El Cheapo Wind Break


 
R

Rob Pelick

New member
Hello everyone,
First off, let me say how much I appreciate what I've learned from this forum and the tips and modifications I've been able to adapt to my trusty old ECB that I've been using for over 20 years (you read that right - best 25 dollars I've ever spent, LOL). I'm pleased to report that she now runs at 240° for hours with hardly any oversight required on my part.
In the same spirit, I wanted to show how I deal with using my smoker on cold windy days. I don't remember where I found this idea, but it's cheap, easy to construct and works well.
Basically, it's just some 20" aluminum flashing joined at the ends with a few pop rivets. Its got enough space between the walls to not interfere with airflow yet protects the firebox from direct wind. I use bricks to keep it in place.
It's rather flimsy, but on cold days it really makes a difference.
Let me know what you WSM guys think.
Best regards,
Rob
 

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I had a POS meco once.....I used cardboard box. Went thru charcoal fast
My dad had brinkman......similar

The wsm is night and day difference by comparison......needs no windbreak...
Threw it out in trash as soon as got wsm.....not even worthy of use at camp
 
MartinB said:
I had a POS meco once.....I used cardboard box. Went thru charcoal fast
My dad had brinkman......similar

The wsm is night and day difference by comparison......needs no windbreak...
Threw it out in trash as soon as got wsm.....not even worthy of use at camp
Click to expand...
I had a brinkman years ago and it was a POS.

I’ve been smoking on an 18” wsm for about 20 years and 22” for about nine years. Both are stock with no mods. They both turn out excellent Q.

Where in Florida are you located?
 
RJ Humphrey said:
I had a brinkman years ago and it was a POS.

I’ve been smoking on an 18” wsm for about 20 years and 22” for about nine years. Both are stock with no mods. They both turn out excellent Q.

Where in Florida are you located?
Click to expand...
I live in Gainesville. North Central Florida - land of the hardy and adventurous.
I am well aware of the shortcomings of the Brinkman; however, I've taken good care of it over the years and it still puts out amazing BBQ. Plus, I like a challenge. LOL
Having said that I would love to get a WSM or something else someday. I posted my pics because I've seen people using a windbreak with the WSM and I thought it might be helpful to someone.
 
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Rob Pelick said:
I live in Gainesville. North Central Florida - land of the hardy and adventurous.
I am well aware of the shortcomings of the Brinkman; however, I've takan good care of it over the years and it still puts out amazing BBQ. Plus, I like a challenge. LOL
Having said that I would love to get a WSM or something else someday. I posted my pics because I've seen people using a windbreak with the WSM and I thought it might be helpful to someone.
Click to expand...
I’m about 14 miles west of Gainesville.

I have a spare 18” WSM if your interested in upgrading. It’s just sitting in the shed.
 
Something has gone sideways, I’m not getting a second image to load! I’m not liking 2021 a lot yet!
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OK, there it is.
Just because sometimes the wind can be a little strong, I mounted a cleat on the riser behind the screen and can simply lash that in place if I need to. I’ve used it a it three times so far and it has been a big help in stabilizing temperature on long cooks. It might be time to do a butt next weekend! First smoke of 2021!
 
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Rich G said:
Hey, Rob, sounds like you are getting the best out of your ECB!! I like the windbreak, and flimsy is exactly my construction style! :)

Thanks for sharing!

R
Click to expand...
Thanks for the kind words, Rich.
Like I said, it's not a stock unit anymore. The door is sealed w/high temp RTV and I've installed a rope gasket to fill the large gaps between the lid and body. The firebox is vented and there's now a grate for the coals to sit on. A new Big Green Egg thermometer (they can be calibrated) and adjustable exhaust vent on top complete the mods. I picked up many of these ideas from sites like this and guys like you who know what works.
Using the minion method I can now smoke for hours at a time @ 240-250 degrees and I'm pretty happy with the results. 😊
 
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