Hey guys...
I`ll be happy to address some questions about the new design. I'm completely excited about the new upgrades that we implemented.
The stack does have a drain hole at the bottom. Just like our M36 smaller stack which could allow a lot of rain in if left outside, the drain hole at the bottom prevents the water from entering the cooker. We also have a stack cap that can be placed on top of the stack to completely shut off any entry when the cooker is not in use. Our current M1 grills covers fit the new design as well, so we do recommend keeping a grill cover on when not in use which will also help.
Besides the stack, the biggest change was fully insulating the firebox. Instead of just going with the thin 409 stainless steel walls as before, I completely redesigned the firebox out of 10 gauge steel which is surrounded with thermal insulation within the 10 gauge body. This did add some more weight, but it's well worth it. Keeps the heat off of the firebox area on the body, protecting the finish. Also, the insulation keeps the M1 even more consistent than before. The firebox door redesign is great since you can now completely unbolt and replace if ever needed. We design the grills that you should never have to, BUT if for some crazy reason you ever did... you can easily change out the part. We also added the addition of a 1-3/8" hole directly under the firebox basket in case you wanted to add a Guru or any other type of fan control system. There is a cap that is removable if you choose to not use a device like this.
The new lid flange design keeps moisture from dripping down the body as well which is very nice AND we have changed paint manufactures since I was never very happy with our last manufacturer. After testing a TON of different paint manufactures, we went with a different company and so far we are very happy with the results! Definitely an improvement.
At the end of the day, we were able to make all of these adjustments and keep our price the same.
I just got back from The Shed BBQ Steak Throwdown in Mississippi where I had the new M1 and M16's on display and people were blown away with the updates.
To answer this comment...
"I like the changes. I wish they would make one more change - adding a full width drop down door on the front of the grill so you can easily add more fuel when grilling with the charcoal grate."
- I have been asked this many times from people, but I choose not to add any additional drawers, doors, or anything else of that nature on the M1 to keep it completely sealed up. Once you start adding stuff like this, you risk chance of air leakage which will definitely hinder the smoking performance. The supplied Grate Lifting Tools do make it easy to add more charcoal for long grilling sessions. I have lifted up my cooking grates with food still on them when adding more charcoal. I can grill for hours with one small load of charcoal, but for those all day grilling sessions for large groups... the Grate Tools are very handy for that.
Thanks again guys!