PDA

View Full Version : And so it begins - Mini WSM


Matt_A
08-03-2011, 10:53 PM
Got my tamale pot of the box
http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2298.png

Introduced it to the bottom of the SJ Gold.

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2302.png


And then put the hat on it.

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2304.png

More pics as I get into the build.

I was wondering if anybody has tried a bottom cut pattern like the one I'm considering below. The thought is that the circle remaining in the middle mght acct like a baffle and help reduce the center hot spot.

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/bottom_cutouts.png

Chezmatt
08-03-2011, 11:21 PM
Congrats! You're gonna love it.
I don't see why that design wouldn't work. It should give enough airflow, but may also work as a heat diffuser. And hey, if it doesn't work, you can always cut it out.

JMSetzler
08-03-2011, 11:28 PM
You can also set a water pan or another diffuser on that base design...

Matt_A
08-06-2011, 12:18 PM
Here's the next steps, got the bottom cut and the rack supports installed. Top rack is about 3 1/4" down and the lower rack is 4" below it.

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2311.JPG

I used acorn nuts on the outside ends of the rack supports, part for pretty, part for safety.

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2308.JPG

Racks in, sitting on bottom. Next step is to drill and install rack level thermometers and then build the fire basket.

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2306.JPG

gtr
08-06-2011, 12:34 PM
Nice! I just got my tamale pot yesterday - same one. If I work at my normal pace I should have my mini UDS built in the next decade or 2 :heh:.

Matt_A
08-06-2011, 01:16 PM
I found that the Vasconia pot is a bit thicker than the Imusa. Made it a bit easier to cut out the bottom. Here's a pic of the two rack level thermometers installed. I've still got to take them out again and run the boiling water test to sdee of they're somewhat accurate.

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2312.JPG

che22879
08-06-2011, 01:23 PM
Nice!

Matt_A
08-06-2011, 01:30 PM
I noticed you've got a Master Forge vertical. My next poject is to turn my MF vertical into a stick burner by bodging on a Char-Griller Side Fire Box and stripping out the gas components.

Amazon.com: Char-Griller 2424 Side Fire Box, Fits 2121, 2123, 2137: Patio, Lawn & Garden@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31GJyR36nUL.@@AMEPARAM@@31GJyR36nUL (http://www.amazon.com/Char-Griller-2424-Side-Fire-Fits/dp/B0009WRIUE)

caseydog
08-06-2011, 01:38 PM
I was wondering if anybody has tried a bottom cut pattern like the one I'm considering below. The thought is that the circle remaining in the middle mght acct like a baffle and help reduce the center hot spot.

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/bottom_cutouts.png

I actually drilled a whole bunch of holes in the bottom of mine with a 1/2-inch drill bit. Works great.

I also put an extra SJ cooking grate on the ridge that would normally hold the steamer plate on the Tamale Cooker. It is an inch or two off the bottom, and I use it to hold a drip pan.

CD

Matt_A
08-06-2011, 02:35 PM
caseydog, as soon as I can find another cooking grate I'm stealing your idea! :thumb:

FireChief
08-07-2011, 09:48 AM
That's just awesome!

cholloway
08-07-2011, 11:23 AM
This is where I'm at now. Started out with 12-14 1" holes and wasn't satisfied with temps in the pot.
I may open it up even more.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/cholloway/BBQ/pot003.jpg

Chef Jim
08-07-2011, 11:38 AM
You guys are doin real good. I just have to find a pot. Amazon wants $38 bucks and it looks like a plain metal handle. Anyone have a source? My local Wally's has nothing.

Big Kahuna
08-07-2011, 12:27 PM
Hey Chef Jim, simply order the Tamale Pot from Wal~Mart internet site, http://www.walmart.com/ip/TAMALE-SEAFOOD-STMR/13370045, select the option "site to store". Really simple and they eat the shipping. I live and Canada, ordered it on line to be shipped to the Wal~Mart store I frequent in the US and within three days I received an email saying it was ready for pick-up.
Here's the next bonus, if the pot doesn't fit your Smokey Joe, you can return it no questions asked. When I did this I took my Smokey Joe with me, I personally didn't have any problems with the fit but have seen some posts that said they did.
Hope this helps,
Big Kahuna

sbramm
08-07-2011, 12:37 PM
one thing i have found with my mini (using a silver with my two-can mod) you really should use lump to keep ash to a minimum. otherwise it really loads up the bottom.

just my .02$, YMMV

cheers,

scott

Matt_A
08-07-2011, 07:58 PM
You guys are doin real good. I just have to find a pot. Amazon wants $38 bucks and it looks like a plain metal handle. Anyone have a source? My local Wally's has nothing.

