Horizontal to Vertical opening

[HogsCall]

Dumb question for you fellas. When building a pit with a horizontal chamber and a vertical chamber, how big does the opening need to be going from the horizontal to the vertical? Should the entire area be open, or just part of it?

[k.a.m.]

If the vertical is opposite the firebox I would make the opening at least as large as my firebox to cooking chamber opening and have that opening above my cooking grate.
I hope this helps.
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Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[HogsCall]

Ok thanks. Yes sir the vertical is opposite the firebox. Is there any way to estimate the temp difference between the horizontal and vertical chamber? If the horizontal is cooking at 250*, will the vertical run close to the same, or 50* cooler, or possibly 100* cooler? Seems like it's different ranges with different pits, just curious to have an idea on my pit before I cut the opening. As of right now, its a horizontal and vertical, but the wall of the horizontal separates the two. It's not 1 large pit, its actually 2 pits. But was thinking of opening it up to make it one pit.

[k.a.m.]

[Wreckless]

If you go with the one pit set-up using k.a.m.'s suggested opening size, tuning plates in the horizontal go a long way to balancing out the temp differences between the 2 if that is what you are hoping to achieve or will allow you 2 different controllable heat zones for the desired cooking tasks.
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Backyarder
Smoker Grill
Trailer Rig

[HogsCall]

Wreckless: I do currently use tuning plates in my horizontal. With the use of those tuning plates, how much will they help balance out the temps in the vertical? If I can get it within 25* that'd be good with me.

kam: I should make the opening from the horizontal to the vertical above the grate in the horizontal? I just want to make sure I'm understanding it correctly before I ruin my pit.

If I added a firebox to the vertical (on the backside) would it mess w temps in the horizontal if both were fired up? I don't want a situation where my horizontal is cooking at 250*, then I light the firebox on the vertical and now my temps in the horizontal are at 350*. Sorry for all the questions. Just trying to play out all scenarios and gather information before I make a decision. Thanks for all the help.

[k.a.m.]

If you are running tuning plates make sure the opening into the vertical is above them. I would shoot for above my lower grate if possible.
As for the firebox in the vertical goes. You can put it if you like and you will most likely have some playing to do because the heat will increase draft in both chambers. You may find you are chasing your tail constantly adjusting. Personally if I put it then it would only be used as a single smaller unit not in conjunction with the offset firebox.
I hope this helps.
_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker