Mini build, diffuser plate question

[dwfisk]

So, I'm assembling parts for a mini build using a re-purposed SJ and the Imusa pot. Based on my experience building larger RF & vertical stickpurners, I'm thinking I want to go with a (minimum) 1/4 inch steel diffuser plate/drip pan, possibly cut the handles off an old re-purposed 11 to 12 inch CI frying pan - I really like the thermal properties of a relatively heavy steel or CI plate. I've pretty much figured out how to fabricate racks, etc., so that the bottom diffuser plate will sit about 1 inch above the original bottom of the Imusa pot and have a 3/4-1 inch ring opening around the entire perimeter.

I would appreciate some input on spacing between the diffuser plate and the lower rack and between the lower rack and the top rack.

Can I get the lower rack down to 3-4 inches above the diffuser and the upper rach 3-4 inches from the top of the pot?

[caseydog]

My diffuser is the bottom of the tamale pot. I drilled a lot of 1/2 inch holes in my pot, instead of removing the whole bottom.

I set a grate on the ridge inside the tamale pot where the steamer plate was, and put a pie pan on it for a drip pan.

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=494&pictureid=5308

http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=494&pictureid=5307

CD

[dwfisk]

Thanks CD, looks like you only use one level for a cooking grate about midway up the pot, maybe 6 inches above the drip pan???
My diffuser is the bottom of the tamale pot. I drilled a lot of 1/2 inch holes in my pot, instead of removing the whole bottom.

I set a grate on the ridge inside the tamale pot where the steamer plate was, and put a pie pan on it for a drip pan.

CD

[Bludawg]

I don't have any pic of the inside on mine but I left a 1" lip around the bottom of the pot and use the steamer tray as a diffuser. I have no problem keeping 325 for 6 hrs.

[dwfisk]

Thanks Bludawg, I'll be happy with 5-6 hours cook time. How close is your cooking grate to the steamer tray diffuser.
I don't have any pic of the inside on mine but I left a 1" lip around the bottom of the pot and use the steamer tray as a diffuser. I have no problem keeping 325 for 6 hrs.

[BecknCO]

I think you could make those grate levels work. I cut the bottom out of mine, then have a charcoal grate from an 18" weber sitting on the lip where the steamer insert would go,

- placed a 9" x 2" aluminum pie pan on top of that,
- then the bottom cooking grate rests on top of the pie pan
- then the top rack is about 3.5" above the bottom cooking rack
- the top cooking grate is then about 4" from the top of the pot

I think you may also find that the CI pan or anything heavy like that or terracotta will keep your temps low and take longer to heat up. Just my 2cents in case you are thinking chicken in the 325+ range.

[Bludawg]

Thanks Bludawg, I'll be happy with 5-6 hours cook time. How close is your cooking grate to the steamer tray diffuser.
IDK it is right below the second rivet on the handles.

[thirdeye]

I built a rack to hold a stainless steel pie pan, so it sort of does double duty as a drip pan and a diffuser.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v377/thirdeye2/welding%202/DSC02297a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v377/thirdeye2/welding%202/DSC02298a.jpg

I guess the bottom of the pie pan sits about 2" above the top of my charcoal basket.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v377/thirdeye2/welding%202/DSC02300a.jpg

[caseydog]

Thanks CD, looks like you only use one level for a cooking grate about midway up the pot, maybe 6 inches above the drip pan???

I have two cooking grates. One is about halfway down, and the other is at the top of the tamale pot. My thermometer is halfway between the two cooking grates and consistently nails 250 degrees every time on a load of coals. It always amazes me how this cobbled together smoker can hold a constant 250.

Being as small as it is, there isn't much difference between the heat at the top and bottom cooking grate.

I have never used it for a long cook. It rocks smokes at the one-and-a-half to two hour cook length. It makes an absolutely AWESOME smoked meatloaf.

For a long cook, you need to do some re-loading, but I have other cookers for longer cooks.

CD