top vent

[doug gillis]

I read somewhere that you don't ever want to close the top vent on dome so I've always left it open besides for a thermometer stuck through part of it and just adjusted bottom 3 vents to help regulate temps. Is this correct? By the way, my 1st smoker didn't even have bottom vents-only a top. Also another possibly stupid question but what is a "fattie"?

 

[Larry D.]

I always keep the top vent fully open, and I think just about everyone does.

Here is a brief explanation of what a fattie is. Variations may include rolling the sausage out, putting some favorite ingredients (cheese, mushrooms, peppers, etc.) in the middle, and rerolling it before cooking.

 

[Jeff E.]

I agree with Larry about the top vent.

Detailed information about temperature control is here.

 

[Brandon A]

I haved closed my top vent on a few occasions when I cant get my temps down. Usually only for a few minutes at a time though, never for more then 10.

Brandon

 

[doug gillis]

wow- a fatty sounds swell and I love the jimmy deans- thanks, will give it a try very soon.

 

[Scott T (Odirom)]

I keep the top vent open until I hit temp then I close it to 1/2 or 1/3. But I also use a BBQ Guru. (Automatic Temp control. A fan that forces air through the cooker.)

If you are not using something like that, then yes, keep that vent open. (unless you are drastically attempting to lower the temp or choke the fire.)