anybody use a chargriller?

JWheeler · Joined: 05 Dec 2005 Posts: 8 Location: Sayre PA

I never even thought of sealing the holes, I think I counted 6... having those little holes open makes that big of a difference?

Has anyone tried popping out the Char-Griller thermometer and calibrating it in the oven? There is a little bolt head on the back of the dial. Maybe set the oven for 250, pop that little bad boy in there forabout 10 minutes, set it, pop it back in for 5 more, check again, then try a different temp. Or is this just a waste of time because this therm is so cheesy? I don't think you could really have too many therms going. I'll stop now.

Hogwild · Posted: Dec 07 2005 Post subject:

JW-

I checked the thermometer in the oven before when I was putting the cooker together. It read about 50 degrees low. I installed a good thermometer at cooking level and don't pay attention to the stock one anymore.

-Hog

DawgPhan · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 12 May 2005 Posts: 3444

troystr68 · Posted: Dec 08 2005 Post subject:

I bought a face cord of hickory from a local supplier, so I have to assume a standard length of approx 18" some go in diagonal, I always split them into slightly smaller pieces before I use them, I wanna say I read in the manual they reccomend logs when using the SFB. it gets hot enough to take off the powdercoating off the grill. Here is a picture of my set up, you can see a few split logs off to the side

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life is too short to be in a hurry Slow down and enjoy the ride!

Doc1680 · Posted: Dec 08 2005 Post subject:

JW,
I havent used the therm. on the CG since the first time I used it. I have been using some oven therms I bought (3) in a triangular arrangement on my cooking grates. It's cool but I'm peeping too much, so what I'm going to do is get 3 digital probes and set them up inside in the same arrangement. This way I'll have a acurate temp without lifting the lid.

Thanks for the info troystr68. I must find some wood to try.
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Love the voodoo that Q do.

Doc

JWheeler · Joined: 05 Dec 2005 Posts: 8 Location: Sayre PA

right now I am using one oven therm that i put right next to the meat, but you are right, too much peeping. maybe santa will bring me a digital or two.

BBQ Nut · Posted: Jan 05 2006 Post subject:

My thanks to all of you for the mod suggestions. I have had the grill part now for about 2 yrs and was thoroughly satisfied with the meals it cooked. After receiving a gift card from Lowes for Christmas, I decided to purchase the firebox for the CG. Not ever using a firebox before, I am very excited about finding this forum and the mods to the CG ya'll suggested. These mods will be the first things I do before I fire off my sfb.

So far this is what I have planned:
1) extend the stack down about 4" into the main chanber
2) purchase 2 of the charcoal boxes - don't think I am going to use the sfb grate
3) turn the main charcoal grate upside down for a baffle
4) plug any remaining holes

I am anticipating great smoking times ahead!

Hogwild · Posted: Jan 06 2006 Post subject:

BBQ NUT-

Sounds good. I would get a new thermometer, too, though. I added a thermometer through the cooking chamber lid at grate level (right beside the handle). I'm using a remote thermometer now, though.

Good luck!!!

Hog

BBQ Nut · Posted: Jan 06 2006 Post subject:

Thanks HogWild, I'll give that a try also.
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Cold Beer and Smoke.........what could be better.

BBQ Nut · Posted: Jan 07 2006 Post subject:

Hogwild-
Can you pick up the charcoal baskets from Lowes or do you have to order them? I am anxious to get this thing fired off and don't want to wait on delivery. But, if I have to I guess I will.
_________________
Cold Beer and Smoke.........what could be better.

sledgehammer03 · Posted: Jan 07 2006 Post subject:

I ordered mine from Chargriller.com, $10 each. Haven't even seen them at Lowe's, or anywhere else. I don't think a guy could build them for that price.

Hogwild · Posted: Jan 07 2006 Post subject:

I just ordered mine from the website this week. I thought about looking harder for one, but for 20 bucks I thought I'd just order. I've been using some scrap metal to raise my stock grate for sometime now and haven't had any problems. Basically made a rectagle out of the metal and sat the grate on top of it. Something like that should get you by until the baskets come in.

I want to hang the baskets so I can empty ashes easily for those long burns. If not for that, I wouldn't have bothered with them.

JWheeler · Joined: 05 Dec 2005 Posts: 8 Location: Sayre PA

I just flipped the charcoal grate upside down and it works great. BUT... now my paint is flaking on the firebox. I will take care of that when the weather warms up.

Nothin' better than smokin' ribs when it's 10 degrees outside. It really freaks the neighbors out.

sledgehammer03 · Posted: Jan 18 2006 Post subject:

I just got a nice little Buzz box welder, so now it is time to make this baby really hum. I don't what I will do, but is sure fun to watch that bright blue light! Cool

Hydra Sports · BBQ Fan Joined: 28 Dec 2005 Posts: 148

Hogwild · Posted: Jan 18 2006 Post subject:

Hydra,

For the smoke stack I just used heavy aluminum flashing. Rolled it up and stuck it up the chimney. Leave enough out to have the flashing end just above the grate level. When you let go of the flashing it will unroll and fit snugley in the chimney. I'll try to remember to get a pick of it.

Hydra Sports · BBQ Fan Joined: 28 Dec 2005 Posts: 148

Pics would be great along with any other mods you can think of!

SDrees · Posted: Jan 27 2006 Post subject:

Hey,
I plan on making quite a few of these mods today. I'll be smoking this Sat. Brisket, Beans and Ribs and let you know how they turn out. I've been using the CG for about 3 yrs. right out of the box and making it work. But it's a struggle to keep the temp where you want it. Gotta go there's mods to be made and meat to be smoked, check back soon. Wink

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It's never to late to start smoking

sledgehammer03 · Posted: Jan 27 2006 Post subject:

SDrees, A note of caution, these mods do reset the learning curve on your pit, a bit. I would suggest planning on some extra babysitting after you get her fired up.

Grateful Q. Dawg · Posted: Jan 27 2006 Post subject:

I'm going ro start on the mods to my CG this afternoon...I think I have everything figured out except the extra bolts to cover the holes in the smoker....all of the bolts that I find seem to be either zinc...or galvanized...what kind of bolts did you guys use?