Hi-Temp from Charcole Grate Mod

[Guest]

I have been using my smoker for about a year with fantastic results. The temp has been as consistant as an oven in the 220 - 250 range regardless of the charcole lighting method, all lit at once or the minion (the minion just takes a little longer). Until.....last week I used the second charcole grate to keep the brunt down charcole from falling into the ashes. I had a smaller cut of beef to cook, so I decuded to check the temp B4 I put on the meat. I used the wireless rig monitering the top cooking grate. The temp went to 350 - 360 and stayed there for 1.5 hr. All lower ports closed. I even closed the top vent for a while. There was some air leakage where the probe cable passed between the top and the body of the cooker. I had cool water in the dish. This is Houston, TX in July, so the ambient temp was 90 and climbing. Any thoughts???

 

[Guest]

Bill,
Could be that the second grate you used, prevented the ash from falling away, and actually acting as an insulater. I typically design my grills with a "Pull Stick" that allows for the removal of burnt ashes, they can choke air flow, or hold heat, depending on the rate of burn/ grille style/ or what is being cooked,..and amount of Charcoal is very important. You should not have such strong variances of Temp. Once you learn how your grille works. My only, and bewildered advice; keep grilling/ Smoking/ and BBQ
ing,...You wont be the first Cowboy to burn some meat,..It Happens!
Good Luck, Hombre
King Bee