What Smoker Mods would you do?

[Pipin' Pig]

A friend of mine recently purchased this smoker:

http://www.amazon.com/Char-Griller-2137-Outlaw-Square-Charcoal/dp/B0009NAE5Y/ref=pd_bxgy_ol_text_b (http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=44754-000001646-2121&lpage=none)

He got the full smoker model not just the grill. I was over at his house last night and we were grilling on it (he hasn't done a low and slow yet other than the burn in). One thing that struck me was that the opening between the firebox and smoking chamber was quite large and I think it would result in a huge hot spot.

Does anyone have any experience with this model and what mods would you recommend?

[Porky]

meanmna- Here are a couple of mods I made on my Bar B Chef, it is similar to yours. Extend the chimney to grate level-3" flex pipe at Home Depot, heat diverter to help eliminate hot spots- 12"x12" or longer, thin metal plate-non galvanized-bend a lip at one end about 1 1/2" and then fasten to the inside of the cooking area where it comes in from the firebox, move the thermometer on the lid closer to grate level, get a tighter seal around all the door & lid opennings using aluminum foil, use the Minion method in your firebox for longer burn times-search Minion method for details.
I know I am leaving something out but I am sure someone else will post other recommendations. Good Luck and lets see some pictures!!!!!

[Fatback Joe]

http://www.homebbq.com/library/SmokerModifications.pdf

[Crüe-B-Cüe]

On my CG, I extended the chimney down to grate level. I set the charcoal pan in the bottom the cooking chamber. I have four 6" x 18" steel plates from Lowe's that I use as tuning plates. Once it levels out, it will hold pretty steady with less than a 10 difference from side to side.

[Cliff H.]

What's the law on posting links to other bbq forums ?

[Fatback Joe]

What's the law on posting links to other bbq forums ?

Whatever it is I probably broke it with my post.

Mods, please delete as needed.

[Barbarian]

My suggestion for that price is to build a UDS and a UDG.

[smokeandbeer]

I have the Super Pro with the side firebox model and the must do Mods IMO are as follows:

1. Get some 3 inch flex duct from the local hardware place (usually in the HVAC section) and use it and some 3 inch hose clamps to extend the smokestack down to grate level. By using the flex tubing, you can run it along the lid so you don't have to remove the warming rack.

2. When I am smoking, I turn the charcoal pan upside down and hang it as high from the bottom of the grill as I can. This works as a baffle for the heat, so the hotspot is minimized.

3. Get 2 new reliable thermometers and install near grate level at each end of the lid.

4. Build a charcoal box, or somehow Mod the cooking grates in the smoker box so the coals sit above the ash collection tray. If you use the stock setup, there is no way to remove the ash without pulling the coals our with it.

Doing these I was able to get the temps at each end within about 10 degrees of each other and no more hotspot next to the firebox end.

[The_Kapn]

What's the law on posting links to other bbq forums ?
Right at the top of the Q-Talk Forum.
http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30197

Whatever it is I probably broke it with my post.

Mods, please delete as needed.
Joe--I do not think so.
Your link to Kevin's site works fine!

TIM

[smokemifyougotm]

I am new to the whole smoking thing, but I am (to borrow from Sugarland) stuck like glue. I took all of the fire-brick from an old wood stove and lined the firebox and the smoke box of my smoker.