New Smoker Mods Question

acampane · Newbie Joined: 02 Sep 2009 Posts: 29 Location: CT

How's it going guys? Recently just picked up a bran new char broil offset smoker. Below link is exact one. Ive seen a few threads in the past with really good mods for this smoker type but am having diff finding them. Im going to fire her up wed so pics to come, but in the mean time if anyone has recomendations for mods or where those threads are please let me know. happy cooking.

http://www.charbroil.com/ProductInfo/10-17-1814/American-Gourmet-Deluxe-Offset-Smoker.aspx

Shaymus · BBQ Pro Joined: 04 Apr 2006 Posts: 869 Location: Boone NC

You might get some ideas here: http://thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20771
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"Life is like a jalepeno, What you do today may burn your ass tomorrow"

tnbarbq · Posted: May 03 2010 Post subject:

You might also check out this link. I have a Char-Broil Silver, which is an older version of your smoker. These mods can make a big difference. Good luck!

http://www.amazingribs.com/tips_and_technique/offset_smokers.html
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Scooter
Large BGE
Char-Broil American Gourmet
Brinkman Bullet

acampane · Newbie Joined: 02 Sep 2009 Posts: 29 Location: CT

shaymus and tnbarbq thanks for the links. I'm going to try and add some tuning plates tomorrow and get her ready for an all day Pork Butt cook on WED. This will be my first attempt on this smoker with charcoil. TNBARBQ - how does yours hold heat? i believe the correct method which i was going to attempt was load one basket of charcoal and woodchipd throughout and place unlit ones on top. Again if i sound off please let me know. Ive always cooked with propane smokers so im slowly changing over!

tnbarbq · Posted: May 03 2010 Post subject:

Your fuel idea should work. The cook chamber on yours is different from mine. Looks like the lid on yours is half the cook chamber. That will help eliminate some of the problems I've had. Here's a pic of mine. I put a difuser coming out of the firebox, removed the factory stack and replaced it with some car exhaust pipe.

_________________
Scooter
Large BGE
Char-Broil American Gourmet
Brinkman Bullet

ssoutlaw · Joined: 16 Dec 2009 Posts: 10 Location: Greenwood, Indiana

I have to tell you, I get better luck with using splits. I still use lump to start the splits. Make sure to let the split catch fire before you close the firebox door or it will smolder! IMHO using splits makes it easier to control temps!

acampane · Newbie Joined: 02 Sep 2009 Posts: 29 Location: CT

ssoutlaw - thanks for the input - i don't want to sound to naive but could you explain the "split" process. I have only used propane in the past.

I have started a few mods will hopefully have pics up soon

fshnwiz · Joined: 06 Mar 2010 Posts: 18

I have the exact same smoker. I modified the stack by bringing it down to grill height{ had to remove the worthless upper rack.} I added a diffuser and the biggest mod I made was to remove the flimsy door and replace it with a 3/16 steel door and a 2 1/2" ball valve. After all that it is a pretty good smoker. Hope this helps.

acampane · Newbie Joined: 02 Sep 2009 Posts: 29 Location: CT

thanks fishnwz - I have heard a lot of people bringing the stack down to the lower grate. Will definetly take your mods into question. I'm going to be doing a pork butt tomorrow starting at 7am AS IS. No mods done so we'll see how that goes. Hopefully will get a few things done this weekend.