PDA

View Full Version : First smoke on the smokin pro - w/PRON


mn_big_dog
06-18-2011, 01:02 AM
So.....was cruzin craigslist the last couple weeks looking for a good deal on a smoker. Came across a Char-Griller Smokin Pro, new in the box. They guy wanted $100, but I got it for $85 and he threw in a full bag of lump charcoal. Now, I know it's not the best smoker, but for the price, I think it was a great buy.

I have been following BBQ-Brethren for awhile now, and have seen a few mods for it, so I did a few of them right out of the gate.......

1. Picked up some 3" Dryer vent to extend the exhaust pipe down to grill level.

2. Used JB Weld to seal up whatever I could...around the exhaust, extra holes, etc.

3. Flipped the charcoal tray in the cooking area upside down to act as a "tuning plate".

4. My neighbor is welding me up a firebox out of expanded steel to replace the crap grate in the sidebox.

Going to do a whole chicken, ribs and some ABT's tomorrow. Figured I'd season it up with a couple fattys tonight. Both plain except for some Demon Pig rub. One Maple, one spicy. Turned out great, and the kids inhaled them. Used lump charcoal and hickory. Was able to keep it at 250 on the side closest to the firebox, and 225 on the far side. (Had two oven thermo's inside)

Quick question......I am going to install 2 grate-level thermometers in the front, which ones are most people using? I'm willing to pay a few extra dollars for something accurate.

Here's some pics.......

http://azillionplaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Picture-004_sm.jpg

http://azillionplaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Picture-001_sm.jpg

http://azillionplaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Picture-005_sm.jpg

http://azillionplaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Picture-006_sm.jpg


I'll post some pics of tomorrow night supper, should be good.
Thanks to everyone here for the knowledge I've gained over the last year or so.

Dave
MN_BIG_DOG

Callahan-que
06-18-2011, 01:12 AM
Looks like you got a great deal, $85 brand new with a side fire box. Your off to a good start on the mods.

I haven't gotten around to installing grate level thermometers on mine yet. I've been using digital remotes for now.

JMSetzler
06-18-2011, 01:15 AM
Definitely a good deal... I have a friend with this smoker and he hasn't done any mods on it to seal it up or anything and he really loves it and makes some great Q on it..

RevZiLLa
06-18-2011, 01:40 AM
High yield mods right there

SmokinAussie
06-18-2011, 01:58 AM
Looks lke your research has come in real handy! A great score!

Cheers!

Bill

smokeyokie
06-18-2011, 02:51 AM
Oh no! now youve done it!!! your gonna get hooked..... Oh well wecome anyway and Smoke on Brother!!:thumb:

Shinka
06-18-2011, 04:17 AM
This is the unit that started it all for me. I still uncover it and use it once in awhile. Mine is still original. I never added any mods. Once you learn how to manage the fire, you can actually get top notch Que on this.

Enjoy!

DLR
06-18-2011, 06:08 AM
I had one of those for about 4 rys. and they can make some darn good Q,they do take a little baby sitting but you can still catch a nap during an all nighter. As far as the therms go most seem to like the tel-tru (http://www.teltru.com/s-43-barbecue.aspx) . Have fun with the new toy. By the way when you flipped the charcoal grate you didn't just set it on the bottom of the cook chamber did you,I've read of some doing this. Oh yeh,great farkin deal on the cost,can't beat that except for free.

harley76
06-18-2011, 10:26 AM
Buy your new toy, a new toy. I have an old chargriller that has produced some great Q over the years. It does take a little tending but I kinda like fool'n with it, however on really long cooks I do like a little nap, so I tried the IQ-110 on it...it worked great! Set it at 225 and go get some sleep :-D I guess buying a $100 toy for a $85 toy may be a little hard to do, but I think it is worth it!

CPMatthew
06-18-2011, 01:07 PM
I have been using one of these for about 7 years now, but haven't done any mods. I am curious about step 3. What do you mean by "flipping" the charcoal tray? Just turn it over and set it on the bottom or do you need to put some spacers under it to offset it somehow? Thanks.

Untraceable
06-18-2011, 01:10 PM
I used and abused mine for 6 years before I picked up a wsm. Thinking about getting new grates and a new therm for her. nightmare to keep temps. I have to turn it depending on the wind ect. Made some great stuff on it. seemed like I turned out the best babybacks with it.

mn_big_dog
06-18-2011, 01:19 PM
DLR - I have it hanging on the highest setting.

harley76.....even with the IQ-110 added, I would only be at regular retail of the smoker alone...now to convince the wife :)

mn_big_dog
06-18-2011, 01:20 PM
CPMatthew - Yeah, flipped it upside down, and have it hanging on the original hangers at their highest level.