smokin smitty
Well-known member
Just got one from Lowes. Anything I need to know before the first cook?
For the price it is a great deal. I have a Oval XL and spent bigs bucks. When you can get a unit with the stand, side tables and the cover for $699.99 how can you go wrong.I would take it back before you use it and go get a BGE or Primo.
For the price it is a great deal. I have a Oval XL and spent bigs bucks. When you can get a unit with the stand, side tables and the cover for $699.99 how can you go wrong.
If you would like, send me a PM and I may be able to help you out if you still need parts.Ok so if it was my fault fine. I tried to BUY $$$ a replacement top and hinge. No dice they would not sell me replacement parts.
I have a Cypress, and have used it 50-60 times with no issues. As stated in a previous post, make sure the door on the bottom is sealed tight. as for the grates, the new models grate can be flipped and another grate added on top. Overall its not a BGE then again, its half the price.
Ceramics are easy enough to use, and it will do fine right out of the box, but it will get better and better as it gets well seasoned.
Spray the inside with Pam and run your cooker without food for a few hours while you get use to temperature control. Start with the air intake open about 1/4" Close the big flap and open the small hole all the way on the top vent. See where the temperature settles in and adjust from there up and down until you are confident in your ability to hit your target and hold it.
Use lump charcoal, not briquettes or you'll get too much ash. If this is your first ceramic you will be amazed at how efficient it will cook and how little fuel you'll use. Good luck and have fun with it!
kengland,
Remove the top, and use a high temp silicone caulk around the inside. It will seal the top to the ceramic, preventing the leakage. Also, make sure your vent bolt is tight and somewhat difficult to move. Do not use JB Weld, as it may produce harmful gasses that will permeate your food.
Remove and seal the bottom draft door also, as you are probably getting to much air movement through the smoker. I use lump, and get a 20-24 hour burn out of a 15# bag.
Finally, you need indirect heat in a smoker, so a water pan used with or without liquid provides that. I use apple juice sometimes, or another fruit liquid, if I want. But a little water helps to keep the meat moist.
My only gripe with my cypress, is the thermometer is way off. I use a DigiQ and have seen the temp vary by as much as 50 degrees. I would recommend using one for any smoker, their not cheap, but to spend 18 hours on a cook and find out the hard way that the thermometer is no longer working properly will ruin your day.
Good luck.
kengland,
Remove the top, and use a high temp silicone caulk around the inside. It will seal the top to the ceramic, preventing the leakage. Also, make sure your vent bolt is tight and somewhat difficult to move. Do not use JB Weld, as it may produce harmful gasses that will permeate your food.
Remove and seal the bottom draft door also, as you are probably getting to much air movement through the smoker. I use lump, and get a 20-24 hour burn out of a 15# bag.
Finally, you need indirect heat in a smoker, so a water pan used with or without liquid provides that. I use apple juice sometimes, or another fruit liquid, if I want. But a little water helps to keep the meat moist.
My only gripe with my cypress, is the thermometer is way off. I use a DigiQ and have seen the temp vary by as much as 50 degrees. I would recommend using one for any smoker, their not cheap, but to spend 18 hours on a cook and find out the hard way that the thermometer is no longer working properly will ruin your day.
Good luck.