Test run so far is looking good.
Condition of test:
Chargriller King-Griller (
Akorn/Kamado), condition new.
The unit has had all the applicable sealing modifications recommended by others. One exception, the top vent was not sealed at the base; the current design uses an O-Ring which seals well.
The unit also has the optional "Smoking Stone" which is 5/8 inch thick.
Top top vent is open enough for the temperature probes to pass through the "half-moon" at the bottom of the vent slits. The bottom of the flat part of the slits are about 1/16th inch open.
The Griller was loaded with lump "B & B" lump charcoal in the classical cone pattern. The top center coals were heated with a blowtorch for 60 seconds and the lid closed.
The IQ damper is set to a "2", this makes overshoot more likely, but reduces the chance of the charcoal going out from oxygen starve when an overshoot occurs.
The IQ was set to 175 degrees and started. Initial (worst) overshoot was 8 degrees.
The IQ was then set to 200 degrees. Initial (worst) overshoot was 10 degrees.
The IQ was then set to 225 degrees. Initial (worst) overshoot was 13 degrees.
I am going to leave it at this setting for a few hours to make sure the fire does not go out (as others have experienced), or I don't have any greater temperature swings.
John I Que,
I have a serious code upgrade suggestion for you. There needs to be an option to select "insulated" or "high-efficiency" on the stoker. When selected, it reduces the stoking rate at Pit Set Temp minus 35 (or settable) degrees (instead of the 25 degrees mine works at). It needs to do a bit more taper on the air delivery when you are at Pit Set Temp minus 10 (or settable) degrees. This will make people who have well-insulated/efficient smokers (such as Kamado style) experience less overshoot.
There needs to be an opposite setting for "Low Efficiency" smokers (such as some offset smokers). It does not reduce the stoking rate until you are within 10 (or settable) degrees, this way, they do not wait as long for their smoker to get up to temperature. Both of these options could be achieved by a "taper at" setting; when the temperature hits "Pit Set Temp" minus "taper at" value, the fan reduces it's rate to get the last few degrees at a lower stoke rate (rather than the fixed 25 degrees mine does).
Another great option would be the "Max Stoke" option, where it sets a hard limit on maximum fan speed the unit uses to raise the temperature. This would also help some users from over-stoking and ending up with a huge overshoot.
I use the IQ on my mini-
WSM,
WSM, Kamado Kooker and soon, a modified Kingsford grill.