This is my first post. I've been lurking here for about 2 weeks (sometimes till 3am, much to the alarm of my fiance), and have absorbed ALOT of info on a number of topics. Don't yet own a WSM, but there is one in my near future for sure.
After reading alot of posts, I've become convinced that despite how damn cool those tel-trus in the lids look, an analog therm. through the grate strap bolt/guru eyelet is the one for me. Doug D is a big proponent and i like his reasoning...why not know the actual grate temp, and not have to drill? Also, read more than just a couple of different posters here who have complained that their 2.5" inch teltrus through the lid read LOWER than the top grill for some reason. Even if this evens out over the length of the cook, I don't need to worry about whether a 200 degree reading at the lid is reliable or not if that is my only reading from which I'm trying to get an initial stable temp.
SO...here is the question. Those of us who want to go through the side with no drilling are somewhat limited in thermometer choice because we need a thermometer with a stem diameter of less than .220"...this leaves most to the inexpensive 'candy/fryer' type therms or the weber replacement therm.
Now don't get me wrong, I think the weber replacement therm is a great option...it wears out, just get a new one. But I would love the best of all worlds and be able to use a more 'professional' looking 3" dial therm like those great looking tel-trus with the specialized bbq dials. Those all have 1/2" npt threads, however, and the stems are likely too big...
Have you super resourceful 'through the middle' temp takers come up with any unique quality thermometer options? Or perhaps some as yet unpublished way to mount a therm with npt threading here in a way that looks cool and still no drilling? Would love to see some pictures.
Question - how close is the top grate stap hole to the top of the middle section? From the pictures of the unit, it looks like a 3" dial might even be too big, hitting where the enamal juts out just at the top of the middle section...
Finally (thanks for enduring the long post), thanks to all you folks out in TVWBB land! You are among the most devoted, ingenious and generous groups out there on the interwebs, and it's been a pleasure lurking. I can't wait to purchase this puppy and start smokin'...
After reading alot of posts, I've become convinced that despite how damn cool those tel-trus in the lids look, an analog therm. through the grate strap bolt/guru eyelet is the one for me. Doug D is a big proponent and i like his reasoning...why not know the actual grate temp, and not have to drill? Also, read more than just a couple of different posters here who have complained that their 2.5" inch teltrus through the lid read LOWER than the top grill for some reason. Even if this evens out over the length of the cook, I don't need to worry about whether a 200 degree reading at the lid is reliable or not if that is my only reading from which I'm trying to get an initial stable temp.
SO...here is the question. Those of us who want to go through the side with no drilling are somewhat limited in thermometer choice because we need a thermometer with a stem diameter of less than .220"...this leaves most to the inexpensive 'candy/fryer' type therms or the weber replacement therm.
Now don't get me wrong, I think the weber replacement therm is a great option...it wears out, just get a new one. But I would love the best of all worlds and be able to use a more 'professional' looking 3" dial therm like those great looking tel-trus with the specialized bbq dials. Those all have 1/2" npt threads, however, and the stems are likely too big...
Have you super resourceful 'through the middle' temp takers come up with any unique quality thermometer options? Or perhaps some as yet unpublished way to mount a therm with npt threading here in a way that looks cool and still no drilling? Would love to see some pictures.
Question - how close is the top grate stap hole to the top of the middle section? From the pictures of the unit, it looks like a 3" dial might even be too big, hitting where the enamal juts out just at the top of the middle section...
Finally (thanks for enduring the long post), thanks to all you folks out in TVWBB land! You are among the most devoted, ingenious and generous groups out there on the interwebs, and it's been a pleasure lurking. I can't wait to purchase this puppy and start smokin'...