First long smoke on my Mini-SJG Smoker

[Tim (the grillaholic)]

It was time to try a long smoke on the mini, so I decided to smoke a Boston Butt. ( after some hints left by my wife!) I fired up 9 briquetes in the charcoal ring about 0245 this morning. at about 0300 i placed 'em on top of a pretty full bottom (stubbs briquetes) mixed with some (small) pecan chunks and a handful of apple chips. By 0315, the mini was at 225, and by 0335, it had settled out at 234. I layed back down and checked the temp again at 0630...241! (steady as a rock!) I took my sons to school (around 8ish) and returned home by 0845...244!
At 0915, I checked the charcoal and was very pleased to see that after over 6 hours at smoking temps, there wasstill enough coal to last (IMO) another 2/3 hours. I had to leave around 10ish and would be gone for at laest 2 hours so I went ahead and added some more Stubbs. Well, it is now 12:25 and I returned home to find the mini chugging right along at 244!! I have read the posts that say how easy this thing is to dial in, but had never tried it myself. All I can say is "WOW"! I am posting pics of the smoke in the photo gallery forum for all to see.
I can't thank all that have posted tips, suggestions, and answers to all the many questions on this topic, You all have helped this novice make one fine smoker!!

(Chris, I know 2 postings of the same topic on multiple threads is frowned upon, my reasoning behind the 2 seperate threads is to post the pics in the photo forum, and all the facts (for those interested in making a mini-SJG smoker) in this forum.
Tim
mini-

 

[Justin W]

It's crazy how great the temp control is with these homemade smokers, isn't it? It's like they were made to stay in "smoking temperature ranges."

Can't wait to see pictures.

 

[Tim (the grillaholic)]

Justin, I just pulled the butt off the mini, and again, the temp was 242. Ihonestly believe that had I put just a few more briquetes in the bottom at the start, it would have easily lasted the entire 10 hours! I am uploading the pics as we speak, the pulled pork pic will have to wait unti later, as it just got tucked in for a 2 hour nap!! Even when I added the extra charcoal to it and the temp spiked, (it jumped to 285) it was back down to 250 within 12-15 minutes!
One word, UNBELIEVABLE!

I,m postingvthe pics now in the photo forum.
Thanks,
Tim

 

[Wolgast]

The more i read about this one the more i crave one! Great post Tim and good looking pics.

When my fater in law turned 50 we gave him a Cobb

They are all around europe with the Travel trailer(motor home). And this "Cobb" is cool to toutch and can be used on a plastic table.(often used in boats) I dident have any of my webers @ that time. When he turned 53 we got him a 22" platinum. At home he only grills on the platinum,but on trips the cobb is a great unit. We cooked a beef tenderloin using 7 briquetes. And we fed 4 ppl with that loin.

I think this mod makes an even better unit. And the total cost is lower.

 

[Tim (the grillaholic)]

Wolgast, Thank you for the kind words. The Cobb seems like a well designed grill. I really like the "cool to the touch" feature.
My mini smoker continues to amaze/impress me. After I got home from my sons bball game last night, I went to clean the ashes from the bottom of the mini, and this is what I found..

The little thing is so air tight, that after I (pulled the butt off and) closed the side vents, it extinguished itself rather than continuing to burn! For about a $60.00 investment, I really couldn't ask for anything more! Are there any places in your corner of the world where a tomale' pot is available?
If so, I highly recomend trying this out.
Good Luck, and thanks again.
Tim

 

[RodneyS]

I just started a chicken on the Mini-SJG Smoker.

I made a few additions to it first. I am now using a "Paula Dean" 9" stoneware pie dish for my diffuser. It says that it is oven safe to 500 degrees. I 2x wrapped in HD foil and hope it lasts.

I finally added the second grate. It is 4" below the rim,the first sits right on the steamer indention. I am using a Weber 7440 charcoal grate for the second grate.the first sets right on the indention.

Last, but not least, I added a thermometer this week. It is a charbroil grill thermometer from Home Depot.

I am real happy with this thing. It is efficient, easy to handle, easy to clean, and fun. Tomorrow I am hoping to do some ribs, and the "pizza fattie" that is waiting in the fridge.