I ordered the Vasconia brand from Amazon. The picture show bare metal handles, but mine came with silicone. The Vasconia fits the Smoky Joe like a glove.

Amazon.com: Vasconia 32-Quart Aluminum Steamer with Lid: Kitchen & Dining@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Cbxgd4G8L.@@AMEPARAM@@41Cbxgd4G8L (http://www.amazon.com/Vasconia-32-Quart-Aluminum-Steamer-Lid/dp/B00194DVJI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312765101&sr=8-1)

gtr
08-07-2011, 11:21 PM
I actually drilled a whole bunch of holes in the bottom of mine with a 1/2-inch drill bit. Works great.

I also put an extra SJ cooking grate on the ridge that would normally hold the steamer plate on the Tamale Cooker. It is an inch or two off the bottom, and I use it to hold a drip pan.

CD

I am hereby officially stealing that idea - definitely the drilling the holes part & maybe the drip pan part. Thanks for putting that up! :thumb:

***on edit***

I'm thinking I might drill smaller holes in the middle increasing in size toward the edge in order to hopefully make temps more uniform across the cooker.

Roby
08-07-2011, 11:29 PM
You can also set a water pan or another diffuser on that base design...

Oh I really like that idea!

mbshop
08-07-2011, 11:46 PM
this is my setup. works perfectly. the pot bottom is cut out. the baffle that came with the pot goes in, then the rack and then the foiled plate to catch the grease. simple.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt342/mbshop-wheels/th_IMG_0328.jpg
http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt342/mbshop-wheels/th_IMG_0329.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/albums/tt342/mbshop-wheels/?action=view&current=IMG_0329.jpg&newest=1)
http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt342/mbshop-wheels/th_IMG_0330.jpg (http://s626.photobucket.com/albums/tt342/mbshop-wheels/?action=view&current=IMG_0330.jpg&newest=1)

tmehlhorn
08-07-2011, 11:52 PM
Got my tamale pot of the box
http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2298.png

Introduced it to the bottom of the SJ Gold.

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2302.png


And then put the hat on it.

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2304.png




couple questions about this pot. you said it seems thicker? is that much sturdier or not. secondly it looks like the dome fit right over the lip, how tight is the fit, is the lid all the way over the lip and is there any play in it?

Durzil
08-08-2011, 12:48 AM
I ordered the Vasconia brand from Amazon. The picture show bare metal handles, but mine came with silicone. The Vasconia fits the Smoky Joe like a glove.

Amazon.com: Vasconia 32-Quart Aluminum Steamer with Lid: Kitchen & [email]Dining (http://www.amazon.com/Vasconia-32-Quart-Aluminum-Steamer-Lid/dp/B00194DVJI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312765101&sr=8-1)

I've been looking at this pot as well, seems like its an inch taller from the spec? Notice any differances?

posey's_pork_pit
08-08-2011, 05:41 AM
This is where I'm at now. Started out with 12-14 1" holes and wasn't satisfied with temps in the pot.
I may open it up even more.

I drilled 12 3/4 holes in a circle pattern and I use the original steamer insert as the heat sink. I have 3 racks ~ 14" charcoal grate (HD sells them) resting on the steamer insert, 14" charcoal grate in the middle, and the SJ cooking grate at the top. Maintained 225 without even trying hard ~ got her as high as 300.

She's a beaut don't you think?

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j339/rpdereim/100_0873.jpg

tmehlhorn
08-08-2011, 07:23 AM
nice

davet54
08-08-2011, 07:43 AM
Very nice setup, have a 30 gl drum to make a mini but this one may be better for me, especially camping.

Matt_A
08-08-2011, 03:25 PM
tmehlhorn, you posted "couple questions about this pot. you said it seems thicker? is that much sturdier or not. secondly it looks like the dome fit right over the lip, how tight is the fit, is the lid all the way over the lip and is there any play in it?"

The Imusa pot I looked at had a very thin bottom. You could flex it with your fingertip. This Vasconia is almost twice the price and the bottom is quite stout. Overall I think the Vasconia will hold up better if you're moving it around a lot or traveling with it.

