A
AA Flyer
Guest
I would love a website for Akorn owners. I do not have mine yet but will purchase as soon as I can.
Here's my new CG Akorn in it's new home. (Yeah, I had a lot of parts left over after assembly)
Is everyone using lump? Wondering if lower temp could be achieved with charcoal instead. I find lump burns a little hotter than charcoal.
If there is enough interest in this group of owners to do this, I'd be happy to create a blog where everyone could post their cooks, experiences, and photographs.
The 225° Test - Failure but I still think it's possible...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvZ05bsnxLM
If there is enough interest in this group of owners to do this, I'd be happy to create a blog where everyone could post their cooks, experiences, and photographs.
I agree with Ross. If the coals extinguish after shutting down the vents, then it's airtight. Mine is airtight with no mods and I'll bet everyone else's CG Akorn is also so the trick to low temps is fuel type, fuel amount and precise air vent control.H
I would try it again, but with a Royal Oak or another premium charcoal. Also, I have even heard from some seasoned GreEn Egg enthusiasts that doing cooks at 225 and below can be a challenge. I would make sure you take out the fire box, clean out the bottom real well. Use only brand new coals for this cook. Layer the lump so the larger pieces are on the bottom and smaller on top. I have achieved getting my kamado down to that temp, but I have also failed a number of times as well, sometimes it has a mind of its own and wants to settle around 270 or so.
Also, one way to determine if your cooker is leaking air. Fill your fire box up fairly full, cook a steak, or something else that will be fairly quick and hot. Then, when you are done, shut down all the vents. If the fire goes out and you have a good amount of coals left over in the morning, your cooker is air tight. Otherwise, you will open up a big old pot of ashes the next morning.
I agree with Ross. If the coals extinguish after shutting down the vents, then it's airtight. Mine is airtight with no mods and I'll bet everyone else's CG Akorn is also so the trick to low temps is fuel type, fuel amount and precise air vent control.
Most grills will snuff out the charcoal when all the vents are closed even if they have a small air leak. My Weber kettle will even do that and I know it is not air tight. You have a point where there is not enough oxygen to sustain a burn even though there is some.
JM, I see that you (and maybe some others as well) sealed the removable ash pan. I guess you plan to clean out the cooker from the top side from now on? Have you, or do you have plans to use some type of ash pan? I would be interested to know whay your thoughts are on that. I have not purchased the CGK yet but I plan to do so.