wcberner
MemberGot rid of the matchlight.
Love my Highland!
The Highland has been a great smoker to learn on - frustrating as hell sometimes but it’s made me a much better cook (with smoke at least). I highly recommend a baffle/tuning plate (I stay between 5-15 degrees across my smoker). If you get a baffle, you’ll have to run the door and smokestack wide open since the baffle blocks airflow and a clean fire should be your number one priority. I also sealed the firebox but everything burned off after a couple of hot fires. I installed clamps on the cook chamber door but didn’t need them with the sealant (and I never use the clamps). I wouldn’t stress over making it airtight - the metal is thin you’ll lose way more heat from the surfaces of the smoker. Oh and keep the cooker as close to level as possible (pointed slightly down so it’ll drain) to help the airflow.
I’d also recommend getting a temp probe insert (Weber makes one that has worked well for me) and if you go with the baffle plate, some pans for water to put on top. Finally, I started stacking two of the charcoal grates in the fire box to decrease the gap size to hold ash and it works really well!
Happy smoking!
The Highland has been a great smoker to learn on - frustrating as hell sometimes but it’s made me a much better cook (with smoke at least). I highly recommend a baffle/tuning plate (I stay between 5-15 degrees across my smoker). If you get a baffle, you’ll have to run the door and smokestack wide open since the baffle blocks airflow and a clean fire should be your number one priority. I also sealed the firebox but everything burned off after a couple of hot fires. I installed clamps on the cook chamber door but didn’t need them with the sealant (and I never use the clamps). I wouldn’t stress over making it airtight - the metal is thin you’ll lose way more heat from the surfaces of the smoker. Oh and keep the cooker as close to level as possible (pointed slightly down so it’ll drain) to help the airflow.
I’d also recommend getting a temp probe insert (Weber makes one that has worked well for me) and if you go with the baffle plate, some pans for water to put on top. Finally, I started stacking two of the charcoal grates in the fire box to decrease the gap size to hold ash and it works really well!
Happy smoking!
