I had a long talk with ssv3 the other day about the flavor profile/benefits of a stick burner, and am really close to buying this online and having shipped direct, since there's no Academy stores anywhere in CA. It seems a number of folks here are really happy with them, but I have a couple of concerns.
1. There's no guarantee I'll wind up with a good unit, and I'd hate to be stuck with one with poor welds and ill fitting cook chamber and firebox doors. If I inspect it before I sign off on it when they deliver it, and find it to be defective, I can refuse the delivery because it's damaged, right? Also, how can I ensure the local delivery company uses a truck with a lift gate?
2. Another concern is variable temps between one side of the cook chamber to the other. It sounds like some tuning plates would solve the problem, correct?
3. Any other mods I should be considering that will help bring this smoker to its fullest potential?
4. I'll certainly want to get thermos for the cook chamber door, though I'm a tad concerned about the thickness of the door. Any suggestions on what will be best to drill these holes?
I really like the price point of this cooker, and if I sell my Kamado and UDS, it will basically be very little out of pocket for me.
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!
1. There's no guarantee I'll wind up with a good unit, and I'd hate to be stuck with one with poor welds and ill fitting cook chamber and firebox doors. If I inspect it before I sign off on it when they deliver it, and find it to be defective, I can refuse the delivery because it's damaged, right? Also, how can I ensure the local delivery company uses a truck with a lift gate?
2. Another concern is variable temps between one side of the cook chamber to the other. It sounds like some tuning plates would solve the problem, correct?
3. Any other mods I should be considering that will help bring this smoker to its fullest potential?
4. I'll certainly want to get thermos for the cook chamber door, though I'm a tad concerned about the thickness of the door. Any suggestions on what will be best to drill these holes?
I really like the price point of this cooker, and if I sell my Kamado and UDS, it will basically be very little out of pocket for me.
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!