generally use a bit more fuel keeping temps up.
 
I am in Houston, and have all the vents basically closed to keep it in the 250ish range in the summer. I do have mine under some shade, but I always run an empty water pan.
 
Yeah, I cook in th esun also and often I will take the cover off and the thermo will read 150+ and I haven't even put any K in yet. Kinda makes me wonder if I could do cold smoking via solar.

Russ
 
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