The fit on both SJ top and bottom is really excellent, no sop at all. The lid sits fully down on the lip of the pot and does not rattle around. I should finish my charcoal basket this afternoon and I'll let you know how smoketight the Baby Bullet is.

Matt_A
08-08-2011, 03:28 PM
Durzil, I like the Vasconia pot better. It just feels better when you handle it. As far as the height, it's a bit taller, but that doesn't hurt anything. I especially like the silicone handles on it.

Matt_A
08-08-2011, 09:58 PM
Well, no progress today, got ready to go out back and start cutting the expanded metal.... and it started raining!!!!! We will not complain about getting rain!

Matt_A
08-08-2011, 10:19 PM
http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt342/mbshop-wheels/th_IMG_0328.jpg



How tall is your charcoal basket? If I measured correctly, I have 3 1/8" clearance between the charcoal grate rests and the bottom of the pot.

mbshop
08-08-2011, 11:21 PM
matt. my basket is 3 3/4 inches tall. the bottom of my pot is cut out. if yers is not cut out then you will need one no taller than 3 inches.

azken
08-09-2011, 01:32 PM
What is the advantage of a charcoal basket over just putting the coal on the grill? Thanks to all for the info so far.

Matt_A
08-09-2011, 03:16 PM
azken, the charcoal basket allows better air circulation and promotes a more even burn.

azken
08-09-2011, 03:59 PM
Thanks...according to post #29 the dimensions then would be 3" H x about 13" diameter?

caseydog
08-09-2011, 06:41 PM
one thing i have found with my mini (using a silver with my two-can mod) you really should use lump to keep ash to a minimum. otherwise it really loads up the bottom.

just my .02$, YMMV

cheers,

scott

I use a SJG, so the intake vents are on the sides. I've had no ash problems.

CD

Matt_A
08-09-2011, 07:17 PM
I use a SJG, so the intake vents are on the sides. I've had no ash problems.

CD
I've got an SJS and an SJG, guess I can experiment a bit...

Matt_A
08-10-2011, 09:00 PM
My Baby Bullet project is ready for fire testing tomorrow!

Here's the 3 inch tall expanded metal charcoal basket. It's wired to the old charcoal grate with stainless steel safety wire.

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2319.JPG

The fitting in the upper right corner is a NEMA watertight fitting that you can find in the electrical aisle at a hardware store. It's used for passing thermometer probes inside so they don't get in the way of the lid. It can hold many probe wires and the amount of smoke escape is negligible.

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2321.JPG

This is a look inside, you can see the thermometer probes just beneath each cooking grate.

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2322.JPG

All put together...

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2320.JPG

It's sayin' "Feed Me!!"

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2324.JPG

The only thing left I'm going to do is order a walnut engraved handle from Marty Leach.

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2325.JPG:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D:-D

Boshizzle
08-10-2011, 09:10 PM
Very nice, bro! :clap2:

Matt_A
08-10-2011, 09:33 PM
Boshizzle... I'll trade you for the Jambo!!

Chef Jim
08-10-2011, 10:35 PM
Matt, What are you using for expanded metal. It looks so shiny? And if I might ask how are you cutting it?

Every time I have ever tried mine always comes out sort of crooked.

I have ordered my pot so between starting this and mods on my new CL NB Offset I expect I will be a tad busy.

Matt_A
08-10-2011, 10:50 PM
Jim, I bought it at Lowe's. It's 12"x24" 18 Gage expanded steel. It's packaging doesn't say anything about plating and the graphics on the package show it being used on a charcoal grill. I assume this means it;'s not plated with anything nasty. I used offset aviation snips to cut it. Took time, cussing and patience!
http://www.bettymills.com/store/images/product/500/577-303LS.EPS.jpg

Matt_A
08-11-2011, 02:27 PM
T minus One Hour and counting! Hopefully it's not pouring rain when I get home to light the first fire in this thing!!

Johnny_Crunch
08-11-2011, 02:56 PM
Nice looking cooker, let us know how she smokes!

azken
08-11-2011, 04:22 PM
Matt_A thanks for the details...very much appreciated...nice and clean mini.

colonel00
08-11-2011, 04:47 PM
@!#$#! some lady just walked through my office with one of those Tamale pots. I was half tempted to snag it from her.

