Offset: To Mod or not to Mod

CroMagnon · Joined: 18 Jun 2008 Posts: 16

Hello Ringers,

First post here. Been reading for a while and am pretty much decided on getting a Char Griller Smoker Pro. I am concerned with getting and maintaining good heat so I am intersted in the modifications. Is there an Offset Mod FAQ?

My other question is, are the mods necessary? I have read several posts where people are having trouble with heat. They make a bunch of mods and still have trouble. Someone else pipes up that they have no trouble getting and maintaining heat and they have no mods.

Is it the mods or some operational techniques or a difference in fuel?

Great site, looking forward to making some great bbq.

Thanks,
Cro

slykwilli · Joined: 24 May 2007 Posts: 17

Firstly, welcome!

I have a Char Griller Smoker Pro as well and have been using it pretty constantly for a year now. For the price it is a pretty good offset IMO. I think the mods you will find listed are pretty simple, but they help alot!. The dryer vent tube down the the cooking surface and turning the charcoal pan over are the 2 main mods that I can remember doing. I don't have a problem getting the temps up, but make sure to get a good thermo for the grill as the thermo supplied with the grill is really only useful to plug the hole in the lid Rolling Eyes

. The only other thing I would say about it is that being on the cheaper end of smokers ... it is made of thinner metal and so it does not hold the heat as well, so you will go through more wood, charcoal etc... then you would with a better made model .. but, hey... it is priced very well. Whatever you go with, good luck and let us know how it goes.

Megla · BBQ Fan Joined: 25 Oct 2007 Posts: 218

This should help,it will work with the Chargriller as well

http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1943&highlight=

CroMagnon · Joined: 18 Jun 2008 Posts: 16

I have now gone to Lowes and looked at the Char Griller Smoker and must say I was less than impressed. It was a wobbly weak kneed little sucker.

I am now thinking of building my own offset. 55 gallon drom or propane tank? Any differences or preferences?

Cro

slykwilli · Joined: 24 May 2007 Posts: 17

Some people on the board refer to their "UDS" (ugly drum smoker). That usually is a 55 gal drum converted into a vertical smoker. Not sure what you can get your hands on, but a drum may be easier for you to get your hands on.

CroMagnon · Joined: 18 Jun 2008 Posts: 16

Went back and looked at it again. This time with my glasses on

. It wasn't as wobbly and weak looking. Maybe they tightened up a few nuts. In any case I bought it and took it home. Took about an hour and a half to assemble. Did the burn in/seasoning the next morning and made dinner on it that night. It's a very nice grill and dinner tasted great. If I can master the temp control for a sustained smoke I will be a very happy camper.

I ordered teh charcoal baskets from Char Griller. I could have made my own, but at $9.95 each it was a too cheap to resist, and they're built to fit.

Next weekend I'll try to smoke some baby back reebs, then move on to pork butts and briskets. Time to head over to the recipe forum.

Thanks,
Cro

Old Smoker · Posted: Jun 24 2008 Post subject:

Evan with the mods, some folks do have trouble with getting the heat they want. You will usually find that it is sometimes the amount of fuel you start with and damper control. Learn to make a good starting fire and play with the damper. You'll be surprised as to how much better it works when you do.
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WSM 22.5 - Chargriller Pro
I cook to eat not to compete
LIAR #29
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