Hi, I want to start using my ECB again...been a few years. Have not used it because... "I did not trust it". Basically temps, fire control. I've read and seen a lot of the mod's. Replace the thermometer, bottom vents on the fire pan, add top vents. They all make good sense. But I'm a little strapped for time. I'm hosting an 80th b-day party soon and thinking of doing a butt. So I'm trying to decide what's the best I can get done soon that's easy and effective.
So I have a couple Q's.
1 replace the thermometer, a no brainer.
Q. Most suggest the 6" probe type. Any opinions on the reliability of the smaller 1/2 probe or so, "they" sell ? Easy to install. Drill a hole and attach with a nut. No glue or anything to secure. Or should I really get the 6" probe?
2 add some vent holes in the fire pan.
I don't know if I'll have time to add a "damper" but some holes would probably help and drill them to plan for the damper later.
Q Should I drill without a damper in the fire pan ?
3 This one I'm really stumped on. The top vent.
Q should I really try to get this done? After reading I still don't fully understand the benefits of a top vent. I know air has to flow I guess but I don't know the "science of smoking".
Q Is there such a thing as "old" smoke"? Does that cause potential for creosote buildup ? Or is the top vent more for "keeping the fire lit ?
Previously the smoke just leaked "some" around the top cover.
Thanks a lot, I hope this is where to post this Q. Just joined 1st post.
Mark
So I have a couple Q's.
1 replace the thermometer, a no brainer.
Q. Most suggest the 6" probe type. Any opinions on the reliability of the smaller 1/2 probe or so, "they" sell ? Easy to install. Drill a hole and attach with a nut. No glue or anything to secure. Or should I really get the 6" probe?
2 add some vent holes in the fire pan.
I don't know if I'll have time to add a "damper" but some holes would probably help and drill them to plan for the damper later.
Q Should I drill without a damper in the fire pan ?
3 This one I'm really stumped on. The top vent.
Q should I really try to get this done? After reading I still don't fully understand the benefits of a top vent. I know air has to flow I guess but I don't know the "science of smoking".
Q Is there such a thing as "old" smoke"? Does that cause potential for creosote buildup ? Or is the top vent more for "keeping the fire lit ?
Previously the smoke just leaked "some" around the top cover.
Thanks a lot, I hope this is where to post this Q. Just joined 1st post.
Mark