Matt_A
08-11-2011, 06:30 PM
I'm editing/resizing the startup photos now. They should be up shortly.

Matt_A
08-11-2011, 06:48 PM
Firing up the chimney with my old Big Easy gasser

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2331.JPG

Full bore on bottom and top vents. 425º

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2332.JPG

This is stuck in the thermometer port above the top grate.

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2333.JPG

Ribs are in.. got nice thin blue smoke...

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2334.JPG

Holding steady at 265º.

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2335.JPG

geo
08-11-2011, 07:04 PM
That is really cool.

mbshop
08-11-2011, 07:07 PM
to cut expanded sheet metal i use a grinder or my torch. make sure you smooth out the sharp edges as this stuff is sharper than a razor and will open you up immediately. do not ask me how i know says he who carries a scar over 40 years old.

Matt_A
08-11-2011, 07:42 PM
I love being able to lift the whole cooking section to check on fuel progress!:clap2:

Matt_A
08-11-2011, 08:21 PM
Just had to add some more charcoal. 2 1/2 hours into the cook.

Boshizzle
08-11-2011, 08:44 PM
I love being able to lift the whole cooking section to check on fuel progress!:clap2:

Yes, that is a great capability. I noticed it when I did my test burn. It's pretty convenient.

Matt_A
08-11-2011, 09:20 PM
OMG... the smell of those ribs is drivin' me crazy!!! :icon_smile_tongue:

colonel00
08-11-2011, 09:46 PM
So is that the meat probe you have sticking through the side? I assume you are using it as a air temp probe correct?

Matt_A
08-11-2011, 09:59 PM
colonel, yes, I'm using it as an air temp for the moment to check the bimetal thermos. I think that I'm going to spring for two Tel-True Smoker Thermometers. These $10 ones are pretty far off when it gets into the 250-270 range, but get more accurate above 300... bizarre.

Matt_A
08-11-2011, 10:33 PM
http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2336.JPG

http://litecylinderoklahoma.com/external/IMG_2337.JPG

bigabyte
08-11-2011, 11:24 PM
Beautiful!:hungry: Nice work on that cooker and the ribs.:cool:

martyleach
08-12-2011, 10:12 AM
Matt that looks exceptionally cool! I don't know how I missed this thread but I got to read through the whole thing at one time. Very nice! The ribs look dynamite as well.

Matt_A
08-12-2011, 10:26 AM
And that Baby Bullet will look even Kühler with that mart Leach Custom Handle on top!

Matt_A
08-12-2011, 10:29 AM
The ONLY problem with those ribs.... I was NOT ALLOWED to take them to work today for lunch. SWMBO has declared them the Official Phriday Pheast. So I'll just have to wait until this evening to get more than just the 'test' rib after the cook.

Yambor44
08-31-2011, 11:47 AM
Wow! Awesome Matt. Any chance you took pics of the ribs on the smoker?

Smokey Al Gold
08-31-2011, 01:08 PM
Wow I really have to get one of those tamale pots since they sell them all over in my area. It'd be awesome to use my SJG as a little smoker since a WSM has been on my to do list but budget and space wise has not allowed me to get it. You could fit 2 butts on one of these no problem! I'm gonna get started on one :thumb: Great thread keep the pics coming!

Matt_A
08-31-2011, 03:22 PM
Wow I really have to get one of those tamale pots since they sell them all over in my area. It'd be awesome to use my SJG as a little smoker since a WSM has been on my to do list but budget and space wise has not allowed me to get it. You could fit 2 butts on one of these no problem! I'm gonna get started on one :thumb: Great thread keep the pics coming!

I have cooked two 8lb butts in my mini... it takes longer because there is less free air around the meat. It took 15 hours at 225. Three refuels, 8 lbs charcoal total.

http://smokinupastorm.com/images/IMG_2377.JPG

bigdaddy01
08-31-2011, 03:51 PM
How do you refuel? Do you just pull off the pot and pour in more charcoal? I have to build me one of these since the majority of my smokes are a single butt.

Thanks,
Mark

Sent from my DROID2 using Tapatalk

Sunra
08-31-2011, 05:43 PM
Nice! These are great little smokers. I like that pot with the silicon handles. Hmmm..... I feel another little smoker build.

