Thermometer Probe Placement & Refueling Techniques


 
J

Jimmy Charles

New member
Hey Guys,

New WSM owner here. Great site, I've been reading a lot of good stuff and figured I'd join the ranks.
icon_biggrin.gif


Anyways, I'd like to hear a some opinions on a few things.

1. I purchased a Maverick RediChek Remote Wireless Smoker Thermometer based on some reviews on this site. It has a meat probe as well as a environment/"smokehouse" probe. My question is, is it OK to just place the smokehouse probe directly on one of the grates to measure the general temp? Any better place?

Also, for testing purposes, is it ok to do the boil / ice water test for this probe as well?

2. When needing to refuel, what methods do you suggest? Do you refuel exclusively through the door? Or do you take the lid and middle compartment off and load that way?

I can't wait to get started! I forsee a lot of use coming out of my WSM.
icon_smile.gif


Thanks -
 
Welcome Jimmy!

Do not place the probe directly on the grate; use a probe clip to hold it above the grate or stick it through a small potato (so the end of the probe emerges) and put the potato on the grate. You want the probe off the grate, not in direct contact with the metal. Don't place the probe too close to the meat nor too close to the edge of the grate. Frankly, when I use a remote I just dangle it through a vent hole and work off that temp. Easy and quick.

For testing purposes, yes.

It'd best to use enough fuel so that you don't have to add. At the times when I've midsjudged I add through the door. Others prefer to remove the middle. See this thread.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">... Also, for testing purposes, is it ok to do the boil / ice water test for this probe as well?... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Welcome! The folks here are very friendly and helpful.

As Kevin says, it is fine to do this for testing purposes... the probes can certainly take the heat and cold. I would just add: be careful and do not let water get inside the probe. You only need the tip submerged in the water so don't overdo it; boiling water has a way of splashing... Yeah, I ruined a probe testing it in boiling water.
icon_frown.gif
Now I use an elaborate setup that includes all manner of clothespins, binder clips and other rigging to suspend the probe securely above the boiling water.

Also, you might need to protect the probe wire from the heat coming off of the burner. I just make a foil heat-shield below the wire as it comes away from the pot. Not sure if this is necessary, but I don't want to replace yet another probe!

Tom
 
Thanks you guys for the tips. I'll look around for a clip, sounds like the probe dangle is the way to go. I'll use a clothes pin or something to hold it through one on the holes in the top vent.

Tom, that's quite a setup you have going on there just for testing. This is serious!!
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Tony C.:
jimmy, your maverik didn't come with a grate clip? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

OK, cool, I ordered it from Amazon and it should arrive this Monday. Didn't know it came with a clip. Sweet Beans. Thanks for the heads up.
icon_smile.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

 

Back
Top