where to place temp probe?


 
M

Mike Provencher

TVWBB Member
Hi all,

I've been smoking a 5.25 pot roast ala stoogie using the minion method as per the instructions, but after several hours, the highest sustained temp I was getting was 237. The temp probe was insterted through one of the top cover vents. I moved the probe to under the foil pan, which is on the top rack, and the temp is what I expected. My question.... Is it okay to measure the top grate temp by laying the temp probe under the foil pan that holds the pot roast?

Thanks for all and any advice!

Mike
 
I usually measure grate (NOT lid) temps by sticking the probe thru a wine cork and putting it on the grate - the cork goes on the grate, the probe is about half an inch above the grate.

If you only drink beer, you can stick the probe thru a small potato.
 
I appreciate the info. I think I've figured out why the temps at the grate and top of dome are so different this time when making the pot roast... the pan that the pot roast is in is much larger and deeper than I usually use. Perhaps the hot air is being forced up and over the side of the foil pan, therefore the lower temp reading at the dome.

From now on, I plan on using the cork or potato method to measure temp at the grate.

Thanks again.
 
Mike,I haven't measured temps at the grates in along time. It really doesn't matter. I prefer measuring temps at the lid. Consistancy is the key. Keep your temps within a certain range and you should have success either way.
 
Mike, I agree with Paul, don't chase temps, if you keep your lid/dome temp in the 240-250º range consistently you'll be right where you want to be at the top grate.

Overtime, during lengthy cooks, you will find that the top grate and lid temps tend to equalize anyway. Enjoy the journey and don't get too excited about exact temperatures at the cooking grate.

Happy Thanksgiving!
 
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