New Braunfels Smoker help needed

[calypsoisis]

Hello,

Here are the pictures of my $50 Craigslist New Braunfels Smoker score. I can't find this model anywhere on the net. Can anyone identify it for me? It needs a new thermometer (any suggestions)? The bottom rack and table are missing. It doesn't seem to be the cheapo Charbroil version especially since it has the NB nameplate. It is heavy and the majority of the weight is in the smoke box. It must not be the NB Black Diamond because the smoke box is different and the smokestack is on the side instead of the back but I can't find this model on the net? Any suggestions on mods for this model?

 

[Paulmark]

Can't help you, congrats nice score:thumb:

 

[Westexbbq]

It is a variation of the old New Braunfels Silver Smoker.
The hole that is visible on the upper part of the smoke chamber is where the thermometer used to be.
Many mods have been posted here before and if I can find the link with pics I will post later but meanwhile the basics include lowering the smokestack on the inside down to grate level, fashion some sort of baffle between the firebox and the smoking chamber and plug up the existing hole where the thermometer was and drill a new one down a bit lower to the grate level.
Many folks also use a charcoal basket made out of expanded steel for the fire box.
Hope this helps for now, others will chime in most likely.

 

[billm]

since the stack is on the side instead of on top like the Black Diamond model I would think you wouldnt need to worry about getting it to grate level

 

[JamesTX]

I think the thermometers are pretty standard. Go to Home Depot and look at what they have. As long as the threaded portion fits in the hole, you'll be good to go.

 

[calypsoisis]

Hello,

Thanks for the information. I understand the mods except for the baffle. Do you have or know of a picture that could be sent or posted. Also, I've read that blue smoke is what I should be aiming for. Is this true? Never used one of these before. My only experience is with a Weber Smokey Mountain smoker so I want to get all the info I can before starting this up. Also, do you you only use wood or a combo of wood/charcoal and or lump? Thanks again for the information. I had a deal for a Smoke Master smoker from craigslist but the guy sold it out from under me and I found this smaller smoker the next day which may be easier for me to get my feet wet. I also got a Weber Silver gasser from the same guy so my bill was 100 total. The gasser fired right up and only needs one minimal repair on a side table. The NB only has minor surface rust below the smoker box. I think I did great but I'm just to new to the offset smoker world to know what I'm up against.

Ken

 

[Fat Woody]

There are many baffle designs that seem to work, here's what I came up with using a couple of fireplace bricks (not firebrick) on my similar NBBD. I also use 2 bricks to support the water pan in the photo. This has allowed me to use the entire surface of the cooking grate, which is what the baffle mod is all about. Keep your fires small and hot to produce the "sweet blue" and you'll be fine. It does require constant attention, but then that's part of the fun of running a stick burner - just make sure you have plenty of beverages on hand!

Nice score, good luck with your future cooks!

 

[Chef Jim]

Nice score, I paid 125 for mine and thought I got a good deal. I'm about to start some of the mods I need real soon.

I agree that you might not have to lower the stack with this model. If you do I suggest metal dryer vent pipe. Its easy to work with.

Woody has an interesting baffel and water tray mod. My question is how he cut the brick to fit? Others I have seen and used on my Bandera is a piece of sheet metal fitted over the top of the hole, forcing the smoke further into the chamber.

Mine also blows smoke out all over so I'm working on sealing the doors. Have not found the perfect way yet.

Suggest you read Bandera 101 a sticky at the beginning of "Q" Its a different smoker but many of the same things apply to what you are doing.

don't know how long since this was used, but you might want to clean it out and re-season it.

Jim

 

[Fat Woody]

Chef Jim - the bricks were standard size (I got them from a neighbor whose chimney was built with them), so no cutting necessary - just a lucky fit!

Woody

 

[calypsoisis]

Thanks Fat Woody. BTW, I grew up in Salina. My great aunt kept a journal and I was happy to read that our family used to smoke food all the time in their homemade BBQ Pit.

 

[Chef Jim]

Chef Jim - the bricks were standard size (I got them from a neighbor whose chimney was built with them), so no cutting necessary - just a lucky fit!

Woody

Thanks Woody, after looking at the prons I think I know what you did. will look for some of those b ricks today

Meanwhile, this is what I did to the stack and fire basket yesterday.

Stack is just 4 inch expandable metal dryer vent, really easy to use and move if needed. And the basket is just slotted angle iron with expanded metal bottom. It sits almost 4 inches off the deepest part. Wish I had a welder. This mod works real good on my Bandera.

 

[Chef Jim]

Forgot to tell all that I ordered some new adhesive to use on some gaskets from McMaster-Carr yesterday. Will let you all know if it works better than the last stuff I used.

 

[pigmaker23]

this was the first smoker that i ever owned, i still have it, when modded out a little it cooks some great BBQ, if you go to this website there are pages of mods for this model with pictures.

www.bbqinstitute.com

Look for the smoker mods

hope this helps

 

[Chef Jim]

this was the first smoker that i ever owned, i still have it, when modded out a little it cooks some great BBQ, if you go to this website there are pages of mods for this model with pictures.

www.bbqinstitute.com

Look for the smoker mods

hope this helps

Nice site, thanks.:thumb: