I just bought a used WSM. The previous owner gave me a large thermometer with a 1/2" pipe thread that I planned on mounting on the lid, but he told me he just screws it directly into any of the top vents. I didn't know you could do this, but it works great. The only problem is it effectively reduces airflow through the vents by 1/3. I know people put a thermometer in a cork into one of the vents which does the same thing. How does this affect the cooker?
Thermometer blocks 1 vent hole: OK?
- Thread starter Lew
- Start date
Jim Lampe
TVWBB 1-Star Olympian
Hey Lew, you should not notice a difference using up one of the 3 top vents... I do the very same...
If you feel uncomfortable about it, simply stick the probe in one of the holes and let it hang here, semi-blocking the opening. This works fine also.
Welcome to the forum!
If you feel uncomfortable about it, simply stick the probe in one of the holes and let it hang here, semi-blocking the opening. This works fine also.
Welcome to the forum!
I think this is what Jim tha Pro Lampe is talking about:
http://img40.imageshack.us/g/img00492t.jpg/
http://img40.imageshack.us/g/img00492t.jpg/
I'm not concerned if smoking with 2 vents is OK. I prefer being able to take the lid off without dropping the thermometer. That means a permanent mount or screwing it into the vent when smoking, then unscrewing and storing for the next cook. I'm good with either but if I don't have to drill, great!
Steve Whiting
TVWBB All-Star
I use a thermometer I purchased from BBQ Guru that works well for me. The Thermo probe sticks thru a silicon cork-like plug that I insert into one of the lid vent holes. I have not had any problems using one less vent hole.
timothy
TVWBB 1-Star Olympian
Lew.
You should also be aware that the constant on and off screwing of your therm on the thin metal of a WSM lid won't last long. ( You'll eventually strip it, or wear out that one thread )
I use a cheap turkey fryer therm, with the clip inverted to catch the hole in the WSM vent.
Tim
You should also be aware that the constant on and off screwing of your therm on the thin metal of a WSM lid won't last long. ( You'll eventually strip it, or wear out that one thread )
I use a cheap turkey fryer therm, with the clip inverted to catch the hole in the WSM vent.
Tim
Just an update. I've had no trouble cooking low and slow with one top vent blocked by the thermometer. Today I put on a turkey breast and planned on cooking it at about 350. After 1.5 hours, the temps wouldn't get above 310. I took the thermometer out and temps climbed to 330 within 5 minutes (I had a digital in one of the vents also). I guess I'm going to drill a hole and mount a thermometer in the lid.
For this cook, I used 1 chimney of lit lump and half a chimney of unlit on top. I figured that would be good for a 2-3 hour cook at 325-350, and it was. I usually use the Minion Method for lower temps.
I know it doesn't make that much difference whether 2 or 3 vent holes are open, but permanently mounting the thermometer only takes about 5 minutes. I've mounted thermometers on 3 smokers and 2 kettles and haven't screwed one up yet (he says as he knocks on wood).