Leaky Damper?

[Brian Johnson]

I'm about halfway through the second cook on my 18.5" WSM (SLC ribs if you're curious) and I noticed that the dampers on the bottom have that smoky/greasy/orange-ish brown-ish liquid dripping from them. I've seen this kind of moisture around the top vent of my OTG when doing a long indirect cook w/a water pan, but I did not see such a leakage the during my first cook. Just wanted to know from more experienced users if this was normal.

Thanks!

 

[James H]

Yes, it's normal. It's a combo of smoke, grease, and maybe some condensation running down the side of your cooker. This happens primarily when the smoke is relatively new. After a few smokes the inside of your smoker will season with gunk and you will notice that this will diminsh. For now, just make sure that it won't drip on anything you value or just put something under the smoker.

Congrats on the second smoke! LEt us know how it goes.

James

 

[Brian Johnson]

Thanks James. That makes me feel a little better. Like I said, I knew exactly what I was looking at when I saw it, but the fact that I didn't see it on my first cook caught me off guard. Though since my first cook was a single pork shoulder and this time I did four racks of SLC ribs (needless to say my little 18 incher was packed), I suppose it makes sense that there was a lot more grease and condensation.

I was a little sad at first that the WSM was so packed because I didn't have enough room for the rib tips. But I just fired up the 22" OTG for the tips, didn't get a pic though, once again having more than one Weber saved the day!

They turned out pretty good. Not my best, but I'm still learning the new cooker. I think I learned a few things about smoking ribs, and had a tasty dinner (and plenty of left overs). All in all, I'd say it was a good day!

 

[James H]

I would say you are a quick learner. Looks very tasty!