Best way to control temps


 
fred nevill

fred nevill

TVWBB Member
Howdy all, I am sure this has been asked numerous times but when I do a search I am not quite getting the answers I am looking for so I thought I would just post it as a question.

I currently have an 18 WSM that I have only used twice and I know there is a learning curve compared to my other cookers so I am trying to get it figured out before my 22 comes in.

My question is this, what is the best way to control the temps? Is it better to adjust the top vent and leave the bottoms set at a certain position? and if so how much open?

Or would I be better off leaving the top vent alone unless i am losing control of the temps, and if I do leave it alone should it be wide open or in what position and about where should the bottom vents be for about 250*.

Right now I am using water in the foiled water pan. Once I get the swing of things I want to try different but right now my questions are mainly for use with water.

I know that there are no exacts so I am looking for a good starting point. I live quite a ways from where I can get charcoal and with gasoline as high as it is I want to "waste" as little fuel as possible both for my truck and for my cooker while I learn.


Thanks for all the help.
 
fred, it's best to always leave ur exhaust 100% open, using the 3 bottom vent's is easy to control temp's. Less creosote build up with exhaust fully open, gd luck.
 
top vent wide open, bottom vents a third open should keep her around 225. adjust bottom vents from there. More open they are hotter shell burn. good luck
 
Fred, top open all the way, bottom open based on temp. HOWEVER, if yo have the bottom vents closed all the way and the temps are too high, close the top 50% until temps come down then open top all the way. Best to start your bottom vent control 25-50 degrees before your target temp. It is much easier to bring temps up than to bring them down. I
usually close one bottom vent all the way and adjust temps with the other 2. A lot f times only leaving them open 10% or so. There is no magic formula, you gotta set the vents based on you fuel, air temp, wind etc.

Mark
 
gasoline??????
icon_eek.gif
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mike Durso:
gasoline??????
icon_eek.gif
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Don't you start your WSM with a little gas too?
icon_wink.gif
 
I think Fred meant that gas is so pricey, he doesn't want to use it driving around picking up charcoal all the time...I hope...
 
I'd say that you should look in the cooking forum. If you go by the vent settings there you should be able to manage your temps.
What everyone says here is true, however you shouldn't have to worry about it if you catch the temp on the way up. Also, if you are trying to use less fuel. Read up on the minion method. If you assemble the cooker after every thing is well lit you might have more heat issues and use more fuel.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

 

Back
Top