No drill temp gauge replacement?


 
P

PCMancini

TVWBB Member
Hi all, is there a no-drill upgrade temp gauge replacement for the WSM? Looking for a new one but not interested in drilling for now. My WSM is an 18" if that matters.
Thanks in advance,
Paul
 
Last edited:
Hi Paul,

have you seen the the pages Chris has compiled?

It might be covered here ( linking to the "upgrade" anchor) :

www.virtualweberbullet.com

Installing A Thermometer - The Virtual Weber Bullet

Detailed instructions for drilling a hole and installing a thermometer in the Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker. Several examples of installations are shown.
www.virtualweberbullet.com www.virtualweberbullet.com

or here:

www.virtualweberbullet.com

More Thermometer Installations - The Virtual Weber Bullet

More thermometer installations by Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker owners. Examples include in the lid, middle cooking section, and access door.
www.virtualweberbullet.com www.virtualweberbullet.com
 
I got the Tel-Tru BQ225 Barbecue Thermometer, 2 inch Aluminum dial, 2.5 inch stem.

Works good, sits on top of the original gauge holder. Not sure if I needed the install kit, but I'd get it if you end getting a TelTru.
PXL_20211113_150949454.jpg
 
I also installed a Tel-Tru BQ225 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008BLD6EM/?tag=tvwb-20 ) as Chris A. suggested in his article listed by DanHoo above, and that MichaelLC & GaryP also installed. As Chris had suggested, I added a 1/4"-20 hex nut on the back of the thermometer on its stem threads to prevent damage to the thermometer when it is tightened against the lid and existing bezel. In my opinion, the BQ225 nearly looks factory without any extra drilling, and is much more accurate than the stock thermometer. One note, the BQ225 that I bought did not have the "Smoke", "Barbecue", or "Grill" labels, but I don't miss those labels, as I am more interested in the actual temperature. P.S. I even added a BQ225 to my old Weber Kettle as well, using an extra WSM bezel, but I had to drill two holes for that install since my Kettle didn't come equiped with a thermometer.
 
I'll add that there are apparently at least two different Tel-Tru BQ225 thermometers, a "Tel-Tru BQ225 Barbecue Thermometer, 2 inch Aluminum dial, 2.5 inch stem, 100/500°F" (https://www.amazon.com/Tel-Tru-BQ225-Barbecue-Thermometer-Aluminum/dp/B008BLD5KC/?tag=tvwb-20 ) and a slightly wider range "Tel-Tru BQ225 Barbecue Pit Thermometer, 2 inch dial and 2-1/2 inch stem, 50/550 F" (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008BLD6EM/?tag=tvwb-20 ) that I purchased. The differences between these two thermometers appears to be the temperature range (100 F - 500 F) versus (50F - 550F) as well as the labels.
 
A lot of people get nervous about drilling a hole into a kettle or a WSM. To me, that is the fun part, the mods! Once you lose your virginity, there is no looking back! I ditched the bezel on my WSM 22 & opted to drill & attach this Tel Tru, so much better then the stock thermometer.IMG_4284.jpg
 
I'm ready to drill into my original 22" keetle. Looking for exact hole location (opposite from vent?) How far from bottom of the lid?
 
Don't worry about drilling into your smoker there's so much grease it it's not like a grill. The smokers not going to rust because you drilled through it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

 

Back
Top