Insulating Smoker

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smokin monkey

Master of the Pit
Original poster
OTBS Member
SMF Premier Member
Oct 27, 2013
2,357
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Sutton In Ashfield, UK
Not sure if this has been posted before, but has anybody insulated the bottom of a Pellet Smoker?

I have a GMG JB, looking at doing the Downdraft mod, then thought why not insulate the bottom using Vermiculite mixed with cement at a ratio of 5 to 1, read it's good for lining pizza ovens etc and is 90% lighter than a standard concrete mix.

Interested in everyone's opinion.

Smokin Monkey [emoji]133660013031[/emoji]
 
I picked up a tip on Pelletheads.com about using fullers earth (floor dry) to act as a heat sink and insulate the bottom of the chamber.  I put 20# in my Rec Tec last week and I believe it makes a difference in terms of helping achieve stable temps and quicker recovery after opening the lid.  I just suck the ash up off the top with my shop vac.  Some of the fullers earth gets sucked up as well, but no big deal.  Should last for up to 6 months before needing changing out.
 
Not sure if this has been posted before, but has anybody insulated the bottom of a Pellet Smoker?


I have a GMG JB, looking at doing the Downdraft mod, then thought why not insulate the bottom using Vermiculite mixed with cement at a ratio of 5 to 1, read it's good for lining pizza ovens etc and is 90% lighter than a standard concrete mix.


Interested in everyone's opinion.


Smokin Monkey [emoji]133660013031[/emoji]

I don't know anything about the material you're describing, but many pellet cooker owners insulate their pits with fitted covers/jackets sold by the manufacturer...and others just use a welding blanket or some such. I'd say if that Vermiculite is safe for use in food prep its probably OK to give it a try. Don't know if your JB is still under warranty, but you might want to check with GMG or your dealer to make sure that kind of mod won't void your grill's warranty.

If you give this a try, be sure to let us know how it works...

Red
 
I have a GMG DB and have tried a variety of means in the bottom of the body from fire bricks to sand. None made a difference in pellet use or grate temp stability. I have their insulated winter cover which make a huge difference during colder months (WI here). I;'ve never used the downdraft mod but have used something a bit different, and cheape, that gave me greater stability in grate temps from left to right. Give it a try for a few bucks, you'll be impressed! A piece of aluminum dryer vent tube takes the hottes, right side air coming up from below the drp[ p[an and moves it to the left to exit the stack.





 
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