Mini - being built -few questions before start

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smokinadam

Smoking Fanatic
Original poster
Aug 31, 2013
739
127
Appleton,WI
Been reading a lot of posts on here and have few questions for you mini professionals
1. I have the smokey joe silver vent on bottom. In reading state use a terrace cotta clay saucer. I bought one. Where does this go on the bottom compared to the charcoal basket? Lip side up or down?
2. See lots of mods with ball valves on the outside of the bowl. I'm assuming this is for better ventilation? Are the necessary? If so 1/2 or 3/4?
3. Thermometer on the kettle... I plan on using a grill one that has wing nut on back incase i ever want remove for electric probe. Do you run high heat silicone around the outside to ensure there's no air/heat lose?

Starting the build Wednesday after work and hope to have done same night. Will be posting photos of the completed product.

Thanks
Adam
 
#1. I don't know, I have a gold joe.

#2 Ball valves only needed on the silver.

#3. I didn't and don't have any problems.
 
I have a silver and I can tell you that ball valves aren't really necessary... just use the dog dish deal for a vent cover ... "FOR ME".. I don't like the valves sticking way out the sides.. want to keep mine slim and compact... I've never had a problem with getting up to temps ...
 
Adam, I use a SJ Silver and my diffuser when I use it sits on the steamer rack in the bottom of the pot. I use a 10 inch terracotta saucer when I want to keep my temps below 300° and for higher temps, I use an 8 inch saucer. Keep in mind that the diffuser also works as a heat sink which helps in recovering your cooking temp.

I haven't seen a need to drill holes in the side of mine yet, but if I do I'll be using ceramic magnets to cover the holes.
 
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I've found that in my neck of the woods having the side vents were a must in order to get the higher temps. When I go to the beach I can just use the lower vent to get higher temps. Try it with out that's what I did. Then I added one vent, still wasn't happy then I added the second and was happy. I used 3/4" ball valves. I still use an ash deflector to keep ash from clogging the lower vent.

A charcoal basket Is a must in my opinion and its pretty easy to wire one together using the charcoal grate that comes with the silver, expanded metal  and rebar ties.




 
No saucer or pot for me.  I know some say it's for a heat sink etc...but i think it works better simple.   The steamer that comes in the pot is all i use.   In Winter time or wind i just put a reflectix sleeve around it...there are threads on that too. 
 
 
No saucer or pot for me.  I know some say it's for a heat sink etc...but i think it works better simple.   The steamer that comes in the pot is all i use.   In Winter time or wind i just put a reflectix sleeve around it...there are threads on that too. 
Same here no need for a heat sink and I love how well it holds temps.  I have smoked a Butt, wings, Thighs, Pastrami, boneless beef ribs and everything has been awesome.
 
Who needs a paint job?



Cooks just fine
I think the paint jobs helps them cook hotter. ;)    I get another 50* just by having a ND painted on mine. However a PSU painted on would take heat away so you're better off staying as is.  
pot.gif
 
 
Lol I do need to make my basket for the charcoal though...
I'll add some of the motion W to represent my great state!
 
I think the paint jobs helps them cook hotter. ;)    I get another 50* just by having a ND painted on mine. However a PSU painted on would take heat away so you're better off staying as is.  :pot:  
yeah well some bucky will make it heat up perfect!
 
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