Post First Smoke Newbie Questions/Observations

[Bill Meredith]

As I wrote in a previous thread, I was quite pleased with how the WSM performed. I do have some noob questions though:

1) I noticed while cleaning the smokeer today that at the bottom of the door where they cut the tabs, there is a tiny gap at each corner - about 1/4" X 1/24". Not big by any means but it does allow air in. I know these are not supposed to be air-tight but has anyone else noticed this and have they done any mods to correct it - hi heat silicone strip, foil the rim of the opening? Does the Cajun SS door fit tighter?

2) I am simply amazed at how much coal is left! it looks like it's hardly been burned. The amount of ash left was very, very little! KUDOS to Stubbs!! Now I wish I didn't buy 160lbs of Blue K!! LOL. My question is, what does everyone do with their leftover coal - just leave it in the smoker or do you have storage bins/cans?

3) Anybody know where I can get large (6 - 8") U-bolts in order to make handles for the charcoal grate? HD around here doesn't seem to carry them. Ace? Auto Parts?

Clean up I have discovered is actually quite easy without foiling the water pan as it fits in my dishwasher, as do the racks.

KEEP ON SMOKIN'!

 

[Paul H]

Bill, I keep my leftover charcoal for my next cook. If it's a short one I'll use it and dump new charcoal on top. If it's a long cook I'll put all new stuff in the ring and use the left over in my chimney starter.

 

[Mike Hartwell]

Bill, I have wired the charcoal ring to the grate. This allows me to pick it up as a unit and give it a couple of good shakes.
Ready for the next smoke.

 

[Lew Newby]

I got my square U bolts at Ace. You'll also need 2 nuts and 2 fender washers for each U bolt. Like many others I got the info from the WSM mods forum and added the handles and wired the ring to the grate. It works great.

 

[Bill Meredith]

Thanks all! I'll head to Ace tomorrow for the hardware. I got my fingers into the grate just outside the ring and shook it gently to get the ash off. Yes the fire was out! lol!!

Smoking a fattie and 3 lbs of italian sausage now using the same fuel as yesterday. At about 200 degrees measured at the grate, I shut down 2 of the vents and kept the other open at about 25%. It hit 225 and stayed there without any problem!

Using only the top grate today and the temp difference between the grate and the hood is only 5 degrees or so. Those eyelets make using a probe thermometer a breeze!

I'm simply loving this smoker! The next set of mods will definitely include handles. As I read here, I'll probably order some Ranch handles and drill.