Smokey Al Gold
08-31-2011, 07:25 PM
I have cooked two 8lb butts in my mini... it takes longer because there is less free air around the meat. It took 15 hours at 225. Three refuels, 8 lbs charcoal total.

http://smokinupastorm.com/images/IMG_2377.JPG

That's awesome! The more I read about this the more I want to get it done already. Is it possible to get into the 300's with this kind of setup? I'd love to be able to do 2 butts at a higher heat but I understand the lack of air flow in this smaller setup. But even 1 butt at 300 ish would be great! Nice job on your mini wsm

Smokey Al Gold
08-31-2011, 07:36 PM
Also is there a way to get the measurements of where you drilled to add the bolts for the 2 grates in the tamale pot? This needs thread needs to become like the uds thread except a mini version :-P

AustinKnight
08-31-2011, 07:38 PM
How do you refuel? Do you just pull off the pot and pour in more charcoal? I have to build me one of these since the majority of my smokes are a single butt.

Thanks,
Mark

Sent from my DROID2 using Tapatalk

Ya I would like to know that too, and what are you're burn times like?

Matt_A
08-31-2011, 08:37 PM
A few answers:
Refueling.... I always run with the lid vent wide open, so refueling is:


Get you add-in fuel started in chimney
Close lid vent completely
Lift cooking section off of base and set of non-burnable surface
A your hot fuel
Set cooking section back on bottom
Open lid vent completely

Temperature loss is maybe 5º

Can it reach 300º? Absolutely... Saturday while I was prepping my pork chops I forgot that I had left the bottom vents wide open. It was at about 600º!! I shut down all the vents and it cooled down after about 15 minutes. It will hold 475º no problem.

The first grate holder holes are drilled at 3 1/4" from the top rim, the lower grate holder holes are at 7 1/4" from the lip. I drilled the thermometer holes 3/4" below where the grates sit.

I also use the tamale steamer plate as a heat diffuser.
I have an "In a nutshell" thread on this build.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=113707&highlight=in+a+nutshell

Matt_A
08-31-2011, 08:40 PM
I will be building another one as soon as all the parts get here. I will photograph every step and detail of the build.

iamuzzyhunter
08-31-2011, 10:08 PM
This is interesting. I was in my local HyVee tonight and they had the SJS for $15.00 which about $25 off regular price.

Chef Jim
08-31-2011, 10:29 PM
My mini has been ready for almost a week now but I just couldn't get to it. I almost didn't get to cook on it tonight either.

But I did and I have to say that pleased is not the right word to use. This little bugger just chugs right along. The learning curve is about an hour. I'm a little slow sometimes. :laugh: But I was able to hold 225-230 with no trouble. I did a whole chicken and the wife thought it was one of my best.:clap2:

Sorry no pron but Matt has covered all the basics of this build. I did one thing a little different, only one rack. Didn't see the need for just the two of us, and I see no reason why two birds would not fit on the one rack.

Make one, you will not regret it.

AustinKnight
08-31-2011, 11:25 PM
would this pot work wallyworld has them for 23bucks

WALL-E WORLD (http://www.walmart.com/ip/TAMALE-SEAFOOD-STMR/13370045)

Matt_A
09-01-2011, 06:29 AM
would this pot work wallyworld has them for 23bucks

WALL-E WORLD (http://www.walmart.com/ip/TAMALE-SEAFOOD-STMR/13370045)
Yepo, my advice though is to get some silicone tape and tape up the handles so you don't need gloves to pick up the cooking section,

FamilyManBBQ
09-01-2011, 07:49 AM
would this pot work wallyworld has them for 23bucks

WALL-E WORLD (http://www.walmart.com/ip/TAMALE-SEAFOOD-STMR/13370045)

Thats the pot that kinda started this craze on the Weber site. Here's the link:
http://tvwbb.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1840039023/m/5870049575

It seems that there are a couple of versions of the pot...one works, one doesn't. Good luck.

For what its worth...both my pots ordered online, though walmart, worked just fine.

tmehlhorn
09-01-2011, 08:26 AM
would this pot work wallyworld has them for 23bucks

WALL-E WORLD (http://www.walmart.com/ip/TAMALE-SEAFOOD-STMR/13370045)


Yes that pot will work as long as it is the one made in china. Have heard there is one made elsewhere same company and model though that specs are a little different and it doesnt fit. Just make sure it says made in china.

