How Important are T-Plates in an IVC

AKMIMNAK

AKMIMNAK

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For example, if I'm gonna throw in a big bag of KBB for a long, slow burn, how big a difference will T-plates make vs. just dumping it all in piled deep and lighting one corner? With the precise temp control on an IVC, is t-plating really necessary?
 
They both work. I find that a maze allows me to open the intake a little more. Also without a maze if temps climb too high it could be hours before you get it back down. It's not easy to go down in temp with a maze either but it's a little quicker.

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pjtexas1 said:
They both work. I find that a maze allows me to open the intake a little more. Also without a maze if temps climb too high it could be hours before you get it back down. It's not easy to go down in temp with a maze either but it's a little quicker.

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Click to expand...

If that's the only reply I get on this question I'll still be a happy man. I hadn't thought of ANY of that. That was awesome. Thank you!!!👉💨
 
I agree with pj, though I don't do a maze but rather an L or U shape around the outside of the firebox. I also find that this allows me to better plan the amount of fuel needed. For example, i know that a full L will give me 10 hours at 275 and a U will give almost 16. I have fojnd I can now plan it out to basically run out of fuel with the cook is done.
 
JAKs Q & brew said:
I agree with pj, though I don't do a maze but rather an L or U shape around the outside of the firebox. I also find that this allows me to better plan the amount of fuel needed. For example, i know that a full L will give me 10 hours at 275 and a U will give almost 16. I have fojnd I can now plan it out to basically run out of fuel with the cook is done.
Click to expand...
Great comment. If you don't re-use charcoal this tip will save you some $$$.

I forgot something. I thin out the charcoal towards the end of the maze. You don't need much lit charcoal once up to temp. I don't know if this works on all insulated cabinets but it should. It also helps if you notice temps get out of control after several hours.

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I tell my students there are no stupid question's. SO, What is an IVC? Is that an Insulated Vertical Cooker? Inquiring minds need to know! :oops:
 
I didn't use em. Never overshot a temp either. I could see something like that happening if ya were using one those guru's or similar...and it went on the fritz, I never used one of those either. It's a ridiculously simple cooker, just keep yer intake out of yer prevailing winds.

-D
 
JAKs Q & brew said:
I agree with pj, though I don't do a maze but rather an L or U shape around the outside of the firebox. I also find that this allows me to better plan the amount of fuel needed. For example, i know that a full L will give me 10 hours at 275 and a U will give almost 16. I have fojnd I can now plan it out to basically run out of fuel with the cook is done.
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly. I use firebricks to shape an L or U around the perimeter.
 
I bought mine second hand and never used the included t-plates. Some people complain about fire jumping rows with the t-plates. My standard set up was inverted u-shape charcoal, and lighting the end near the air intake. The LSG large IVC runs forever once it gets up to temp. I never tried using a full basket of charcoal, although there is a video on YouTube of a guy on a LSG large IVC starting with a full charcoal basket on Friday and still cooking on Sunday!
 
I short the charcoal basket to keep the charcoal bed deep. Best estimate how much charcoal I'm going to need. I found the maze put a disproportionate amount of smoke on one side of the food while zig-zagging it. My thought is that a continual line of burning charcoal will generate smoke that will equally travel up both false walls of the smoker. I set chimney lit coals on the front edge of the basket before packing it away. Generally it's best to keep your charcoal bed deeper rather than spread out which is the other reason I tend to short the box with 2 T pieces. Maze probably makes more sense in a non-reversed flow IVC.
 
I use the t-plates when I am doing a long smoke and what the coals to burn low and slow.
I find I can get a lower, longer, steady temp with the maze in place.

When I’m running hotter (275F+) I don’t use the t-plates at all.
 
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