OTG Vent Usage

[Tim L.]

Good day-

I just got a OTG and have used it maybe 1/2 dozen times so far. Love it. Unfortunately I love it a bit too much and my WSM is starting to feel neglected.

Anyhow, can someone give me some guidance on using the vents? It's simple on the WSM because you can see them. Easy to set to 25% 25% 25% or whatever percentage you want. But with the OTG, you can't see at all because of the ash catcher. And as you know, the vents aren't the same.

How do you handle this? Is the OTG inherently less easy to control temp because of this?

Thanks!

 

[George Curtis]

you can look in the bowl to see the opening and mark the outside of the ring to what you see.
full, 3/4, 1/2, etc.

 

[timothy]

Tim.
Get yourself a sharpie and mark out 1/4 1/2 3/4 points on the ash catcher ring in relation to where the sweeper handle is.
Its easy to do with the cooking and charcoal grate removed. Just look down and take an estimate.

Tim

 

[Mac]

Tim,
Here is a visual for you. Marks from left to right are Closed, 1/4, 1/2, and full open.

 

[Pat Smith]

I open the bottom vents all the way and use the top vent to control the heat. Before anybody lambasts me - it works for me. And this is grillin' not smoking. I do like the sharpie marking the charcoal holder ring, though.

Pat

 

[Tim L.]

PERFECT!!!! Thanks for the excellent idea! I will most definitely do this when I get home or cook next.

Thanks!!!

 

[Mike Durso]

Pat Smith has it right. that's the easiest way.

 

[TroyRedington]

i usually use the top vent as well, however I DID mark the ring using some blue paint (same color as my performer)