Dan - 3eyzbbq
09-01-2011, 08:31 AM
Very nice. I want one :)

AustinKnight
09-01-2011, 09:41 PM
Yepo, my advice though is to get some silicone tape and tape up the handles so you don't need gloves to pick up the cooking section,

It's cool I have PVC bbq gloves I got at harbor freight for like 5 freaking bucks!
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yHK_jdToH50/TmA-9siwvRI/AAAAAAAAAoU/xnjayXBbf5w/s640/2011-09-01%25252021.21.51.jpg


Thats the pot that kinda started this craze on the Weber site. Here's the link:
http://tvwbb.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1840039023/m/5870049575

It seems that there are a couple of versions of the pot...one works, one doesn't. Good luck.

For what its worth...both my pots ordered online, though walmart, worked just fine.

Cool thx for the link I'm going to build one, I live in a apartment and this will be great tell weber does a re make of the mini thx for the link brother:becky:

Yes that pot will work as long as it is the one made in china. Have heard there is one made elsewhere same company and model though that specs are a little different and it doesnt fit. Just make sure it says made in china.


THx I got a general store that I can probably find a pot for cheap and made in tha US OF A!:thumb:

ps: I'll make sure it fits first and if not I'll get the china 1:tsk:

El Ropo
09-01-2011, 10:18 PM
Most HEB grocery stores around Austin have the Imusa made in china 32 quart tamale steamer for $19.99. My closest HEB always has at least 2 on the shelf. They also have a 36 quart one made by another company that is slightly smaller in diameter, but 2 inches or so taller. That one intrigues me, it has nicer handles, and seems to be slightly thicker aluminum. Same price too.

Matt_A
09-01-2011, 11:18 PM
They also have a 36 quart one made by another company that is slightly smaller in diameter, but 2 inches or so taller. That one intrigues me, it has nicer handles, and seems to be slightly thicker aluminum. Same price too.
Is it made by Vasconia? That's the brand I prefer, it's heavier duty than the Imusa and has silicone molded handles.

hippo1
09-01-2011, 11:25 PM
Did you buy the vasconia from walmart?

El Ropo
09-01-2011, 11:52 PM
Is it made by Vasconia? That's the brand I prefer, it's heavier duty than the Imusa and has silicone molded handles.

Yes, that's the one, but I was mistaken on the 36 qt. It's a 32 qt. that is slighly skinnier and taller, but it has those nice silicone handles.

Matt_A
09-02-2011, 08:19 AM
I ordered my Vasconia steamers from Amazon. The picture does not show it with silicone handles, but the ones I have bought have them.

Amazon.com: Vasconia 32-Quart Aluminum Steamer with Lid: Kitchen & Dining@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Cbxgd4G8L.@@AMEPARAM@@41Cbxgd4G8L (http://www.amazon.com/Vasconia-32-Quart-Aluminum-Steamer-Lid/dp/B00194DVJI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314969500&sr=8-1)

Smokey Al Gold
09-16-2011, 11:20 AM
Finally picked up my Imusa pot and the hardware. Hopefully I can build it this weekend. I did see the Imusa pot made in Columbia and it is definately different than the one made in china so look for china. I'll try to post some pron of my build. I did pick up 2 14" cooking grates from Academy but they are smaller than the regular smokey joe cooking grate so we'll see how they work.

Smokey Al Gold
09-19-2011, 07:52 AM
Didn't get a chance to start this weekend. I noticed the base fits perfect on the smokey joe but my lid doesn't quite fit the top. Has anyone had this issue? I'm thinking of crimping the top of the pot a bit and see if i can get the lid to sit on it.

bbqbull
09-19-2011, 01:09 PM
A new member here burningwood69 built his pot last Friday night and smoked 2 racks of babybacks yesterday. He said this invention that was discovered here and works like a charm.
He delivered my pot today, she is assembled and ready to go but it's raining here today.
Thanks for all the great advice here.

Smokey Al Gold
09-21-2011, 08:36 AM
Made some progress last night. The other pot's lid was just too big to deal with so I exchanged it for a imusa 32pt pot with the silicone handles. It was still a tad big on the lid but minimal crimping fixed this issue. I made some progress last night. I still need to cut out the bottom and paint. I bought 2 grates from academy and they are just too small I will exchange those for 2 weber sj grates today.

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff72/bbq-brethren/smokey/pics007.jpg
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff72/bbq-brethren/smokey/pics008.jpg